Live Scan - DOJ/FBI Fees, What to Expect & FAQs
Updated: Sep 16
If you live or work in California and need a background check for employment, licensing, or volunteering, you may need Live Scan fingerprinting. Whether your ZIP code is 94541, 94542, 94544, or 94545, this guide explains exactly how Live Scan works, what it costs, what to bring, and how to avoid delays.
Need a Mobile Live Scan? Call 510-967-8115 or visit our Oakland Mobile Live Scan service page to book an appointment.
What is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is California's approved electronic fingerprinting system. Instead of using ink and a paper card (FD-258), your fingerprints are captured digitally on a glass scanner and transmitted securely to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, when required, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Your fingerprints are compared against criminal databases. The results are then sent directly to the agency that requested your background check—for example, your employer, the Department of Social Services, the Medical Board of California, or your child's school district. Results are never given to you directly unless you request a personal record review.
Live Scan vs. Ink Fingerprint Cards—What's the Difference?
Live Scan (Electronic):
Digital scan, no ink
Submitted electronically within minutes
Commonly used for California DOJ background checks
Faster—3-7 days for results
Ink Cards (FD-258):
Old paper method using ink
Used for out-of-state, federal, or FBI-only checks when electronic submission is not possible
Slower—6-12 weeks
Often rejected for low quality
If your Request for Live Scan form says "Live Scan," you must do Live Scan. Ink cards will be rejected by DOJ.
Who Needs a Live Scan?
Employment:
Teachers, teacher aides, daycare workers, after-school program staff
Healthcare workers—CNA, LVN, RN, medical assistants, home health aides
Real estate agents, loan officers, notaries public
Security guards, alarm company employees
Truck drivers with hazmat endorsements
Uber/Lyft drivers who do school transport
Licensing:
Contractors (CSLB), cosmetologists, barbers
Insurance agents, stockbrokers
Childcare licensees, foster parents
Nurses, doctors, pharmacists
Volunteering & Other:
School volunteers, youth sports coaches (Hayward Unified School District requires it)
Scouts, church volunteers working with children
Gun permits, concealed carry, firearms
Adoption and name changes
The 5-Step Live Scan Process
Step 1: Get Your BCIA 8016 Form
Your requesting agency must provide you with the Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form. Complete the Request for Live Scan Service form provided by your requesting agency.
Critical fields on that form:
ORI Code: Tells DOJ where to send results. If this is wrong, your results go to the wrong agency.
Type of Application: Employment, License, Volunteer, etc.
Agency Address: Where DOJ mails the response
Do not download a blank form from Google—it will have the wrong ORI. Use the form your agency gave you.
Step 2: Complete Your Section
Fill out your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, height, weight, eye/hair color, place of birth, and address. Use your ID exactly as it appears on your driver's license.
Leave the fingerprint technician section blank—they fill that out.
Step 3: Bring What You Need
Go to a DOJ-certified Live Scan site.
Bring:
The completed Request for Live Scan Service form provided by your requesting agency
Valid photo ID—California driver's license, California ID, US passport, permanent resident card, military ID. Must be current, not expired.
Payment for rolling fee + government fees if your agency didn't pay
Do NOT bring: Lotions or oils on your hands day-of. They cause rejection.
Step 4: Fingerprint Capture
The operator will:
Enter your info from your form
Scan all 10 fingers flat, then roll from nail to nail
Submit to DOJ/FBI in real time
Takes 10-15 minutes. If you have cuts, bandages, or very dry hands, reschedule.
Step 5: Get Your ATI Number
You will receive a copy of your form with an ATI (Applicant Transaction Identifier) Number.
Status messages:
In Process: DOJ is reviewing
Completed and sent to agency: Done
Rejected: Fingerprints unreadable; needs re-roll
DOJ/FBI Fees: Breakdown
Part 1: Government Fees (You cannot negotiate these—set by law.)
Government processing fees vary according to the requesting agency, ORI number, and required level of service. Your Live Scan provider can confirm the applicable government fees after reviewing your Request for Live Scan Service form.
Part 2: Rolling Fee (Set by location)
This is the service fee for the business to take your prints: Average: $30-$55.
Who pays? Some employers and school districts in Hayward Unified pay the government fee for you and give you a billing number. You only pay the rolling fee. Others require you to pay all.
Always ask your employer, "Do I pay everything or just the rolling fee?"
How Long Do Live Scan Results Take?
Many electronically submitted fingerprint checks are completed within approximately three business days. Processing may take longer when manual review, criminal-history information, poor fingerprint quality, or incorrect submission information is involved.
If it has been over 30 days, contact your requesting agency first, then DOJ Applicant Services: (916) 227-2300.
Results are confidential and sent only to your requesting agency. Your employer should notify you when cleared.
Why Live Scan Gets Rejected—and How to Avoid It
Top 5 reasons for rejection
Dry, cracked, or worn fingerprints—Very common for construction workers, nurses who wash their hands, and the elderly. Hydrate with lotion for 3 days before, but NOT on the day of.
Wrong ORI number—Your results went to the wrong agency. Must redo.
Low-quality fingerprint—Fingerprint capture or difficult-to-read fingerprints may require another scan
Expired ID—Must be valid and unexpired.
Name mismatch—Name on form doesn't match ID.
If your fingerprints are rejected, follow the instructions in the rejection notice and bring your original ATI number and proof of rejection. Resubmission requirements and fees depend on the reason for the rejection and the provider’s policy.
Ink vs. Live Scan—Which Do You Need?
If your agency gave you BCIA 8016, you need Live Scan. If they gave you an FD-258 fingerprint card, you need ink. Some agencies outside California still use ink. If you need ink cards, ask if the Live Scan location also does ink rolling.
Mobile Live Scan vs. Fixed Location
Fixed Location: You go to a UPS Store, notary shop, or dedicated Live Scan business in Hayward, San Leandro, or Castro Valley.
Mobile Live Scan: A technician comes to your home, office, or job site. Helpful for groups, the elderly, or busy professionals in 94541.
Both submit to the same DOJ system. Mobile usually costs $25-$50 for an extra travel fee and varies by location.
8 Tips for a Smooth Live Scan
Call the location first—confirm they are still DOJ certified and accept walk-ins
Do not wear lotion, hand sanitizer, or oil on the day of
Drink water and moisturize for 2 days before—improves print quality
Bring exact cash if the location is cash-only
Double-check the ORI code with the employer before you go
Keep your ATI number—you will need it for follow-up
If you have small or worn prints, ask the operator to use more pressure
Schedule in the morning—hands are less swollen, prints clearer
FAQs About Live Scan
Do I need an appointment? Some Live Scan providers accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Contact the provider beforehand to confirm availability.
Can I use an out-of-state driver's license? Acceptable identification requirements may vary. Contact the Live Scan provider before your appointment to confirm which current government-issued photo identification they accept.
Will expunged or sealed records show? What appears in a background-check response depends on the applicable law, requesting agency, and type of review. Contact the requesting agency or a qualified attorney for guidance concerning your record.
How long is Live Scan valid? It is point-in-time only. Most employers require a new Live Scan if you change jobs, even if you had one last month. Some licenses require renewal every 5 years.
Can I check my own criminal history before my employer does? Yes. You can request a Personal Record Review through the California DOJ using the required Record Review form
What if I have no criminal history—will I pass? The DOJ sends the available response to the requesting agency. The requesting agency—not the Live Scan provider—makes the final employment, licensing, or eligibility decision.
Do I get a copy of my Live Scan? No. You only get the ATI number and a copy of your request form. Results go to the agency only.
Is Live Scan available on weekends? Some Live Scan providers offer Saturday appointments. Weekend availability varies by provider, so confirm hours and appointment requirements before visiting.
Book a Mobile Live Scan Service
Giles M Mobile Notary & Fingerprint Services
Call: 510-967-8115
Email: gilesmservices@gmail.com
Serving Oakland and neighboring East Bay communities
Disclaimer: This blog is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or official government guidance. Live Scan requirements, fees, forms, and processing times may change. Please confirm current requirements with your requesting agency or the California Department of Justice.
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