If you’ve been told you need Live Scan fingerprinting, you probably have questions. What is it? How long does it take? What should you bring? At Newport Beach Mailboxes & More, we help people just like you every day. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear about Live Scan fingerprinting in California.
What Exactly Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is a digital way to capture your fingerprints and send them electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a background check. Unlike the old ink-and-roll method that was messy and slow, Live Scan is clean, fast, and accurate.
Many jobs and licenses require this background check before you can start work or get certified. Fields like healthcare, education, childcare, real estate, and security all use Live Scan regularly. More and more organizations are making it a requirement to keep everyone safe.
Who Needs to Get Live Scan Done?
You’ll likely need Live Scan if you work with vulnerable populations like children, seniors, or people with disabilities. Teachers, daycare workers, nurses, home health aides, and social workers all need it.
Many California licensing boards also require it for professional certifications. Real estate agents, security guards, and contractors often need fingerprinting as part of their licensing process.
Even volunteers might need it. If you’re helping at a school, coaching youth sports, or working with a nonprofit that serves kids or seniors, Live Scan may be required.
Immigration and visa applications sometimes need it too. If your employer, licensing board, or organization gave you a form to fill out, that’s your sign that you need to get it done.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
The actual fingerprinting at our location is super quick. The scanning itself takes just 2 to 5 minutes per person. That’s it. You’re in and out fast.
After we scan your fingerprints, the data gets sent electronically to the California DOJ within 24 hours. From there, the DOJ usually processes everything and sends results to your requesting agency in 48 to 72 hours.
Keep in mind that sometimes it can take longer than 72 hours. Processing times depend on how busy the DOJ is, how complex your background check is, and how quickly your requesting agency handles things on their end. But most people get their results within a few days.
What Should I Bring With Me?
Getting your fingerprints done is easy if you come prepared. You’ll need two things:
First, bring your completed “Request for Live Scan Service” form. This is also called Form BCIA 8016. Your employer, licensing board, or organization should give you this form. It tells us where to send your results and what kind of background check they need.
Second, bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, passport, or state ID card all work. We need to verify your identity before we can scan your fingerprints.
You’ll also need to pay any required fees at the time of service. Some employers prepay for their employees, but if not, you’ll pay the government fees and our rolling fee when you come in. If you’re not sure whether your employer already paid, just give them a quick call before you visit.
Do I Need to Make an Appointment?
No appointment needed. At Newport Beach Mailboxes, we accept walk-ins during all of our regular business hours. Just stop by with your form and ID whenever it’s convenient for you. Our certified operators are ready to help.
This makes it really convenient if you have a busy schedule. You can swing by during your lunch break, after work, or whenever you have a few free minutes.
Can My Fingerprints Get Rejected?
Yes, fingerprints can be rejected if the scan isn’t clear enough. This happens when prints are smudged, too light, or incomplete. But there are easy ways to avoid this.
Before you come in, wash your hands and make sure they’re completely dry. Don’t put on lotion, hand sanitizer, or any creams right before your appointment. These can make your fingerprints harder to read.
If you work with your hands and have cuts, calluses, or worn fingerprints, let us know. We’ll take extra care to get clear scans.
During the scanning, follow our operator’s instructions carefully. Press your fingers on the scanner with the right amount of pressure. We’ll guide you through each step.
If a rejection does happen, don’t worry. We’ll help you get rescanned correctly so your submission goes through the second time.
How Will I Know When My Results Are Ready?
Here’s something important to understand: you won’t receive the results yourself. The DOJ sends them directly to whoever requested the background check. That might be your employer, your licensing board, a school, or another organization.
If you want to know the status of your results, contact the agency that asked you to get fingerprinted. They can tell you whether they’ve received your background check and what the next steps are.
How Far Back Does the Background Check Go?
Live Scan checks your entire criminal history on file with state and federal agencies. This means it covers any arrests, convictions, or other records in your background, no matter how long ago they happened.
The exact scope depends on what your requesting agency asks for. Some only want California records, while others request FBI records too. The form you bring will show what level of check is being done.
Can I Get a Copy of My Results?
Since the results go straight to your requesting agency and not to you, the DOJ won’t send you a copy. However, you can ask your employer or licensing board to share the information they received. Some agencies will give you a copy of the report, while others may only tell you whether you passed the background check.
Why Does Certification Matter?
This is really important: your fingerprints must be taken by a certified Live Scan operator. California law requires this. If the operator isn’t properly certified by the DOJ, your fingerprints will be rejected. That means delays, extra costs, and frustration.
At Newport Beach Mailboxes & More, all of our operators are certified by the California Department of Justice. We follow all the proper procedures to make sure your fingerprints are captured correctly and submitted properly the first time.
We also stay up to date on any changes to requirements or procedures, so you can trust that everything will be done right.
Why Choose Us for Your Live Scan?
We make the whole process as simple and stress-free as possible. You don’t need an appointment. Our certified operators are friendly and professional. We’re conveniently located right here in Newport Beach.
When you visit us, we’ll check your form, verify your ID, capture your fingerprints, and submit everything electronically. If you have questions, we’ll answer them. If there’s any issue with your form or ID, we’ll help you figure out what you need.
If you want to double-check what to bring or ask a question before you come in, give us a call at (949) 544-1616. We’re happy to help.
Getting your Live Scan fingerprinting done doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. With the right preparation and a trusted provider, you can complete your fingerprinting quickly and confidently. We look forward to helping you!
