Understanding Live Scan Fingerprinting in California
If you live or work in the San Fernando Valley, chances are you or someone you know will eventually need Live Scan fingerprinting. Whether you are starting a new job, renewing a professional license, volunteering with kids, or applying for immigration-related benefits, Live Scan is how California agencies securely run state and federal background checks.
At Federal Mailbox Center in Sherman Oaks, we help neighbors every day who walk in a little unsure about the process: Which form do I need? Do I need an appointment? How long will results take? This guide breaks down who needs Live Scan, what documents you must bring, how FBI/DOJ checks actually work, and realistic processing times, so you can walk in prepared and walk out confident.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is California’s electronic fingerprinting system. Instead of using ink and paper cards, your fingerprints are captured digitally and transmitted directly to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, if required, the FBI.
Here’s what happens in a typical Live Scan session at our Sherman Oaks location:
- You bring your completed Request for Live Scan Service form (the “Live Scan form”) from the agency or employer that is asking for the background check.
- We verify your identity with a valid ID and confirm the form matches what your requesting agency needs.
- Your fingerprints are captured electronically using a scanner (no ink, no mess).
- We submit your fingerprints and data securely to DOJ and/or FBI.
- Your agency receives the results directly; they are not sent back to you or to Federal Mailbox Center.
Live Scan is required for most California-level background checks and for many federal checks that pass through the FBI’s criminal history database.
Who Actually Needs Live Scan Fingerprinting?
You might be surprised how many different situations require Live Scan. In the Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks area, the most common requests we see include:
1. Teachers, School Staff, and Childcare Workers
Anyone working with students or children is likely to need Live Scan. That includes:
- Teachers and substitute teachers (public, private, and charter schools)
- School district employees and contractors
- Daycare and preschool staff
- After-school program leaders, tutors, and camp counselors
These checks usually go through the California DOJ and sometimes the FBI, depending on the job and agency policies.
2. Healthcare and Caregiving Professionals
If you work in healthcare anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, Live Scan may be required for licensing, employment, or both. Typical applicants include:
- Nurses, CNAs, and medical assistants
- Home health aides and caregivers
- Hospice, assisted living, and skilled nursing facility staff
- Some therapists and social workers
These Live Scans often support licensing through California agencies such as the Department of Public Health or the Department of Social Services.
3. Real Estate, Finance, and Insurance Professionals
Various licensed professions require Live Scan for initial licensing and renewals, including:
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Mortgage loan originators
- Insurance producers and adjusters
- Some financial services and securities positions
If you are pursuing or renewing a license in California, check your licensing board’s website; most clearly state whether a Live Scan background check is required.
4. Security, Law Enforcement, and Firearms-Related Roles
Positions that involve safety, security, or access to sensitive areas almost always require a criminal background check:
- Security guards and alarm company employees
- Certain law enforcement–adjacent and civilian positions
- Concealed carry (CCW) and some firearms-related applications
These checks often involve both DOJ and FBI components, because they need to search nationwide databases, not just California records.
5. Volunteers and Nonprofit Workers
Many organizations in and around 91401 use Live Scan to screen volunteers, especially when they work with vulnerable populations. Common examples include:
- Youth sports leagues and coaching
- Mentoring and Big Brother/Big Sister programs
- Faith-based organizations and community centers
- Nonprofits that serve seniors, at-risk adults, or people with disabilities
In most of these cases, the organization will provide a Live Scan form and explain which type of background check they require.
6. Immigration, Adoption, and Professional Credentialing
Some federal and state-level processes also rely on Live Scan to supply fingerprints for FBI or DOJ checks, including:
- Certain immigration-related applications where fingerprints must be captured electronically
- Adoptions, foster care, and guardianship clearances
- Specialized professional credentials or state-level clearances
If your attorney or agency mentions a Live Scan requirement, ask them to provide the correct form and ORI number so your background check is routed properly.
DOJ vs. FBI Checks: What’s the Difference?
Most Live Scan forms specify one or both of these background checks:
- California Department of Justice (DOJ) check: Searches California criminal history records.
- FBI check: Searches national criminal history records maintained by the FBI.
Your requesting agency determines which databases need to be searched. Some jobs or licenses only need a California DOJ check, while others require both DOJ and FBI. The Live Scan operator (that’s us) cannot decide this for you; it must be printed on your form.
We see a mix of DOJ-only and DOJ+FBI requests from local employers in Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys. When in doubt, double-check with your HR department or licensing board before your appointment.
Required Documents: What to Bring to Your Live Scan
Showing up fully prepared is the easiest way to avoid delays. For a Live Scan appointment at Federal Mailbox Center, you should bring:
1. Your Completed Live Scan Form
This is the single most important document. It usually has a title like “Request for Live Scan Service” and is provided by the agency, employer, or licensing board that is requesting your background check.
Your form should include:
- The correct ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number
- The type of application (job title, license, volunteer role, etc.)
- Which background checks are required (DOJ, FBI, or both)
- Billing or agency number if they are covering fees
Bring the original form plus at least one clear copy if possible. We recommend keeping a photo of the form on your phone as a backup.
2. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
You must present acceptable identification so we can verify your identity before transmitting fingerprints. Common IDs include:
- California driver’s license or ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Military ID (in some cases)
If your ID is expired or damaged, bring a backup. If you are unsure whether your document is acceptable, call us at (818) 990-1129 before you come in.
3. Payment Method
Live Scan fees usually have two parts:
- Rolling fee: The service fee charged by the Live Scan provider.
- Government fees: DOJ/FBI processing fees, which vary depending on the type of application.
Sometimes your employer or agency covers the government fees through a billing number on your form; sometimes you pay everything out of pocket. We will review your form and explain the total cost before starting the scan.
How Long Do Live Scan Results Take?
Processing times can vary, but here is what most Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys clients experience:
- DOJ-only checks: Often processed within 2–3 business days.
- DOJ + FBI checks: Commonly 3–7 business days, depending on agency workload.
However, several factors can cause delays:
- High volume periods (for example, the start of the school year, licensing deadlines)
- Manual review needed when records exist
- Incorrect information on the form (wrong ORI, missing data)
Remember: The results go to the requesting agency, not to you and not to the Live Scan location. If you are wondering about the status, here is the best approach:
- First, confirm with your employer or licensing board whether they’ve received the report.
- If they haven’t, ask them how to check status with DOJ or FBI—many agencies have tracking procedures using your ATI number.
We can confirm when your Live Scan was submitted and provide your ATI number, but we cannot see the contents of your background check or speed up the processing once it’s in the government’s hands.
How to Avoid Live Scan Delays and Rejections
Occasionally, fingerprints need to be retaken due to image quality or missing data. You can lower that risk with a few simple steps:
- Hydrate and moisturize: If your hands are very dry or cracked, use lotion (but not immediately before your appointment) and drink plenty of water the day before.
- Avoid finger cuts: Fresh cuts or bandages can make prints unreadable. If possible, reschedule until your skin heals.
- Double-check your form: Make sure all required fields are filled out before you arrive.
- Arrive a few minutes early: Rushing often leads to mistakes on forms and IDs.
If DOJ or FBI rejects your prints due to image quality, your requesting agency may allow a resubmission at no additional government fee. Policies vary by agency, but our staff can help you understand the next steps if that happens.
Do You Need an Appointment for Live Scan?
Walk-ins are often welcome, but Live Scan demand can fluctuate throughout the day—especially around lunchtime and just after work hours in the Van Nuys corridor. To minimize your wait and make sure you have everything you need, it is smart to book an appointment ahead of time.
When you schedule a visit with Federal Mailbox Center, we can:
- Review any questions about your form over the phone
- Confirm acceptable IDs and fees
- Give you realistic timing based on current volume
This is especially helpful if you are coordinating your Live Scan with other errands, like mailing documents, using our printing services, or shipping paperwork to your licensing board through our shipping services.
Live Scan in Sherman Oaks: Local, Convenient, and Reliable
Living or working in the 91401 area means you don’t need to drive across Los Angeles to get a Live Scan done. Federal Mailbox Center is conveniently located at 5632 Van Nuys Blvd, right in Sherman Oaks, close to major streets and freeways serving the wider San Fernando Valley.
Because we are a family-owned local business, we understand that background checks are often time-sensitive. We see applicants on tight deadlines for new jobs, school starts, or license expirations, and we work hard to make the experience quick, clear, and stress-free.
Get Your Live Scan Done Right the First Time
If you have a Live Scan form in your hand and are not sure what to do next, you are already halfway there. Bring your form, valid ID, and payment method, and our team will guide you through each step, from capturing your fingerprints to submitting them securely to DOJ and FBI.
To plan ahead, you can call us at (818) 990-1129, stop by Federal Mailbox Center at 5632 Van Nuys Blvd in Sherman Oaks, or book an appointment online. If you are handling multiple tasks—like mailing license paperwork or printing application packets—ask our staff how our printing services and shipping services can save you extra trips. We are here to help you get your Live Scan fingerprinting and background checks completed smoothly, so you can move forward with your job, license, or volunteer work without unnecessary delays.