Live Scan - DOJ/FBI Fees, What to Expect & FAQs
Updated: 3 days ago
If you live or work in CA and need a background check for employment, licensing, or volunteering, you will almost certainly need Live Scan fingerprinting. Whether your zip is 94541, 94542, 94544, or 94545, this guide explains exactly how Live Scan works and what it costs in 2026, what to bring, and how to avoid delays.
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.
In Hayward, Live Scan is required for most jobs that involve contact with children, the elderly, patients, or secure information, and for nearly all state licenses.
Live Scan vs. Ink Fingerprint Cards—What's the Difference?
Live Scan (Electronic):
Digital scan, no ink
Submitted electronically within minutes
Required for all California DOJ checks
Faster—3-7 days for results
Photo taken at time of scan
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?
Nearly 1 in 3 jobs in the United States require it. Common examples are
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. This is a 3-part carbon form.
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 BCIA 8016 form—all 3 copies
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
Take your photo
Have you signed the electronic pad?
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—example: 1234567890. Keep this.
You can check the status at: https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov/
Status messages:
In Process: DOJ is reviewing
Completed and sent to agency: Done
Rejected: Fingerprints unreadable; needs re-roll
DOJ/FBI Fees for Hayward in 2026 — Full Breakdown
Part 1: Government Fees (You cannot negotiate these—set by law.)
DOJ Record Review: $32
FBI: $17 (only if required by your agency)
Child Abuse Index: $15 (for childcare, foster care)
Firearms: $19 extra
DOJ Personal Record Review: $25 if you request your own record
Most common
DOJ only (most retail, general employment): $32
DOJ + FBI (schools, healthcare, real estate, security): $49
Part 2: Rolling Fee (Set by location)
This is the service fee for the business to take your prints: $20-$45. Average $25-$35.
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
DOJ only: 48 hours to 7 business days. 70% clear in 3 days.
DOJ + FBI: 5-10 business days.
With criminal history or poor prints: 2-6 weeks for manual review.
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 scan—Operator rushed. Ask them to rescan if the image looks light.
Expired ID—Must be valid and unexpired.
Name mismatch—Name on form doesn't match ID.
If DOJ rejects it, you get one free re-roll for the same ATI number within 1 year at the same agency type. You usually only pay a rolling fee again.
Ink vs. Live Scan—Which Do You Need?
If your agency gave you BCIA 8016 — you need Live Scan. If they gave you an an FD-258FD-258 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 $15-$50 for an extra travel fee.
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? Many UPS stores take walk-ins. Dedicated fingerprinting businesses often require appointments. Always call (510) area code locations ahead.
Can I use an out-of-state driver's license? Yes, with secondary proof of residency like a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement with your current address.
Will expunged or sealed records show? Yes. DOJ reports arrests, even if not convicted, and convictions even if expunged under PC 1203.4. It will show "dismissed per 1203.4" but will still appear.
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—request a Personal Record Review Live Scan. Same process, but you are the requesting agency.
What if I have no criminal history—will I pass? If no record, DOJ reports "no criminal history" to your agency. That is considered clear.
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 locations are open on Saturday. Very few are open on Sunday.
Comments