Fingerprinting is a necessary part of many official processes—from employment and licensing to immigration and adoption. But if you’ve never been fingerprinted before, you might be surprised to learn that there are two very different methods: traditional ink fingerprinting and digital Live Scan fingerprinting. While both are designed to capture a person’s unique fingerprint patterns, the way they do it—and the results they produce—are not the same.
If you’re in California or anywhere requiring electronic background checks, Live Scan is now the gold standard. Let’s take a look at how it compares to the old-school ink method and why more people are turning to digital scanning for faster, more accurate results.
What Is Traditional Fingerprinting?
Traditional fingerprinting involves rolling each finger in black ink and pressing it onto a paper fingerprint card. This method has been used for decades in law enforcement, schools, and government agencies.
The process is relatively simple but has some notable downsides:
- Ink can smudge or smear, leading to unreadable prints.
- Paper cards must be mailed physically to the requesting agency.
- If the prints are rejected, the applicant has to go back and repeat the process.
It works—but it’s outdated, time-consuming, and prone to error.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is a digital alternative. It uses a glass-top scanner to electronically capture your fingerprints without the mess of ink. The prints are uploaded in real time and transmitted directly to the appropriate agency, such as the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or FBI.
This method has become the standard in California for background checks related to employment, licensing, or volunteer clearance. It’s also widely used in industries like healthcare, childcare, and law enforcement.
Key Differences Between the Two
1. Speed and Efficiency
- Live Scan: Results are transmitted instantly. Most background checks are processed in days, not weeks.
- Ink Fingerprinting: Requires manual mailing and physical processing, which can delay results for weeks.
2. Accuracy
- Live Scan: Produces high-resolution images that reduce the chance of error or rejection.
- Ink Fingerprinting: More likely to result in smudges or partial prints, especially if the person has dry skin or shaky hands.
3. Convenience
- Live Scan: No ink, no mess, and no need to mail physical cards.
- Ink Fingerprinting: Requires cleanup and careful handling of fingerprint cards.
4. Security
- Live Scan: Data is encrypted and securely transmitted to the requesting agency.
- Ink Fingerprinting: Paper cards can be lost or mishandled in the mail.
5. Cost
- Live Scan: Slightly higher upfront cost, but often preferred for faster turnaround and reliability.
- Ink Fingerprinting: Usually cheaper but slower and more likely to result in repeat visits if rejected.
Why Live Scan Is Becoming the Norm
Most government agencies in California now require Live Scan for any official fingerprinting purposes. Employers, licensing boards, and even volunteer programs often won’t accept ink fingerprint cards anymore. The streamlined process and digital transmission mean background checks are handled much faster, and applicants avoid the risk of rejected or unreadable cards.
Who Should Choose Live Scan?
If you’re applying for any of the following, Live Scan is almost always required:
- State or federal employment
- Teaching credentials
- Nursing licenses
- Real estate or contractor licensing
- Firearm permits
- Foster care or adoption programs
- Immigration or visa applications
- Volunteer programs working with children or seniors
It’s also the most efficient option for anyone who needs fingerprinting done quickly or who has had issues with rejected ink prints in the past.
Where to Get a Live Scan in Newport Beach
If you’re looking for a fast, accurate, and professional Live Scan provider, Newport Beach Mailboxes & More offers reliable service in a convenient location. Whether you’re applying for a license or completing a background check, their experienced staff ensures your prints are captured correctly the first time.
You can learn more about their Newport Beach livescan services, including pricing and what to bring to your appointment, on their website.
Final Thoughts
While traditional ink fingerprinting still has its place in certain situations, Live Scan has quickly become the preferred choice for most official fingerprinting needs. It’s cleaner, faster, and far less prone to errors. If you’re preparing for a background check or license application, choosing Live Scan gives you the best chance of success with fewer delays.
