How much does Live Scan cost in total?

The total cost consists of two parts: 1) The government processing fees (e.g., California DOJ fee is $32, FBI fee is $17), plus 2) The local proctor rolling fee (typically between $20 and $45 depending on the provider). Some employers or licensing boards cover the government fees, meaning you only pay the rolling fee out of pocket.

What is the difference between Live Scan and ink fingerprinting (FD-258)?

Live Scan is an electronic, inkless process where fingers are scanned on a digital glass prism and transmitted directly to state or federal databases in seconds. Ink fingerprinting (FD-258 card) uses black printer ink rolled onto physical heavy-cardstock paper, which must be physically mailed to an agency.

How long do Live Scan background check results take?

Most electronic submissions are processed by state agencies within 24 to 72 business hours. If an FBI national record search is required, or if a manual criminal record review is triggered due to similar names or prior offenses, processing can take 7 to 30 business days.

Can I do a Live Scan without a request form?

No. The Live Scan operator cannot generate the required ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) or Mail Code for your background check. The agency requesting your background check (your employer, licensing agency, or school) must provide you with the pre-filled form before you arrive.

Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?

Many commercial retail centers (such as UPS Stores, postal annexes, and private notary offices) accept walk-ins during normal business hours. Police departments, sheriff's offices, and government agencies typically require appointments scheduled days in advance.

How to Get a Live Scan: Complete Guide to Forms, Fees & Process

The 5-Step Process

How Live Scan Works From Start to Finish

Live Scan is an inkless electronic fingerprinting process. Follow these five steps to ensure your appointment goes smoothly:

Get the Official Request Form from Your Agency

Your employer, licensing board, or school district must supply you with the official form (in California, this is Form BCIA 8016). This form contains the crucial ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) code that tells state and federal databases where to return the background check results.

Important: Live Scan operators cannot generate ORI codes for you. You must have this form before you arrive.

Find a Certified Proctor with Walk-in or Appointment Options

Search our directory to compare certified Live Scan facilities near you. Check rolling fees, reviews, and operating hours. If you need same-day service, filter for locations that accept walk-ins.

Bring Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

You must present an unexpired, valid government ID. Acceptable IDs include a State Driver's License, State ID Card, US Passport, or US Military ID. Expired IDs are strictly rejected by law.

Digital Capture & Fee Payment

The certified technician cleans your fingers and rolls them individually and in groups across an optical glass scanner. You pay the facility fee (rolling fee) plus any government fees (DOJ/FBI) if your requesting agency has not pre-billed an account.

Keep Your ATI Receipt & Track Your Results

The proctor will sign your copy of the form and write down your unique ATI (Automated Transaction Identifier) or TCN (Transaction Control Number). Keep this receipt safely — it is your legal proof of submission and is required to track status online.

Fee Transparency

How Much Does Live Scan Cost?

When you visit a Live Scan location, your total charge consists of up to three separate fees combined into one payment:

Fee Component	Estimated Amount	Who Determines It?	Who Pays It?
State DOJ / Law Enforcement Fee	$24 – $32	State statute (Non-negotiable)	Applicant or Requesting Agency
Federal FBI Processing Fee	$17.00	Federal Government	Required only for federal level checks
Proctor Rolling / Facility Fee	$20 – $45	Individual Business / Center	Applicant (Shop around for best price)
Typical Combined Total	$69 – $95	Standard full check	Paid at time of service

Pro Tip: The rolling fee is the only variable portion of the price. The state and federal processing fees are fixed by law. You can use LiveScanMap.com to compare rolling fees in your zip code and find the lowest price in your city.

Comparison Guide

Live Scan vs. Traditional Ink Cards (FD-258)

Understanding whether your agency requires digital electronic transmission or physical hard cards:

Electronic Live Scan

✓100% Inkless: Captured on digital glass scanning prisms.
✓Instant Electronic Submission: Delivered to DOJ/FBI within seconds.
✓Lowest Rejection Rate: The software checks image clarity before accepting prints.
✓Fast Turnaround: Results returned to requesting agencies in 24–72 hours.

Ink Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

•Standard Black Ink: Rolled manually onto FBI FD-258 cardstock.
•Out-of-State & Federal Use: Commonly used for out-of-state licensing, FINRA, or federal firearm permits.
•Mailing Required: The applicant must physically mail the card to the requesting agency.
•Longer Processing: Takes 2 to 6 weeks for postal delivery and manual agency intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Live Scan FAQs

What should I do if my fingerprints get rejected?▾

Fingerprint rejections happen when fine ridges are worn down (common in manual laborers, elderly individuals, or people with dry skin). A rejection is NOT a failure of your background check. The state will issue a rejection letter and ask you to be reprinted. Most certified locations offer a free rescan if you bring your rejection notice and initial ATI receipt.

Can I check the status of my Live Scan background check?▾

Yes! For California DOJ submissions, you can enter your Date of Birth and 10-digit ATI number into the official California DOJ status check tool at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov. You can also visit our dedicated status page at livescanmap.com/check-status for tracking instructions across all states.

Can I do a California Live Scan if I am currently in another state?▾

Generally no. Electronic Live Scan terminals are strictly connected to state agency networks (such as CA DOJ) and cannot transmit across state lines unless using a registered out-of-state channeler. Out-of-state applicants typically submit two physical FBI FD-258 ink cards directly by mail.

How long are Live Scan results valid?▾

Live Scan results are not permanent transferable certificates. Each submission is tied to the specific requesting agency and ORI code. When you change employers or apply for a new license, you must undergo a new Live Scan submission for that specific entity.

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