If you’ve ever moved to or from another country, you know how much paperwork is involved. One of the most important parts of this process is transferring your professional or driver’s license. Whether you’re a nurse moving to the U.S. or a California resident headed overseas, getting your credentials approved often means going through a background check—and that’s where Live Scan fingerprinting comes in.
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting system used to check someone’s criminal history. Instead of using ink and paper like traditional fingerprinting, Live Scan takes electronic images of your fingerprints and sends them directly to government agencies. It’s fast, secure, and widely accepted.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why Live Scan is needed for international license transfers, who needs it, and how Newport Beach Mailboxes, Shipping Store, Notary & Livescan Fingerprinting makes the process simple.
Why Do You Need Live Scan for License Transfers?
Many countries require a clean background check before they’ll honor your existing professional license. This is especially true for licenses in fields that involve public safety or trust—like medicine, education, real estate, or driving.
Here’s why Live Scan is often part of the process:
- To verify identity and character
Government agencies want to confirm you are who you say you are and that you don’t have any serious criminal records. - To comply with local laws
Some licensing boards in other countries will only accept background checks from a recognized authority—like the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or the FBI. A Live Scan submission helps provide that official data. - To speed up international approvals
Paper-based fingerprint cards take longer to process and are more likely to get lost or rejected. Live Scan delivers faster, more reliable results.
Who Might Need a Live Scan for International Licensing?
Anyone who holds a U.S.-issued license and wants to transfer it abroad could be asked to provide a background check supported by Live Scan. Some common examples include:
- Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, caregivers)
- Commercial drivers applying for foreign driving permits
- Teachers and educators
- Lawyers or financial professionals
- Real estate agents
- Pilots and maritime professionals
On the flip side, international residents moving to California may also need a Newport Beach livescan. check to transfer their foreign license into the U.S. system—especially if they plan to work in a licensed profession.
What Documents Do You Need?
When coming in for a Live Scan appointment related to a license transfer, you’ll need to bring:
- A valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
- The Request for Live Scan form from the agency or board requiring the fingerprinting
- Any additional instructions or details from your licensing authority
If you’re not sure what form to use, you can often contact the licensing agency directly or ask the staff at Newport Beach Mailboxes for guidance.
What Happens After the Live Scan?
Once your fingerprints are scanned, the information is sent directly to the requesting agency—such as the DOJ, FBI, or other state or federal departments. From there, your background check is processed and delivered to the licensing board handling your application.
Turnaround times can vary depending on the agency, but electronic submissions through Live Scan are usually much faster than mailing in fingerprint cards.
Why Choose Newport Beach Mailboxes for Live Scan?
When it comes to something as important as licensing, accuracy and reliability are key. At Newport Beach Mailboxes, Shipping Store, Notary & Livescan Fingerprinting, we make the Live Scan process easy and stress-free. Our trained staff is experienced in handling fingerprinting for all types of license transfers, and we work closely with customers to make sure everything is done right the first time.
We also offer walk-in service and flexible hours, so you can come in when it’s convenient for your schedule. Whether you’re preparing to live abroad or getting ready to work in California, our team is here to support you.
Final Thoughts
International moves can be exciting—but they also come with challenges, especially when it comes to transferring licenses. A Live Scan fingerprint background check is often required to help you keep your credentials valid across borders. By getting your fingerprints processed at a trusted location like Newport Beach Mailboxes, you can avoid delays and make your transition smoother.
If you’re unsure whether you need a Live Scan, contact your licensing board or stop by our store—we’re happy to help guide you through the process.
