Live Scan fingerprinting has become a routine part of getting hired, licensed, or cleared to volunteer in California. If you live or work in the San Fernando Valley, there’s a good chance you’ll need Live Scan at some point for a new job, professional license, or background check requirement.
This guide walks you through what Live Scan is, who needs it, what to bring, and how FBI/DOJ background checks work—so you can show up prepared and avoid delays. At Federal Mailbox Center in Sherman Oaks, we provide convenient Live Scan fingerprinting services right on Van Nuys Blvd, making the process as quick and stress-free as possible.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is an inkless, electronic fingerprinting process used by government agencies and employers to run background checks. Instead of ink and paper cards, your fingerprints are captured on a digital scanner and securely transmitted to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, when required, the FBI.
Those agencies then compare your fingerprints to their databases and send the results directly back to the requesting agency—such as an employer, licensing board, or government department. Your Live Scan provider, like Federal Mailbox Center, never receives or reviews your criminal history; we simply capture and transmit your prints.
Who Needs Live Scan Fingerprinting?
In California, many roles in education, healthcare, and public safety require Live Scan fingerprinting. If you’re in the Sherman Oaks or greater San Fernando Valley area, you may be asked to complete Live Scan for:
- Employment
- Teachers, school employees, and childcare workers
- Healthcare workers (nurses, caregivers, home health aides)
- Financial services and banking staff
- Government, city, county, or state employees
- Security guards and law enforcement applicants
- Professional Licensing
- Real estate agents and brokers (CA DRE)
- Notaries public
- Contractors (CSLB)
- Nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals
- Attorneys and certain legal professionals
- Volunteer and Community Roles
- School and youth sports volunteers
- Non-profit and faith-based organization volunteers
- Mentor and coaching programs
- Adoption, Foster Care, and Custody Cases
- Prospective adoptive parents
- Foster parents and household members
- Court-ordered background checks
If you’re unsure whether you need Live Scan, check your instructions from the requesting agency. They will clearly state if a Live Scan is required and will provide the form you must bring with you.
Understanding DOJ and FBI Background Checks
Most Live Scan requests in California involve one or both of these checks:
California DOJ (Department of Justice) Check
The DOJ check searches California’s criminal history records. It is commonly required for state-level licenses, local jobs, and volunteer positions within California. The requesting agency selects which records they are legally allowed to receive based on state law.
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Check
An FBI check searches national criminal databases. This is often required for positions that involve vulnerable populations, multi-state responsibilities, or higher levels of trust and security.
Some Live Scan requests are DOJ-only, others are FBI-only, and many require both. You do not choose this yourself; it is determined by the agency requesting your background check and indicated on your Live Scan form.
Required Documents for Live Scan in California
To ensure a smooth appointment at Federal Mailbox Center in Sherman Oaks, you’ll need to bring:
1. Your Completed Live Scan Request Form
This is the most important requirement. Live Scan providers cannot process you without it. The form is usually one of the following:
- BCIA 8016 – Request for Live Scan Service (most common)
- Specialized versions for certain agencies (e.g., DOJ, licensing boards)
Your agency/employer should give you this form. Before you arrive:
- Make sure the ORI code (Originating Agency Identifier) is filled in.
- Confirm the mail code and agency address are completed.
- Check the appropriate DOJ/FBI boxes are marked by the agency.
- Fill in your personal information neatly and accurately.
Tip: Do not sign any sections that indicate "For Official Use" or are designated for the Live Scan operator—those will be completed during your visit.
2. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
Bring one of the following legitimate, unexpired IDs:
- California driver’s license or ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Foreign passport with valid U.S. visa or status
- State-issued driver’s license or ID from another U.S. state
If your primary ID is expired or unavailable, call ahead to ask what secondary documentation may be accepted. In many cases, expired IDs cannot be used.
3. Payment Method
Live Scan fees typically include two parts:
- Rolling fee – Charged by the Live Scan location for capturing and transmitting your fingerprints.
- Government fees – Set by the DOJ and/or FBI, depending on your type of check.
At Federal Mailbox Center in Sherman Oaks, we can explain the total cost for your specific form before you come in. Payment methods vary by location, so it’s wise to confirm whether cash, card, or other forms are accepted.
How Long Does Live Scan Processing Take?
Processing times for Live Scan background checks can vary based on several factors:
- DOJ-only checks – Often complete within 2–5 business days.
- DOJ + FBI checks – Typically 3–7 business days, sometimes longer.
- Manual review or record hits – If records are found or your prints are hard to read, processing may take longer.
The results are sent directly to the requesting agency, not to you or the Live Scan provider. If you are waiting on clearance for a job or license, follow up with the agency that requested your Live Scan if you haven’t heard back after their estimated timeframe.
Tip for San Fernando Valley applicants: Plan ahead. If your start date or exam deadline is approaching, get your Live Scan completed as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress.
What to Expect During Your Live Scan Appointment
A typical Live Scan visit at Federal Mailbox Center in Sherman Oaks takes about 10–20 minutes once you’re being processed. Here’s the step-by-step experience:
- Check-in – You present your Live Scan form and valid ID. The operator verifies that your form is complete and matches your ID.
- Data entry – Your personal details from the form (name, date of birth, etc.) are entered into the Live Scan system.
- Fingerprint capture – Your fingers are placed on the electronic scanner one by one and then in rolled positions. The operator may clean the glass between scans to improve quality.
- Quality check – The system checks for clear, readable prints. If necessary, the operator will retake any prints that did not capture well.
- Confirmation and receipt – Once submitted, you receive a copy of the form or a transaction receipt. Keep this for your records; some agencies may ask for proof you completed Live Scan.
The process is non-invasive and generally quick. If you have very dry, moist, or calloused hands, it may take a few extra minutes to capture clear prints—but a skilled operator will work with you to get the best possible results.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Live Scan Visit
A little preparation can help you get in and out faster, especially if you’re stopping by on a busy day in Sherman Oaks. Here are practical tips:
- Check your form twice – Confirm it’s the correct form for your agency, all required fields are filled out, and nothing is missing at the top.
- Bring proper ID – Use a current, government-issued ID to avoid being turned away.
- Care for your hands – If your hands are very dry, apply lotion a few hours before (not right before) your appointment. If they’re oily, wash gently and dry thoroughly.
- Know your agency’s details – Make sure you know who is supposed to receive the results and that their information is on the form.
- Ask about hours – Check our current Live Scan hours and whether appointments or walk-ins are accepted.
Live Scan Services in Sherman Oaks and the San Fernando Valley
For residents and businesses in Sherman Oaks and across the San Fernando Valley, having a convenient, reliable Live Scan location saves time and reduces stress when you’re starting a new chapter—whether that’s a new job, a professional license, or a volunteer opportunity.
Federal Mailbox Center
5632 Van Nuys Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
We provide Live Scan fingerprinting for a wide range of California DOJ and FBI background checks, along with other business and shipping services to support your day-to-day needs.
If you have questions about what to bring, fees, or how the process works for your specific form, contact us before your visit and we’ll help you get ready. With the right documents and a little preparation, your Live Scan appointment can be quick, efficient, and one less thing to worry about.