Finding a certified live scan fingerprinting location is a critical step for many professional licenses, employment background checks, and volunteer positions. Unlike traditional ink-and-roll methods, live scan technology captures your fingerprints digitally and transmits them immediately to government agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the FBI. This digital approach ensures higher accuracy and significantly faster processing times. To complete this requirement successfully, you need to know where to find authorized service providers, what documents to bring, and how to prepare for your appointment.
How to Locate a Certified Live Scan Provider
The most reliable way to find a certified live scan location is to consult official state or federal directories. Most states maintain a list of authorized private service providers and law enforcement agencies that are cleared to perform these scans. These locations are vetted to ensure they meet strict security and privacy standards for handling sensitive biometric data.
State Department of Justice Websites
In many regions, the state Department of Justice or the Attorney General’s office maintains a searchable database of live scan sites. You can typically search these databases by zip code, city, or county. These lists often include both private businesses—such as pack-and-ship stores or specialized background check agencies—and public offices like local police departments.
Private Authorized Vendors
Many private companies are authorized to provide live scan services. These businesses often offer more flexible hours and more convenient locations than government offices. When choosing a private vendor, ensure they are listed on your state’s official website as an authorized provider. This guarantees that your fingerprints will be accepted by the agency requesting the background check.
Law Enforcement Agencies
Local police departments and sheriff’s offices frequently offer fingerprinting services to the public. While some agencies only provide traditional ink prints, many have upgraded to live scan technology. It is important to call ahead, as many law enforcement offices require appointments and may only offer services during specific hours of the week.
What You Need to Bring to Your Appointment
Preparation is key to a smooth live scan experience. If you arrive at a certified location without the proper documentation, the technician will not be able to process your fingerprints. Always double-check your paperwork before leaving home.
- Request for Live Scan Service Form: This is the most important document. It is provided by the agency or employer requesting your background check. It contains specific codes (such as the ORI code) that tell the technician where to send your results.
- Valid Photo Identification: You must prove your identity. A current driver’s license, state ID card, or passport is usually required. Ensure your ID is not expired, as technicians are legally prohibited from accepting expired identification.
- Payment for Fees: Live scan services involve two types of fees: the rolling fee (charged by the location for the service) and the government processing fee. Many locations accept credit cards, but some smaller offices or police departments may require cash or money orders.
The Live Scan Process Step-by-Step
Understanding what happens during the appointment can help reduce any anxiety. The process is generally quick, often taking less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step 1: Document Review
The technician will first review your Request for Live Scan Service form and your identification. They will enter your personal information—such as your name, date of birth, and address—into the live scan system. This data is linked to your digital fingerprints to ensure the results are attributed to the correct person.
Step 2: Fingerprint Capture
You will be asked to place your fingers on a glass platen. The technician will guide your hands to ensure a clear image is captured. The system provides real-time feedback; if a print is blurry or incomplete, the technician will retake it immediately. This eliminates the risk of your application being rejected later due to poor print quality.
Step 3: Submission and Receipt
Once all fingerprints are captured, the technician will transmit the data electronically to the appropriate government agency. You will receive a signed copy of your form back. Keep this receipt. It contains an ATI (Administrative Tracking Identification) number, which you will need if you want to check the status of your background check later.
Understanding Live Scan Costs
The total cost of a live scan can vary based on several factors. It is helpful to understand the breakdown so there are no surprises at the counter. The total price is the sum of the rolling fee and the government agency fees.
Rolling Fees
This is the fee charged by the local facility for the labor and equipment used to take your prints. Rolling fees can range from $20 to $75 depending on the location and the level of service provided. It pays to call a few different locations in your area to compare prices.
Government Processing Fees
These fees are set by the agencies that process the background check, such as the DOJ or FBI. The cost depends on the level of service required (e.g., a child abuse index check or a standard criminal history check). In some cases, if you are volunteering for a non-profit, these fees may be waived or reduced, but you must have the correct paperwork to qualify.
Why Live Scan Is Preferred Over Ink
Many organizations now exclusively require live scan for background checks. The primary reason is speed. While ink fingerprints sent through the mail can take weeks or even months to process, live scan results are often processed within 48 to 72 hours. Furthermore, digital scans have a much lower rejection rate. Ink can smudge or fade, but digital systems ensure the prints meet the required standards before the session is even finished.
Conclusion
Securing a certified live scan is a straightforward process when you have the right information. By using official directories to find a location and arriving prepared with your Request for Live Scan form and valid ID, you can complete your background check requirement quickly and efficiently. Always remember to save your receipt with the tracking number to monitor your progress. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on professional licensing requirements and navigating government services for more practical advice.