Getting a Live Scan fingerprinting appointment scheduled is the first step—but showing up properly prepared is just as important. Bringing the right documents and knowing what to expect can make the process fast, smooth, and stress-free.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what to bring, how to prepare, and a few pro tips to ensure your Live Scan appointment goes off without a hitch.
What Is Live Scan?
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting process that captures and submits your fingerprints electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, or other agencies for a background check.
Live Scan is used for:
- Employment
- State licensing
- Volunteer work
- Immigration services
- Security clearances
- Adoption and more
Unlike traditional fingerprinting, Live Scan is faster, cleaner, and more secure—but it still requires the correct documentation and identification to proceed.
What You Must Bring to Your Live Scan Appointment
✅ 1. Your Request for Live Scan Service Form
This is the most important document. It must be completely filled out and provided by the agency, employer, or licensing board requesting your background check.
Your form should include:
- Your ORI number (this tells DOJ where to send your results)
- The type of background check needed (DOJ, FBI, or both)
- Your personal information (name, DOB, SSN if required)
- The requesting agency’s information
Pro tip: Make sure all fields are filled out clearly. Mistakes or missing info can delay your results or cause rejections.
✅ 2. A Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
This proves your identity and ensures your fingerprints are submitted under the correct name.
Acceptable IDs include:
- California or out-of-state driver’s license
- State-issued ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Green card (permanent resident card)
❌ Not accepted: School IDs, employee badges, expired IDs, or photos of your ID.
✅ 3. Payment (If Not Prepaid)
Ask your Live Scan provider what forms of payment they accept. Prices vary based on the type of background check and include both:
- Rolling fee (charged by the fingerprinting location)
- Government fees (DOJ, FBI, or agency-specific fees)
Total costs usually range between $40 and $80, but may be covered by your employer or requesting agency. If your agency is covering the cost, it will be noted on the Live Scan form.
Optional But Helpful Items
- A copy of your appointment confirmation (if you booked online)
- Your ATI number from a previous scan (if you’re doing a resubmission)
- A light sweater (some Live Scan offices can be chilly!)
- Reading glasses if you need help filling out last-minute paperwork
How to Prepare for a Smooth Appointment
Here are a few simple tips to help everything go quickly:
Keep your hands moisturized
Dry or cracked skin can make it harder to capture clear fingerprints. Apply lotion regularly in the days leading up to your appointment—but avoid lotion on the day of to prevent smudging.
Wash your hands beforehand
Clean hands = clean prints. Just avoid over-washing right before, as this can dry out your skin.
Arrive early (especially if you’re a walk-in)
Give yourself an extra 10–15 minutes for check-in, form review, and scanning. If you’re walking in, going during off-peak hours (early afternoon) can reduce wait time.
Review your Live Scan form
Make sure it’s complete and correct, especially your name and date of birth. These must match your ID exactly.
What Happens During the Appointment?
- You’ll check in and present your ID and Live Scan form.
- A certified technician will scan your fingerprints digitally using a specialized machine.
- Your prints are submitted securely to the DOJ, FBI, or other agencies.
- You’ll receive a copy of your Live Scan form with your ATI number—a unique code you can use to track your background check status.
The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared for your Live Scan appointment means fewer delays, faster results, and a much smoother experience overall. Bringing the correct documents—and understanding how the process works—helps you get in and out quickly and confidently. We recommend newport beach livescan.
