live Scan & ink Fingerprinting
LIVE SCAN
What is Live Scan?
Live Scan is a modern, inkless method of capturing fingerprints electronically for submission to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and/or FBI. This secure process is used to verify an individual’s identity and conduct a thorough background check for employment, licensing, or other legal purposes.
How Does Live Scan Work?
The requesting agency (such as an employer, state licensing board, or volunteer organization) provides you with a Live Scan Request Form that specifies the purpose of the background check. You complete the form with your personal information and bring it, along with a valid, government-issued photo ID, to your appointment. Our certified technician scans your fingerprints electronically and submits them directly to the DOJ and/or FBI.
What Do I Need for My Live Scan Appointment?
✔ Completed Live Scan Request Form
✔ Valid non-expired government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, state ID)
✔ Payment for the applicable fees
Who Needs Live Scan?
Live Scan is required for many professionals and volunteers, including:
- Teachers, school employees, and daycare providers
- Healthcare professionals
- Contractors and real estate agents
- Notaries
- Volunteers at schools or youth organizations
- Any other roles requiring a state or federal background check
How Long is a Live Scan Valid?
A Live Scan background check is valid only for the specific agency and purpose listed on your request form at the time it was submitted.
If I Already Completed a Live Scan, Do I Have to Do It Again?
Yes, in most cases you must complete a new Live Scan each time a different agency requests a background check. Live Scan results cannot be transferred between agencies.
Pricing
Our Live Scan pricing includes a rolling fee of $27.00, plus any applicable DOJ and/or FBI fees associated with your application. If your Live Scan Request Form does not include a billing number (also called a billing code), you are responsible for paying all fees at the time of service.
Our Services
We offer both in-office appointments and mobile Live Scan services for groups at your workplace or event. Our professional technicians ensure the process is quick, accurate, and compliant with all state and federal requirements.
Contact us today to schedule your Live Scan appointment or book our mobile team to come to you!
INK FINGERPRINTING (FD-258 OR SF-87 HARD CARD)
What is Ink Fingerprinting?
Ink fingerprinting is the traditional method of capturing fingerprints using black ink and fingerprint cards. This process is widely accepted for various purposes, particularly when electronic Live Scan submissions are not permitted or when submitting to out-of-state or federal agencies that require physical fingerprint cards.
How Does Ink Fingerprinting Work?
Our technician rolls each finger in ink and carefully prints them onto an official fingerprint card (such as FBI FD-258 or other agency-specific cards). This method is precise and meets all agency requirements for submission.
What Do I Need for My Ink Fingerprinting Appointment?
✔ A valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, state ID)
✔ Any fingerprint cards provided by the requesting agency (if applicable)
✔ Payment for the applicable fees
Who Needs Ink Fingerprinting?
Ink fingerprinting is commonly required for:
- Out-of-state professional licenses or certifications
- Federal background checks (FBI or other U.S. agencies)
- Immigration purposes
- International adoptions
- Certain government or military clearances
- Any agency requiring physical fingerprint cards instead of electronic submission
How Long is Ink Fingerprinting Valid?
Since fingerprint cards are typically submitted with a specific application, their validity depends on the requesting agency’s requirements. In most cases, you will need new fingerprints for each new application or request.
If I Already Completed Ink Fingerprinting, Do I Have to Do It Again?
Yes, fingerprint cards are specific to the agency and purpose they were submitted for. You may need to provide new fingerprints for each separate application or request.
Pricing
We charge $30 per card, which includes the standard FBI FD-258 hard card. Additional cards are also available upon request at the same rate.
Our Services
We offer professional in-office ink fingerprinting services using standard FBI and other approved cards. Our trained technicians ensure clear, accurate prints that meet agency standards.
Contact us today to schedule your ink fingerprinting appointment and let us help you meet your requirements with confidence and ease.
acceptable id(s):
Primary and Secondary Forms of Identification:
Primary Acceptable primary forms of photo identification include any of the following:
- California Driver's License
- Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card
- Out-of-state driver's license
- U.S. Passport
Secondary
In the absence of a primary form of identification, one or more of the following secondary forms of identification may be accepted, but only with two supplemental documents (refer to "Supplemental Documents" at the bottom of this section):
- U.S. State government-issued Certificate of Birth
- U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military Identification Card (000 10-2)
- Federal government Personal Identity Verification Card (PIV)
- Department of Defense Common Access Card
- U.S. Tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs Identification Card
- Social Security Card
- Court Order for Name Change/Gender Change/Adoption/Divorce
- Marriage Certificate (Government-issued certificate)
- U.S. Government issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad 3
- Foreign Passport with appropriate immigration document(s) - not acceptable without required documents.
- Certificate of Citizenship (N560)
- Certificate of Naturalization (N550)
- INS I-551 Resident Alien Card issued since 1997
- INS I-688 Temporary Resident Identification Card
- INS I-688B, I-766 Employment Authorization Card
Supplemental Documents
To validate the authenticity of secondary identification documents and forms, the data and information need to be supported by at least two of the following supplemental documents:
- Utility bill (address)
- Jurisdictional voter registration card
- Vehicle registration card/title
- Paycheck stub with name/address
- Spouse/parent affidavit
- Cancelled check or bank statement
- Mortgage documents
If the supplemental documentation does not support the validation of the original identification documents, staff will not accept the original identification as valid and the applicant will not be fingerprinted.
For Child Placement Purposes ONLY:
SB 1064 chaptered on 9/30/12 amended Welfare and Institutions Code 361.4(b)(2) and 309(d)(1) to allow
an identification card from a foreign consulate or foreign passport be considered a valid form of
identification for conducting a criminal records check and fingerprint clearance check for relatives and non relative extended family members for purposes of child placement. Examples of these documents can be found on the internet or at the Mexican Embassy.
