Live Scan fingerprinting can feel confusing until you’ve done it once or twice. Between DOJ vs. FBI checks, different forms, and tight deadlines, it’s easy to worry you’ll miss a step. As a neighborhood shipping and business center here on Van Nuys Blvd, we help Sherman Oaks and San Fernando Valley residents navigate Live Scan every day—so this guide breaks it down in plain English.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting and How Is It Different?
Live Scan is an electronic fingerprinting process used to run criminal background checks. Instead of using ink-and-paper cards, your fingerprints are captured digitally on a scanner and securely transmitted to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI, or both.
Key differences from traditional fingerprinting:
- Digital, not ink: Prints are captured on a glass or digital pad—no messy ink or paper cards.
- Faster results: The data is sent electronically, so agencies often get results much quicker than with mailed cards.
- Agency-specific: Each Live Scan is tied to a specific employer, license, or agency. You usually can’t “reuse” one Live Scan for a different purpose later.
In communities like Sherman Oaks and nearby Van Nuys, Live Scan is now the standard for most jobs and licenses that require a background check, from teaching and real estate to caregiving and adoption.
Who Needs Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Many people are surprised to learn how common Live Scan has become. If you’re in the San Fernando Valley, there’s a good chance you’ll need it at some point in your career or volunteer work.
Common reasons you may need Live Scan
- Employment with background requirements
- Teachers, substitute teachers, and school staff
- Daycare and preschool employees
- Healthcare and home care workers
- Security guards and some government contractors
- Professional licenses
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Contractors (various CSLB license types)
- Nurses and other medical professionals
- Notaries public
- Volunteers and youth programs
- Coaches and mentors
- School and church volunteers
- Nonprofit and community program volunteers
- Adoption, foster care, and caregiving
- Foster or adoptive parents
- In-home caregivers for seniors or people with disabilities
- Immigration, visas, and personal record checks
- Immigration-related background checks (when required)
- Foreign travel or work that requests an FBI background check
- Individuals requesting their own criminal history record
If you live or work around the 91401 zip code, odds are your employer, licensing board, or volunteer organization will tell you when it’s time to complete Live Scan—and will usually give you the form you need.
DOJ vs. FBI Checks: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common questions we hear at our Sherman Oaks location is whether a Live Scan includes a DOJ check, an FBI check, or both. The answer depends on what your requesting agency has asked for.
California DOJ background check
The California Department of Justice maintains state-level criminal history records. A DOJ check typically includes:
- California arrests and convictions reported to the DOJ
- Information needed for employment, licensing, or volunteer screening within California
State agencies, school districts, and many employers within California commonly require a DOJ check.
FBI background check
The FBI maintains a national database that includes information from multiple states and federal agencies. An FBI background check may be required for:
- Licenses with federal or multi-state implications
- Certain immigration or visa applications
- Jobs or clearances that cross state lines
On your Live Scan form, there will be checkboxes or fields indicating whether the requesting agency wants a DOJ check, an FBI check, or both. You don’t choose this yourself—it’s dictated by the organization that gave you the form.
Required Documents for Live Scan Fingerprinting
Showing up with the right documents is the easiest way to avoid delays. Before you head over to 5632 Van Nuys Blvd, make sure you have everything you need.
1. Your Live Scan request form
This is the most important document. It usually comes from your employer, licensing board, or requesting agency. In California, this is often titled something like “Request for Live Scan Service” and includes:
- The agency’s ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number
- Your job title, license type, or purpose of the background check
- Which checks are needed (DOJ, FBI, or both)
- Billing information (who pays the government fees)
Tip: Bring at least one printed copy. Most Live Scan operators, including us, need a physical form—not just a picture on your phone.
2. Valid government-issued photo ID
You must present acceptable, unexpired photo identification. Common examples include:
- California driver’s license
- California ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Permanent resident (green) card
- Other state-issued driver’s license or ID
If your ID is expired, bring a backup form of ID and be prepared that you may need to update your identification first. When in doubt, call ahead so you don’t make an unnecessary trip.
3. Payment method
There are usually two parts to Live Scan pricing:
- Rolling fee: The fee charged by the Live Scan location for capturing and submitting your fingerprints.
- Government fees: Fees charged by the DOJ, FBI, and sometimes other agencies, depending on the type of check.
Some employers or organizations cover the government fees; in other cases, you pay everything out of pocket. Check your form or your instructions so you’re not surprised at the counter.
How Long Does Live Scan Processing Take?
Live Scan fingerprinting itself is usually quick—often 10–20 minutes once it’s your turn. The part that varies is how long it takes your background check results to be processed by the DOJ or FBI and released to the requesting agency.
Typical processing time ranges
- Electronic submission: Most submissions go out instantly or within minutes of your visit.
- DOJ results: Often within a few business days, but can take longer during high-volume periods.
- FBI results: Often within a similar timeframe, though certain checks can take longer depending on your history and the purpose of the check.
Keep in mind:
- Live Scan locations do not receive your results—only the requesting agency does.
- If your employer or licensing board is waiting for results, they’re the ones who can check status directly with DOJ or FBI (not the fingerprinting site).
- Delays can happen if fingerprints are hard to read (common with very dry hands, worn prints, or certain jobs).
If you’re working against a deadline—like a start date, court date, or exam window—try to complete your Live Scan as early as possible. In busy areas like the San Fernando Valley, there can also be short waits at popular times of day, so factor that into your schedule.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Live Scan Visit
Preparation matters. A little planning before you walk into our Sherman Oaks shop can save you time and repeat trips.
Before you arrive
- Review your form: Make sure it’s filled out correctly and completely, especially your personal information and the agency fields.
- Check your ID: Confirm that your driver’s license, passport, or other ID is valid and not expired.
- Clarify fees: Ask your employer or agency who pays the DOJ/FBI fees and whether any billing numbers are already on the form.
- Consider timing: If you’re on a tight schedule, you can book an appointment to minimize wait times.
Day-of tips for better fingerprints
- Hydrate your hands: Very dry skin can be hard for the scanner to read. Use a non-greasy lotion the night before and morning of your appointment.
- Avoid cuts and bandages: If you have fresh cuts, heavy calluses, or bandages on your fingertips, consider waiting until they heal if your deadline allows.
- Remove jewelry: Rings and bracelets may need to come off during the scanning process.
- Arrive a bit early: Give yourself time to park, check in, and fill out any last details before your time slot.
What Happens During the Live Scan Appointment?
Knowing what to expect can make the process a lot less stressful. Here’s how a typical visit goes when you come into our Van Nuys Blvd location or another Live Scan site in the area.
- Check-in and paperwork: We’ll review your Live Scan form, verify your ID, and confirm payment details.
- Fingerprint capture: You’ll place each finger and then both hands on the scanner, following the operator’s instructions. The system checks for clarity and completeness in real time.
- Rescans if needed: If the image isn’t clear, we’ll clean the scanner and ask you to reposition your fingers. This is normal and only takes a few extra seconds.
- Submission: Once all prints meet quality standards, we transmit them electronically to the DOJ/FBI as required by your form.
- Receipt: You’ll receive a copy or proof of submission. Keep this for your records in case your employer or agency asks for confirmation.
The entire session is usually quick, and your actual time on the scanner is often less than five minutes.
Live Scan, Background Checks, and Your Privacy
Many people understandably worry about who sees their information. Here’s what to know about privacy and security:
- Limited access: Live Scan operators collect and submit your fingerprints and form data but do not decide how your background check is used.
- Results go only to the agency: The DOJ/FBI send results directly to the requesting agency listed on your form—not to the Live Scan provider.
- Purpose-specific: Your Live Scan is tied to the specific job, license, or purpose on your form. It’s not a general “permission slip” for other uses.
If you want to see your own record, you can request a personal Live Scan for a self background check. This can be helpful if you’re curious what’s on file before applying for a sensitive position or license.
Other Helpful Services to Combine with Live Scan
Many people who come in for Live Scan are juggling other paperwork at the same time. To make life easier, you can handle multiple tasks in one stop.
- Need documents notarized for licensing or adoption? Ask about our notary services the same day.
- Need to print forms, applications, or ID copies? We offer fast, local printing services so you don’t have to hunt for a printer before your appointment.
- Setting up a small business or working from home? Consider a secure mailbox rental so important agency mail doesn’t get lost or delayed.
Especially around busy corridors like Van Nuys Blvd and greater Sherman Oaks, combining these errands into one visit can save you a lot of time and parking hassles.
Plan Your Live Scan Visit in Sherman Oaks
If you’ve been told you need Live Scan fingerprinting for a job, license, or volunteer role, the most important steps are simple: get the right form, bring valid ID, and choose a reliable provider who does this work every day.
Federal Mailbox Center is conveniently located at 5632 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401, serving residents and employers throughout Van Nuys and the wider San Fernando Valley. To make your visit quick and easy, you can schedule a visit online or give us a call at (818) 990-1129 with any questions about what to bring. If you’re also setting up your business or personal mail, you can explore our secure private mailbox options or request an instant shipping rates estimate while you’re here.