THE LIVE SCAN PROCESS, STEP BY STEP
New to California Live Scan fingerprinting? Follow the process from receiving your Request for Live Scan Service form through fingerprint capture, electronic submission, and checking the status of your background check.
Hablamos español. If you are unsure whether your paperwork requires California Live Scan, FD-258 ink cards, or another fingerprint service, call us before scheduling.
See Exactly What Happens During Live Scan
Select any step below, or use the Previous and Next buttons to move through the process.
Get Your Request for Live Scan Service Form
Your employer, licensing board, school, government agency, or other requesting organization should provide the fingerprinting instructions and the correct Request for Live Scan Service form.
Agency information such as the ORI and applicant type tells the Live Scan system where the transaction belongs.
Your requesting agency determines whether the authorized background check includes California DOJ only or DOJ plus FBI processing.
Schedule Your Live Scan Appointment
Once you have the correct paperwork, schedule your visit to Pasadena Live Scan Service. Appointments are recommended so time can be reserved for your fingerprinting service.
Use the appointment page to select a time for your visit.
Walk-ins may be accepted when the schedule allows, but an appointment is the best way to reserve time for your visit.
Bring Your Form and Valid Photo Identification
Having the correct paperwork and identification ready helps avoid unnecessary delays when you arrive.
Bring the completed form supplied or directed by your requesting agency.
Bring an acceptable government-issued photo identification document.
Bring any voucher, billing number, authorization, or other instructions your organization provided.
Check In, Review Your Form, and Capture Your Fingerprints
At your appointment, we review the information needed for the transaction, verify your identification, and capture your fingerprints electronically.
We review the information provided on your Live Scan form.
Your valid photo identification is checked before fingerprinting.
Your fingerprints are captured using the Live Scan device.
Your Fingerprint Transaction Is Submitted Electronically
After capture, the Live Scan transaction is transmitted electronically to the California Department of Justice. FBI processing is included when it is authorized and required by the requesting agency.
DOJ Processes the Transaction and Sends the Response
For applicant-agency Live Scan background checks, the California DOJ sends the response to the requesting agency after processing. Pasadena Live Scan Service does not receive or make the agency's employment, licensing, or suitability decision.
Use your ATI number and date of birth on the official California DOJ status page.
The requesting agency reviews the response and handles any next steps with you.
The DOJ status tool requires your ATI number and date of birth. Transaction status is not the same as an employment, licensing, or clearance decision.
Before and After Your Live Scan
Your Agency Provides the Correct Form
The requesting organization determines why you are being fingerprinted and the level of background-check service it is authorized to receive.
Your ATI Number Tracks the Transaction
Keep your ATI after the appointment. The California DOJ status checker requires the ATI number and your date of birth.
Your Agency Handles the Result
For applicant-agency Live Scan, the requesting agency receives the DOJ response and handles the next step in its own process.
Check Your Live Scan Transaction Status
California DOJ provides an official Applicant Background Check Status tool. Have your ATI number and date of birth available before opening it.
Find the ATI number from your Live Scan transaction paperwork.
Open the official California DOJ status checker.
Enter the ATI number and date of birth to view transaction status.
Questions About the Process
Where do I get the Request for Live Scan Service form? ⌄
What identification should I bring? ⌄
How long does California DOJ processing take? ⌄
How do I check the status of my Live Scan? ⌄
Does Pasadena Live Scan Service receive my background-check results? ⌄
Bring Your Form and Valid ID
Schedule your Pasadena appointment online, or call if you have a question about your paperwork first.