California Live Scan captures fingerprints electronically for submission through the California DOJ system under your requesting agency's instructions. Federal Fingerprinting offers office and eligible mobile appointments. Obtain the agency's form first, confirm local service availability and fees, and bring valid, unexpired photo ID. The receiving agency controls processing and the background-check outcome.
Live Scan captures fingerprints with an electronic scanner rather than ink on paper. For California applicant checks, the submission follows the requesting agency's instructions through the California DOJ system. Fingerprint capture and a background-check decision are separate steps.
Search our location finder by city, state, or ZIP and check that the selected office offers California Live Scan. Review its hours and appointment rules before traveling. If you need service at a workplace or another suitable venue, ask about mobile Live Scan availability.
Bring the Request for Live Scan Service form from your employer, licensing board, or requesting agency, plus valid, unexpired photo identification. The agency supplies its identifying information and determines the required check. Confirm additional agency instructions and payment arrangements before booking.
Appointment length depends on identity checks, paperwork, and fingerprint quality. Agency processing is separate and can be delayed. Keep your receipt and ATI number and follow the requesting agency's status instructions. A capture appointment does not guarantee clearance or a result date.
Our published rolling fee is $35–$45, with government or program fees additional. The total varies by applicant type, requesting agency, location, and service arrangements. Confirm the current total before your appointment rather than assuming every applicant pays the same DOJ and FBI fees.
Check the chosen office's current policy. Some participating locations accept walk-ins; Santa Clarita and Mount Vernon are by appointment only. Confirm the service and appointment time before traveling. Booking requests remain subject to availability.
Individuals and organizations can request mobile or group capture where the required California Live Scan service is available. Share the location, headcount, forms, and required submission route so we can confirm equipment, staffing, timing, and a quote.
Do not assume the earlier submission can be reused. A new agency or state may require different identifiers, authorization, cards, or an electronic route. Ask that agency for its current instructions; a California submission is not automatically valid nationwide.
Contact us with the rejection notice and agency instructions. Our free re-fingerprinting policy applies to qualifying California Live Scan rejections due to fingerprint quality, not automatically to every service or reason. Confirm the policy for your original appointment. Receiving-agency acceptance cannot be guaranteed.
Keep the ATI number on your Live Scan receipt. The California DOJ applicant-status service uses your ATI and date of birth to show processing status; it does not disclose the contents of a background report. The requesting agency receives the background-check response and controls the next step.