Live Scan fingerprinting is more than just a formality—it’s a critical part of the background check process for jobs, licenses, volunteer roles, and legal matters across California. If you’ve been asked to complete a Live Scan, chances are your fingerprints are being submitted to state or federal agencies to verify your criminal history or confirm that no history exists.
But how exactly does Live Scan fit into the background check process? What happens after your fingerprints are submitted? And why do organizations rely so heavily on this technology?
Let’s explore how it all works.
What Is Live Scan?
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting method that captures high-quality images of your fingerprints and electronically transmits them to designated agencies such as the California Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI, or another authorized entity. Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, Live Scan is more accurate, faster, and more secure.
It’s widely used across California as a required part of the background check process for jobs in education, healthcare, law enforcement, childcare, and more.
Why Background Checks Are Required
Organizations use background checks to protect vulnerable populations, prevent liability, and ensure trust in the workplace. Fingerprint-based background checks are particularly effective because they link a person’s identity to any records associated with their biometric data—making it difficult to conceal or misrepresent a criminal history.
Common scenarios that require background checks include:
- Applying for a professional license
- Starting a job with a school, hospital, or government agency
- Becoming a foster parent or volunteer
- Obtaining a firearm permit or security clearance
How Live Scan Facilitates Background Checks
Live Scan plays a key role in how background checks are initiated, processed, and completed.
1. Data Collection
At your appointment, a certified technician collects your fingerprints using a digital scanner. Your name, date of birth, and other identifying information are also entered into the system.
2. Electronic Transmission
Once captured, your fingerprints are submitted electronically to the agency listed on your Live Scan request form. This could be the California DOJ, FBI, or another government body depending on the purpose of the check.
3. Criminal History Check
The agency runs your fingerprints through national and/or state criminal databases to identify any past arrests, convictions, or active warrants. If you have no record, that is confirmed in the results.
4. Results Delivery
The results are securely delivered to the requesting organization—not to you or the Live Scan provider. Depending on the agency’s processing times, this can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
What Shows Up on a Live Scan Background Check?
The information returned depends on the level of clearance requested, but typical results may include:
- Arrest records
- Convictions (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Outstanding warrants
- Sex offender status
- FBI records (if federal clearance is required)
In some cases, non-criminal data (such as employment bans or restrictions) may also appear.
Can You See Your Own Results?
No. Results from a Live Scan background check are sent directly to the agency or employer that requested them. However, individuals can request a copy of their criminal history directly from the DOJ or FBI, but that is a separate process.
How Long Does It Take?
In most cases, background check results are returned within 3 to 7 business days. Some may come back sooner, especially if you have no record. However, delays can happen due to:
- High submission volume
- Agency backlogs
- Incomplete or unclear fingerprint images
If your prints are rejected, you’ll need to return for a reprint.
Choosing the Right Provider
Because the quality of your fingerprint scan can directly affect the speed and accuracy of your background check, it’s important to go to a reliable, certified location. For those in Orange County, Newport Beach livescan services at Newport Beach Mailboxes & More provide professional, same-day service that ensures your prints are properly captured and securely submitted.
Final Thoughts
Live Scan fingerprinting is a vital component of the modern background check process. It allows employers and agencies to make informed decisions based on accurate, biometric data, and helps ensure safety and integrity across industries.
If you’re required to complete a background check, understanding how Live Scan fits into the process—and choosing the right provider—can make all the difference. Be prepared, go to a certified technician, and take the first step with confidence.
