You’ve scheduled your Live Scan appointment, brought the right documents, had your fingerprints scanned, and now… you wait. But what exactly happens after your Live Scan fingerprints are submitted? Who receives the results? How long does it take? And what should you do if there’s a delay?
This blog breaks down the post-submission process so you know exactly what to expect once you’ve completed your fingerprinting session.
Quick Recap: What Is Live Scan?
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting method used to conduct background checks for employment, licensing, certification, and volunteer positions. The fingerprints are captured using an electronic scanner and transmitted securely to agencies like the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and/or the FBI.
The Live Scan process is fast, but many applicants are left wondering what goes on behind the scenes after the scanning is done.
Step 1: Electronic Submission
Once your fingerprints are captured, they are transmitted electronically by your Live Scan provider to the appropriate agency. The destination depends on what’s listed on your Live Scan Request Form:
- California Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Both, depending on your background check requirements
Most transmissions are completed immediately or within minutes of your appointment.
Step 2: Identity Verification
Once received, your fingerprints are run through a series of databases. These include:
- State-level criminal databases maintained by the DOJ
- Federal criminal databases maintained by the FBI
- Other relevant databases, such as sex offender registries or immigration watchlists
The system checks for any arrests, convictions, warrants, or disqualifying offenses tied to your biometric data.
Step 3: Report Generation
Based on what is (or isn’t) found, a background check report is generated. This report may contain:
- Confirmation of no criminal history
- A summary of arrest records
- Conviction history
- Pending cases or outstanding warrants
- Status on required clearances or licenses
If no records are found, the report typically states that the applicant has “no criminal history on file.”
Step 4: Delivery of Results
Here’s an important point: you will not receive the results directly.
Results are sent only to the agency listed on your Live Scan form. This could be:
- Your employer
- A licensing board (e.g., California Board of Nursing)
- A volunteer organization
- A school district
- A government agency
The Live Scan provider (such as the location where you got fingerprinted) never sees the report and has no access to your background information.
How Long Does It Take?
In most cases, results are returned within 3 to 7 business days. However, processing times can vary based on:
- Agency workload
- The complexity of your background check
- Whether prints were submitted to both DOJ and FBI
- Holidays or system downtimes
Some checks may be completed in 24–48 hours, while others can take longer—especially if your fingerprints require manual review or additional verification.
What If There’s a Delay?
Delays are frustrating but not uncommon. If it’s been more than 7–10 business days, here’s what you can do:
- Contact the requesting agency (employer, licensing board, etc.) to ask if they’ve received the results.
- Check with the DOJ’s Applicant Background Check Status portal using your ATI number (found on your Live Scan receipt).
- Contact your Live Scan provider to confirm your submission went through correctly, though they won’t have access to your results.
What If My Prints Are Rejected?
In some cases, fingerprints may be rejected due to poor image quality or unreadable prints. If that happens:
- The DOJ or FBI will notify the requesting agency.
- You’ll be asked to return for a rescan (often at no charge).
- If resubmissions are unsuccessful, the agency may initiate a “Name Check” as a backup method of verification.
Working with an experienced provider minimizes the chance of rejection.
Get Fingerprinting Done Right in Newport Beach
If you’re preparing for a background check, working with a professional and certified Live Scan provider can make all the difference. Newport Beach livescan services at Newport Beach Mailboxes & More offer fast, accurate fingerprinting with same-day transmission and experienced staff who guide you through the process.
They ensure your prints are submitted correctly the first time and provide you with the information you need to track your status after submission.
Final Thoughts
After your Live Scan appointment, the process moves behind the scenes—but knowing what happens next can help ease any uncertainty. With accurate submission, most results are processed quickly and sent directly to the agency that needs them.
Understanding this timeline—and working with a trusted provider—ensures your background check doesn’t get held up.