What is Live Scan?
Live scan is digital fingerprint submission transmitted electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Live scan is an automated service for criminal history background checks that may be required as a condition of employment, licensing, certification, foreign adoptions or VISA/Immigration clearances.
Applicants must get instructions and the forms (Request for Live Scan Service Form) required for fingerprinting services from the agency requiring their criminal history background check. *Our live scan office does not provide these forms.
Do I Need An Appointment?
Live scan service is provided BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call 805-437-8430 to make an appointment. Appointments are Monday thru Friday, (hours vary based on availability).
Where Do I Get the Live Scan Forms?
Applicants must get instructions and the forms required for fingerprinting services from the agency requiring their criminal history background check. Some agencies provide forms on their web site for download (e.g. DMV). The Live Scan office DOES NOT provide forms.
What Do I Need to Bring to My Appointment?
- A valid government issue photo id is required. drivers license (any state), California Identification card, or passport. Expired identification information WILL NOT be accepted.
- A temporary license (paper printout from DMV) is not a valid form of identification.
- A "Request for Live Scan Service Form". Please complete the Applicant information prior to your appointment.
- Fees (applicant clearance if applicable and rolling service fee). We accept Debit cards, Visa or MasterCard.
How Much Will My Live Scan Cost?
A rolling service fee of $20.00 will be collected when you get your Live Scan fingerprints taken.
There also is a criminal history processing fee collected by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the background checks. While sometimes paid by the agency requesting criminal history reviews, most applicants have to pay this fee so check with your requesting agency. Fees are subject to change without notice.
For more information on fees, go to http://caag.state.ca.us/fingerprints/forms/fees.pdf
What If I Don't Receive Any Response?
The DOJ sends the response directly to the requesting agency (not to the applicant). Please allow a minimum of seven days before making a status inquiry. Applicants should check first with the agency that requested the background review.
24-hour Automated Telephone Service Available: 916-227-4557. If a requesting agency does not receive results and digital Live Scan fingerprints were submitted, you can use the automated telephone system to check on your submission. You will need the following information: (1) your date of birth; and (2) the 10-digit Automated Transaction Identifier (ATI) number that appears at the bottom of the Department of Justice Request For Live Scan Service form. The ATI number always appears in the following sequence: 1 LETTER; 3 NUMBERS; 3 LETTERS and 3 NUMBERS.
What If I Receive a Rejection Notice?
If you received your live scan service with our agency, contact us for an appointment so that we may resubmit your fingerprints. Bring your rejection notice, and a new completed Request for Live Scan Service Form. There is NO CHARGE for resubmission.
I Need More Information, Who Should I Call?
You should contact the agency and/or representative requesting your live scan background check.
You may also go online to the Attorney General's office website for Fingerprint submission information at http://caag.state.ca.us/fingerprints/index.htm