FBI CHANNELING SERVICES
Need an FBI Identity History Summary or federal fingerprint-based background check? Pasadena Live Scan Service provides digital fingerprint capture and FBI channeling assistance for qualifying requests processed through an approved channeling pathway.
Hablamos español. If another organization gave you fingerprinting instructions, bring them with you so we can help determine whether FBI channeling, California Live Scan, FD-258 ink cards, or print-to-card is the correct service.
Confirm the Correct Service
We review your purpose and any instructions you were given before starting the fingerprint transaction.
Capture Your Fingerprints
Your fingerprints are captured digitally and checked for image quality before submission.
Channeling Submission
Qualifying requests are transmitted through an FBI-approved channeling process for FBI processing.
What Is FBI Channeling?
An FBI-approved channeler is a private organization authorized to electronically submit qualifying fingerprint-based requests to the FBI and return the FBI response to the requester. Channeling can reduce the need to mail a physical fingerprint card directly to the FBI and is commonly used for eligible FBI Identity History Summary requests.
Electronic Fingerprint Capture
Your fingerprints are captured electronically at our Pasadena office instead of being manually mailed as a traditional fingerprint card for the channeling transaction.
Approved Channeling Pathway
Pasadena Live Scan Service assists with fingerprint capture and submission through an approved FBI channeling pathway for eligible requests.
FBI Identity History Results
The FBI processes the fingerprint-based request and provides the applicable Identity History Summary response through the channeling process.
Do You Need FBI Channeling or Another Fingerprint Service?
Many fingerprinting requests sound similar but are processed differently. Use the guide below as a starting point, then follow the instructions from the organization requesting your background check.
FBI Channeling
Often appropriate when you need an eligible FBI Identity History Summary request handled electronically through an approved channeling process.
View $90 Pricing →California Live Scan
If you were given a California Request for Live Scan Service form for licensing, employment, volunteering, or another authorized purpose, you generally need California Live Scan.
View California Live Scan →FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting
If your instructions require a physical fingerprint card with traditional ink impressions, use our FD-258 ink-card service.
View FD-258 Ink →FD-258 Print-to-Card
If your agency accepts digitally captured fingerprints printed onto an FD-258 card, our print-to-card service may be the better option.
View Print-to-Card →When FBI Channeling May Be Appropriate
Common Reasons People Ask About FBI Channeling
- Obtaining your own FBI Identity History Summary
- Personal record review or verification
- Foreign-country, visa, travel, or immigration-related documentation when an FBI record is requested
- International employment or residence requirements that request an FBI Identity History Summary
- Other qualifying federal background-check purposes accepted by the channeling process
When You Should Confirm First
- U.S. employment or professional licensing
- California licensing or employment requiring a DOJ Live Scan form
- Adoption or government-agency background checks with specific statutory procedures
- Security-clearance or federal-employment instructions issued by a requesting agency
- Any request that specifically tells you where or how fingerprints must be submitted
How Our FBI Channeling Service Works
Review Your Purpose
Tell us why you need the FBI background check and show us any instructions you received. We help confirm whether channeling appears to be the correct fingerprinting route.
Verify Your Identification
Bring valid government-issued photo identification and any information required for the channeling request.
Capture Fingerprints Digitally
Our equipment captures your fingerprints electronically so image quality can be reviewed before submission.
Submit Through the Channeling Process
Qualifying fingerprint data and required applicant information are submitted through the approved channeling pathway for FBI processing.
Receive the FBI Response
Results normally take about 24 hours. However, processing is under the FBI's discretion, so we cannot guarantee that your results will be ready within 24 hours.
Use the Result as Required
Follow the instructions of the organization requesting your FBI record, including any authentication, apostille, translation, or document-submission requirements.
FBI Channeling Service Fee
Our FBI channeling service fee is clearly listed before your appointment.
FBI Channeling Assistance — $90
This service includes in-office identity review, digital fingerprint capture, quality review, and assistance with the eligible FBI channeling submission.
If a separate channeler, government, authentication, mailing, apostille, or other third-party fee applies to your specific request, we will explain what is known before proceeding.
What to Bring for FBI Channeling
Valid Photo Identification
Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport.
Your Instructions
Bring any email, letter, website instructions, application, or checklist explaining why the FBI background check is required.
Accurate Personal Information
Be prepared to provide the identifying information required for the request so your submission can be completed accurately.
Destination Requirements
If the result will be used outside the United States, bring any instructions concerning apostille, authentication, translation, or document delivery.
FBI Channeling vs. California DOJ Live Scan
FBI Channeling
Federal- Used for eligible FBI fingerprint-based record requests
- Processed through an FBI-approved channeling pathway
- May be used for personal record review and certain foreign/international purposes
- Our service fee: $90
California Live Scan
California DOJ- Usually requires a California Request for Live Scan Service form
- Used for authorized California licensing, employment, volunteering, permits, and similar purposes
- Results are generally sent to the requesting agency
- Our rolling fee: $21 plus applicable government fees
Common Questions About FBI Channeling
How much is FBI channeling at Pasadena Live Scan Service? ⌄
Is Pasadena Live Scan Service itself an FBI-approved channeler? ⌄
Is FBI channeling the same as California Live Scan? ⌄
How fast will I receive my FBI result? ⌄
Can I use FBI channeling for employment or professional licensing? ⌄
Can FBI channeling be used for visa, immigration, or use outside the United States? ⌄
Do you provide apostille services with the FBI background check? ⌄
What if I am not sure which fingerprint service I need? ⌄
Want to Verify the FBI Process?
The FBI publishes information about Identity History Summary Checks and maintains its official list of FBI-approved channelers.
FBI Channeling in Pasadena, California
Visit Pasadena Live Scan Service for FBI channeling assistance, California Live Scan, FD-258 ink fingerprint cards, and print-to-card services.
Need parking or arrival details? View the full location page . Accessibility: our office is on the second floor and is accessible by stairs only; the building does not have an elevator.