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1. What is Live Scan?

Live Scan is a electronic computerized technology. It allows for the digital capture of fingerprints and the immediate transmission of fingerprint records to the California Department of Justice, FBI or other authorized receiving agency. The true identity of an individual can only be established through the submission of fingerprints. As mandated by federal and state statutes, fingerprint records are used to determine an applicant's suitability for employment, licensing, certification and volunteer clearances.

2. Why use Live Scan instead of the old "ink and roll" fingerprinting process?

Live Scan technology replaces the old manual "ink and roll" method. The electronic transfer of fingerprints takes place in a matter of seconds, instead of the days required to send hard copy fingerprint cards through the U. S. Mail. The turnaround time for a DOJ response to the transmitted fingerprints can range anywhere from a few hours up to 72 hours.

3. What will I need in order to obtain Live Scan service?

You will need to bring a properly completed "Request for Live Scan Service", three-part Applicant Submission form #BCII 8016. This form must be filled out correctly with information provided in all of the required fields, including your Social Security number. If you have not been provided with this form, request one from your referring employer, licensing agency, volunteer organization or referring agency.

4. Do I need to give my Social Security number?

Yes! If you do not provide the Live Scan Operator with your Social Security number you will not receive service.

5. If I am unsure about “Applicant Type”, “Billing Code” or any of the other required information on the BCII 8016 what should I do?

Contact the referring employer, agency or organization that sent you to be fingerprinted and obtain the proper codes.

6. When should “Alias” information be provided on the “Request for Live Scan Service” form?

You should fill in the "Alias" section of the "Request For Live Scan Service" form if you have ever used a different name in an official capacity (i.e. maiden name, professional name,

7. What is a "rolling fee"?

The rolling fee is the amount charged by the Live Scan agency to digitally capture your fingerprints and transmit them to the Department of Justice. This fee varies from agency to agency. Live Scan technicians in California MUST be certified by the Department of Justice in order to provide this service. At Oceanside Live Scan, we require that all of our Live Scan technicians take advanced training not only in Live Scan, but in the state laws and regulations that govern the process.

8. What is the cost of a Department of Justice background check?

Typically the charge is $32.00. There are fee adjustments based on non-profit status and other considerations. Ask your referring employer, licensing agency, volunteer organization or referring agency to advise you regarding what fee to expect.

9. What is the cost of an FBI background check?

Typically the charge is $19.00. There are fee adjustments based on non-profit status and other considerations. Ask your referring employer, licensing agency, volunteer organization or referring agency to advise you regarding what fee to expect.

10. What form of identification will I need to show the Live Scan technician?

You must bring a valid photo ID with you to your appointment. This may be one of the forms of identification listed below:

California Drivers’s License
California DMV Identification Card
Out-of-State Driver’s License

Call us for additional ID requirements

Note: Your ID MUST BE VALID. A valid ID is currently active and has not expired.

11. What type of information is identified through fingerprint submissions?

The information provided is for the purposes of evaluating the suitability of the Applicant for employment, licensing, certification or a volunteer position. The submitting institution, organization or agency will receive a response from the DOJ which flags convictions and active prosecution. If the Applicant has no information on file, the DOJ and/or the FBI will send a "no criminal history record exists for the above named individual" response.

12. If I’ve already had Live Scan fingerprints taken and I have changed jobs, do I need to be fingerprinted again?

Yes. By law, and in accordance with your right to privacy, organizations and/or companies may not share applicant background information. The one exception to this rule however is school districts. Many teachers have the occasion to work for several school districts simultaneously. Teachers should check with their School District Office prior to their Live Scan appointment to determine if they need to re-submit fingerprints.

13. Can anyone request Live Scan service?

No. In order to request this service your referring employer, agency or licensing organization must be mandated by law to require fingerprint-based criminal background checks for employment, licensing, certification or for volunteer purposes. Additionally, in the state of California, the employer, agency or licensing organization must be authorized by the DOJ to receive criminal offender record information.

14. I am curious about my personal records but have not been requested to have my fingerprints taken for employment purposes. Can I request Live Scan Service?

No, you may not utilize Live Scan to review your own personal records. However, you may contact the California Department of Justice and request a "Record Review". The cost for this service is $25 and a copy of your background information will be mailed to you.

15. Why are fingerprints rejected? If my prints were rejected would I be required to pay additional fees?

Fingerprints can be rejected for several reasons. The most common are characteristics with the Applicant's fingerprints that makes them difficult to capture. This would include cuts, cracks, scars and calluses. If an Applicant's fingerprints are rejected on this basis, the originating Live Scan agency must re-take the Applicant's fingerprints at no additional cost. An Applicant's application for Live Scan service may also be rejected if the Applicant's BCII 8016 form is incomplete or improperly filled out. In this instance, fees would be charged to the Applicant to provide them with repeated Live Scan service. It is important that the Application for Live Scan form BCII 8016 is complete and accurate when presented to the Live Scan technician for service. Rarely there will be an instance where an Applicant's fingerprints are rejected because of error on the part of the Live Scan technician. If this is the basis of the rejection the originating Live Scan agency must re-take the Applicant's fingerprints at no additional cost.

16. What do I need to bring if my fingerprints have been rejected and I am having them retaken?

Your letter of rejection from the DOJ. This letter contains your ATI (Applicant Transmission Identifier) number which is necessary for resubmission. You should make arrangements with the Live Scan agency that originally captured your fingerprints to retake them.

17. If my fingerprints have been rejected because they are difficult to read, how many times must I re-submit by prints?

You are only required to be scanned two times. If after two unsuccessful attempts to capture your prints, your suitability will be determined by the Department of Justice utilizing a different method of verification.