If you’re applying for a job, license, or volunteer role in California, there’s a good chance you’ve been told, “You need a live scan.” For many people in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, and across the San Fernando Valley, that’s when the questions start: What exactly is live scan? How fast are FBI/DOJ results? What do I bring? Can I reuse my fingerprints?
This FAQ-style guide is designed to give you clear, practical answers so you can walk into your live scan appointment prepared and walk out confident your background check will process smoothly.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting and How Does It Work?
Live scan is an electronic fingerprinting process used in California to run background checks through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and, in many cases, the FBI. Instead of inky paper cards, your fingerprints are captured digitally on a scanner, then securely transmitted to the government agency that requested your background check.
Here’s what happens behind the scenes after your visit:
- Your prints are captured: A certified live scan technician rolls each finger on a glass scanner that records your prints in high resolution.
- Data is encrypted and sent: Your personal information and fingerprints are transmitted to DOJ (and FBI, if requested on your form).
- Background check runs: Your prints are checked against state and/or federal criminal history databases.
- Results go to the requesting agency: Results are sent directly to the employer, licensing board, or organization listed on your request form—not to you or the live scan location.
At Federal Mailbox Center in Sherman Oaks, we provide live scan fingerprinting for a wide range of California forms and agencies, including local employers and licensing boards that serve the 91401 area and beyond.
Who Actually Needs Live Scan in California?
Live scan is required for many roles and licenses in California. If you live or work in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, you might need live scan for:
- Education & childcare
- Teachers, substitute teachers, school staff
- Daycare and preschool employees
- Tutors and after-school program staff
- Healthcare & caregiving
- Nurses, CNAs, home health aides
- Caregivers for seniors or people with disabilities
- Some medical office and hospital staff
- Professional licensing
- Real estate salespersons and brokers
- Contractors, security guards, and notaries
- Many state-regulated trades and professions
- Volunteers & non-profits
- Volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults
- Coaches and youth program leaders
- Adoptions & foster care
- Prospective foster parents
- Adoptive parents and some household members
The key thing to remember: you cannot decide on your own to “do a live scan just to check your record.” A government agency, employer, or organization must give you a specific live scan Request for Live Scan Service form that includes their “ORI” number and billing information.
What’s the Difference Between DOJ and FBI Checks?
On your live scan form, you’ll usually see boxes for “DOJ,” “FBI,” or sometimes both. Here’s what that means:
- DOJ (California Department of Justice): Searches your California criminal history record, if any. This is required for most in-state jobs and licenses.
- FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): Searches your national criminal history record, if any. Common for licenses with higher security standards, immigration-related checks, or positions that involve sensitive information or vulnerable populations.
You don’t choose DOJ or FBI yourself—the requesting agency decides what level of background check they need and marks it on your form. The live scan location simply follows what’s written on that form.
What Documents Do I Need to Bring to My Live Scan?
Showing up prepared is the easiest way to keep your visit quick and your results on track. In most cases, you’ll need:
- 1. Your completed Request for Live Scan Service form
- This form is provided by the agency, employer, school, or licensing board.
- Make sure the top section (ORI, agency name, job title, etc.) is already filled out by them.
- You’ll typically fill in your personal info (name, address, date of birth, etc.) before your appointment.
- 2. A valid, government-issued photo ID
- California driver’s license or ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Out-of-state driver’s license (if valid)
- Military ID or other acceptable government-issued ID
- 3. Payment method
- Live scan fees usually include a “rolling fee” (what the location charges to capture your prints) plus government fees when applicable.
- Check with your requesting agency if they’re covering any of the fees or if you pay at the live scan location.
If your ID is expired or doesn’t match the name on your live scan form, resolve that before your appointment. That’s one of the most common causes of delays or rescheduling.
What If I Don’t Have a Standard Photo ID?
If you don’t have a typical ID like a driver’s license or passport, contact the agency requesting your live scan to ask which alternative IDs are acceptable. Do this before you come in, so you don’t make an unnecessary trip—especially if you’re traveling from elsewhere in the Valley to Sherman Oaks or Van Nuys.
How Long Do Live Scan Results Take?
Processing times can vary depending on several factors, but here’s a general idea:
- Most California DOJ checks: Often process within a few business days after submission.
- DOJ + FBI checks: May take a little longer, especially during periods of high volume.
- Additional review needed: If there are potential matches or records that need manual review, processing can take more time.
Remember, results never come back to the live scan site. They go directly to the requesting agency. If you’re waiting on a job or license in the 91401 area and it’s taking longer than expected, contact the agency that asked for the live scan. They can tell you whether your results have arrived or if further steps are required.
Can I Speed Up My Live Scan Results?
You can’t “rush” the DOJ or FBI, but you can avoid common delays by:
- Bringing a fully and correctly completed live scan form.
- Ensuring your name, date of birth, and identifying information are accurate and legible.
- Making sure your ID is current and matches your form.
- Taking care of your hands before your appointment (see below).
At Federal Mailbox Center, we verify your form and ID details on-site and capture clear fingerprints to help your background check move through the system as smoothly as possible.
What If My Fingerprints Are Hard to Read?
Some people have fingerprints that are harder to capture—particularly those who work with their hands, older adults, or anyone with very dry or damaged skin. The good news: there are simple steps you can take.
Before your appointment:
- Hydrate your hands: Use a non-greasy lotion regularly for a few days before your live scan, especially if your skin is dry or cracked.
- Avoid cuts and abrasions if possible: Fresh cuts, bandages, or peeling skin can affect print quality.
- Skip heavy lotions right before: On the day of, avoid overly oily products immediately before your appointment—they can cause smudging.
Our technicians in Sherman Oaks are trained to work patiently with difficult fingerprints, taking multiple captures and using different angles and techniques to improve quality before submitting your prints.
Can I Reuse My Live Scan for Another Job or License?
This is one of the most common questions we hear in the San Fernando Valley, and the answer is usually: no.
In California, live scan results are tied to the specific agency and purpose listed on your form. That means:
- Your real estate license live scan can’t usually be reused for a teaching job.
- A school district live scan won’t automatically transfer to a non-profit or hospital.
- Even similar jobs in different districts or organizations may require separate live scans.
There are a few narrow exceptions where agencies share data, but you should assume you’ll need a new live scan each time an organization gives you a new Request for Live Scan Service form.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Live Scan Appointment
To keep your visit quick and avoid repeat trips, follow this simple checklist:
- Confirm your form: Make sure you have the correct Request for Live Scan Service form for your specific job, license, or volunteer role.
- Fill out your portion in advance: Complete the sections with your personal information before you arrive.
- Bring valid ID: Check that your photo ID is current and matches the name on your form.
- Care for your hands: Use lotion in the days prior if your skin tends to be dry, and avoid cuts or abrasions if you can.
- Know your payment options: Ask in advance whether your agency is covering fees or if you’ll pay at your appointment.
If you’re juggling errands around Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks, you can also book an appointment to lock in a time that fits your day, rather than waiting in line.
How Live Scan Fits with Other Business and Identity Services
Many people who come to us for live scan fingerprinting are also in the middle of other paperwork: starting a business, applying for a state license, or updating identification documents.
At Federal Mailbox Center, you can bundle your visit with other services like:
- Notary services for licensing forms, affidavits, or state application paperwork.
- Printing services for application packets, ID copies, or supporting documents.
- Passport services if you’re also planning travel, work overseas, or need additional identification.
- Mailbox rental if you need a secure, professional address for licensing boards, employers, or business correspondence.
This can be especially convenient if you’re coordinating multiple requirements for a new job or license here in the 91401 zip code, where timing and paperwork often need to line up perfectly.
Ready for Your Live Scan in Sherman Oaks?
If you’ve been told you need a background check and live scan fingerprints, we’re here to make the process straightforward and stress-free. Bring your Request for Live Scan Service form, a valid ID, and any questions you have—we’ll walk you through each step.
To plan your visit, you can call us at (818) 990-1129, stop by Federal Mailbox Center at 5632 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401, or schedule a visit online. If you’re comparing options or budgeting for onboarding costs, feel free to request an instant shipping rates and service pricing overview, or explore our mailbox rental options while you’re here.