If you’ve ever filled out a Live Scan form in California, you may have come across some abbreviations that aren’t immediately obvious—especially if you’re not used to legal or government forms. One of the most common questions people ask is: What does “POB” mean on a Live Scan form?
In this blog, we’ll break down the meaning of POB, why it’s included on fingerprinting forms, how it affects your submission, and what to watch out for when completing your Live Scan paperwork. Whether you’re applying for a new job, professional license, or background check, understanding every part of the form can help you avoid delays.
What Does POB Stand For?
POB stands for Place of Birth.
This field typically asks for the city and state or country where you were born. It’s an essential piece of information that helps government agencies verify your identity when cross-checking your fingerprints against official records.
For example:
- If you were born in the United States, you might write: Newport Beach, California
- If you were born outside the U.S., you would list the country, such as Toronto, Canada
Why Is POB Important?
The place of birth field is one of several identifiers used by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to distinguish you from others who may have the same name or similar details. Along with your:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (SOC)
- Sex
- Height and weight
- Eye and hair color
…the Place of Birth helps complete your profile so your background check results are accurate and specific to you.
Is the POB Field Required?
Yes—the POB field is required on most Live Scan forms.
Even if it feels like a minor detail, leaving it blank or entering inaccurate information can delay your fingerprint processing. In some cases, it may even result in a rejected submission, forcing you to redo the Live Scan and pay another fee.
Tips for Accurately Completing the POB Field
When filling out your Live Scan form, keep the following in mind:
- Be Specific but Concise: You don’t need to write the full address of the hospital or street you were born on. City and state (or country) are sufficient.
- Use Correct Spellings: Misspellings in city names can create issues when your information is entered into DOJ databases.
- Match Your Legal Documents: The place of birth you enter should match what’s on your government-issued ID or birth certificate.
What If You Don’t Know Your Exact Place of Birth?
In rare cases, applicants may be unsure of their exact birth city—especially if born overseas or adopted. If this applies to you:
- Use the information on your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization documents.
- If only the country is known, list that.
- Do not leave the field blank—entering “Unknown” is better than leaving it empty, though it’s not preferred.
Still not sure what to put? The staff at Newport Beach livescan can help review your form and ensure you’ve filled it out correctly before submission.
What Happens If You Make a Mistake?
If you submit a Live Scan form with incorrect POB information, a few things could happen:
- Delayed processing due to the DOJ or FBI needing to verify your identity
- Request for resubmission if the data doesn’t match other official records
- Errors in your background check results, especially if another person has similar identifying information
To avoid this, always double-check your form before your appointment. If you’re unsure, consult with your Live Scan provider.
The Role of the Live Scan Provider
Certified Live Scan locations aren’t just there to scan your fingerprints—they also help ensure your paperwork is in order. A good provider will:
- Review your Live Scan form for accuracy
- Confirm that mandatory fields like POB are completed
- Submit your fingerprints securely and efficiently
If you’re in Orange County and want a smooth, professional experience, Newport Beach livescan is one of the top providers in the region. Their staff is well-trained in reviewing Live Scan forms and can help you avoid common mistakes before you submit.
Final Thoughts
So, what does POB mean on a Live Scan form? It simply stands for Place of Birth, and it’s a required field that helps confirm your identity during a background check. Whether you were born in a small town in California or another country altogether, this information helps the DOJ and FBI accurately match your fingerprints to the correct records.
