Live Scan Fingerprinting in Sherman Oaks: Your Complete Prep Checklist
Being told you need “Live Scan fingerprinting” can feel confusing—especially if you’ve never done it before. Between DOJ and FBI checks, different forms, and tight deadlines, it’s easy to worry you’ll show up missing something and have to start over.
At Federal Mailbox Center in Sherman Oaks, we help people with Live Scan every single day—teachers, real estate agents, nurses, caregivers, volunteers, and small business owners from all over the San Fernando Valley. This checklist-style guide walks you through everything you need so your visit is fast, smooth, and done right the first time.
What Is Live Scan and How Is It Different from “Fingerprinting”?
Live Scan is an electronic fingerprinting process that scans your fingerprints and securely sends them to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, if required, the FBI. Unlike old-school ink cards, Live Scan:
- Uses a digital scanner (no ink, no mess)
- Transmits your prints electronically the same day
- Is tied to a specific requesting agency and purpose (job, license, etc.)
In Sherman Oaks and surrounding areas like Van Nuys and North Hollywood, most employers and licensing boards now require Live Scan instead of ink-and-roll prints for California-based background checks.
Who Typically Needs Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Not everyone needs Live Scan, but if you’re working with vulnerable populations, handling money, or applying for certain licenses, there’s a good chance it’s required. Common examples include:
Employment and Volunteer Roles
- Teachers and school staff – public, private, and charter schools
- Daycare and childcare workers – including in-home daycare
- Healthcare roles – CNAs, caregivers, home health aides, some clinic staff
- Youth sports coaches and volunteers
- Nonprofit and church volunteers who work with kids, seniors, or disabled adults
Licensing and Certification
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Contractors and other state-licensed trades
- Security guards and other BSIS licenses
- Nursing and medical licenses (depending on the board)
- Notary public commission applicants
Other Situations
- Adoption and foster care background checks
- Immigration-related background checks (in some cases)
- Personal record review (checking your own DOJ or FBI record)
When in doubt, the agency asking for the background check (employer, licensing board, school, or government office) should tell you if Live Scan is specifically required.
DOJ vs. FBI Checks: What’s the Difference?
On your Live Scan form, you’ll usually see boxes indicating where your fingerprints are being sent. The most common options are:
- DOJ only – California state-level check
- FBI only – federal-level check
- DOJ + FBI – both state and federal records
You don’t choose this yourself; the requesting agency decides what they need. Your role is to bring the correct form and valid ID, and the Live Scan operator (that’s us) submits your fingerprints exactly as requested.
When DOJ Checks Are Common
- California-specific jobs and licenses
- Volunteer roles through California organizations
- Some local government positions in Los Angeles County
When FBI Checks May Be Added
- Positions with national oversight
- Some professional licenses or immigration-related processes
- Situations where both state and federal records are needed
In our Sherman Oaks location, we routinely process both DOJ-only and DOJ+FBI submissions. The exact type of check is already encoded on your form—another reason why showing up with the correct paperwork is critical.
Your Live Scan Pre-Visit Checklist
Here’s what to have ready before you head to 5632 Van Nuys Blvd or any Live Scan site in the San Fernando Valley. Skipping one of these can delay your background check.
1. Live Scan Request Form (Most Important Item)
You must bring the correct, completed Live Scan form provided by the agency that’s requiring your background check. Common forms include:
- “Request for Live Scan Service” forms for jobs or licenses
- Specialized forms for adoption, foster care, or volunteers
- Forms labeled with the correct ORI code and “Mail Code” (if applicable)
Before your visit, double-check that:
- The form is issued by your specific employer or agency
- The top sections (agency info) are already filled out by them
- You know whether you need multiple copies (some schools or agencies ask you to keep a copy for your records)
If you’re unsure which form you need, contact the organization requiring the background check—neither we nor any Live Scan provider can choose a form or tell you which one is “correct” for your situation.
2. Valid, Unexpired Photo ID
Bring one of the following primary IDs:
- California driver’s license
- California ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Alien registration card/green card
- U.S. military ID
Secondary IDs can sometimes be accepted in combination, but the easiest, fastest experience is with a single, unexpired government-issued photo ID. If you’re not sure whether your ID will work, call us ahead of time at (818) 990-1129.
3. Payment Method and Fee Awareness
There are typically two parts to the cost of Live Scan:
- Rolling fee – what we charge to capture and submit your fingerprints
- Government fees – what DOJ and/or FBI charge for the background check itself
Sometimes your employer or organization covers the government fee, sometimes they don’t. Check your form or ask the requesting agency so you’re not surprised at the counter.
4. Clean, Dry Hands
It sounds simple, but it matters. For clean digital prints:
- Wash your hands before arriving
- Avoid lotions or oils the day of your appointment
- Remove bandages if possible, or let us know about cuts and injuries
If your fingertips are very dry, cracked, or worn (for example, from certain types of manual work), the system may need extra attempts—so plan a little extra time if this applies to you.
What Happens During Your Live Scan Appointment?
Most Live Scan visits at our Sherman Oaks location take about 10–20 minutes once you sit down with the operator. Here’s the step-by-step flow:
- Check-in and form review – we verify your ID and make sure your Live Scan form is complete where required.
- Data entry – we enter the information exactly as shown on your form (name, date of birth, agency info, type of check, etc.).
- Fingerprint capture – you’ll place each finger on a digital scanner that captures your prints in real time.
- Quality check – the system checks the quality of each fingerprint; we may re-scan a finger to improve clarity.
- Submission – once approved, your prints are sent electronically to DOJ and/or FBI.
- Receipt – you get a copy of your Live Scan form or a transaction receipt with an ATI number. Keep this for your records.
That ATI number is proof you completed your Live Scan. If the agency says they’re waiting on your background check, they may ask you for this number to help them track your submission.
How Long Do Live Scan Results Take?
Processing times are set by DOJ/FBI, not by Live Scan locations, and they can vary. In our experience serving Sherman Oaks and nearby areas like Van Nuys and Encino, common timelines are:
- DOJ checks – often within a few business days
- DOJ + FBI checks – typically a few days to a couple of weeks
Some checks are faster, some slower, depending on:
- Current DOJ/FBI workload
- Whether your name or identifiers need manual review
- The specific type of background check being done
Important: Results do not come back to you or the Live Scan provider. They go directly to the requesting agency listed on your form (school, employer, state board, etc.). If you’re wondering about status, contact that agency—not the Live Scan site.
Common Live Scan Mistakes to Avoid
Want to avoid delays? Here are the issues we see most often at our 91401 Sherman Oaks office—and how to prevent them.
- Missing or incorrect form – showing up without the right Live Scan form, or with one that doesn’t match your agency. Always verify with your employer or licensing board before you come.
- Expired ID – an out-of-date driver’s license or ID card can’t be accepted. Renew it first if needed.
- Assuming results come to you – Live Scan is not like ordering your own record online; the agency on the form is the recipient.
- Waiting until the last minute – if you’re facing a job start date or license deadline, give yourself extra time in case DOJ/FBI processing takes longer than expected.
Live Scan vs. Other Services You May Need
Depending on why you’re doing Live Scan fingerprinting, you might also need help with other documents or services. At Federal Mailbox Center, we often combine Live Scan with:
- Employment or licensing paperwork that may require notary services
- Printed applications or copies that you can handle with our in-store printing services
- Background check forms or documents that must be mailed via certified or trackable options, handled through our shipping services
If you’re unsure what you need, bring your paperwork and instructions, and we can help you sort out what can be done in a single visit.
Preparing for Your Visit to Federal Mailbox Center
If you’re in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, our location is easy to get to and designed for quick in-and-out visits. To make things even smoother, you can book an appointment so your Live Scan session is reserved on our schedule.
For those who need ongoing business support—like real estate professionals, contractors, or mobile notaries—we also offer mailbox rental so you can maintain a stable business address and receive important licensing and background check correspondence securely.
Ready to Get Your Live Scan Done?
If you’re ready to complete your Live Scan fingerprinting, gather your request form, valid ID, and payment method, and head over to Federal Mailbox Center at 5632 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401. You can walk in or schedule a visit online for added convenience. Have questions about required documents or timing before you come? Call us at (818) 990-1129 and we’ll help you get prepared so your Live Scan, DOJ/FBI checks, and related paperwork go as smoothly as possible. If you also need a secure business address, explore our private mailbox options, or if you’re mailing completed forms and documents, request an online shipping quote to plan your next steps.