STEP-BY-STEP LIVE SCAN PROCESS
New to Live Scan fingerprinting? This guide walks you through the process from scheduling your appointment, to getting fingerprinted, to how your background check results are sent to your agency.
Hablamos español – podemos explicarle el proceso de Live Scan paso a paso en inglés o español.
Our office is located at 708 N Marengo Ave. Suite #A in Pasadena, CA 91103 – open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed 1:00–1:45 PM).
Before Your Visit
Get your Request for Live Scan form from your employer, school, board, or agency, and make sure your ID is valid and unexpired before coming in.
During Your Appointment
We review your form, verify your ID, and capture your fingerprints electronically on our Live Scan device – most visits take only a few minutes.
After Submission
Your fingerprints are sent to the California DOJ and, if needed, the FBI. Results go directly to your requesting agency, not to our office.
Step-by-Step: How the Live Scan Process Works
Follow these steps to make sure your Live Scan appointment at Pasadena Live Scan Service goes smoothly from start to finish.
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1Get Your Live Scan FormReceive Instructions from Your Requesting Agency
First, your employer, licensing board, school or other “requesting agency” gives you a Request for Live Scan Service form. This form tells us:
- Which agency is requesting your background check
- Which type of check is needed (DOJ, FBI, or both)
- The billing or “ORI” numbers needed for submission
Please bring the original form with you – we cannot guess or change agency information.
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2ScheduleSchedule Your Live Scan Appointment
Next, schedule a time that works for you at our Pasadena office:
- Use our online scheduler: Schedule Live Scan Appointment
- Or call us at (626) 792-2185 during business hours
- Same-day or next-day times may be available depending on volume
When scheduling, have your form nearby so you can confirm the service type (Live Scan vs. ink card).
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3PrepareWhat to Bring to Your Appointment
To avoid delays, please bring:
- Your completed Request for Live Scan Service form
- A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
- Any payment instructions from your agency (billing number, voucher, etc.)
If your ID is damaged or expired, call us first so we can advise you on acceptable alternatives.
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4At Our OfficeCheck-In, Form Review & Fingerprinting
When you arrive at Pasadena Live Scan Service, we will:
- Review your form to confirm the correct agency and type of check
- Verify your photo ID and have you sign where required
- Capture your fingerprints electronically using our Live Scan device
The process usually takes only a few minutes once you are seated at the scanner.
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5SubmissionElectronic Submission to DOJ and/or FBI
After your fingerprints are captured, we submit them electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, if required, the FBI. You will receive a:
- Copy of your Live Scan form
- Receipt with your ATI number (Applicant Tracking Identifier)
Keep this receipt – you’ll need the ATI number to check the status of your submission.
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6ResultsResults Sent to Your Requesting Agency
Once processing is complete, the DOJ and/or FBI sends your background check directly to the requesting agency listed on your form – not to our office and not to you.
Your agency then reviews the results and will contact you with next steps (approval, clearance, additional paperwork, etc.).
What to Bring & How to Get the Best Fingerprint Quality
A few simple preparations can help your Live Scan go quickly and reduce the chance of delays or resubmissions.
Checklist: What to Bring
Important: If any information on your form looks incomplete or unclear, bring any extra paperwork your agency provided so we can match it correctly.
Tips for Clear Fingerprints
- Avoid heavy lotions or oils on your hands right before your appointment
- Drink water and moisturize lightly in the days before if your skin is very dry
- Let us know if you have cuts, bandages, or very worn fingerprints
- Arrive a few minutes early to complete any final details
We’ll work with you to capture the best prints possible and reduce the chance of your agency asking for a rescan.
How to Check the Status of Your Live Scan
After you complete your fingerprints, you may want to confirm that your Live Scan was received and processed. Use your ATI number and date of birth to check status, or contact your requesting agency directly.
Check Status Online with Your ATI Number ? Example: AA123BB456 – printed at the bottom of your Live Scan receipt.
- Find your ATI number at the bottom of your Live Scan form/receipt.
- Go to the California DOJ Applicant Background Check Status page.
- Enter your ATI number and your date of birth exactly as shown on your form.
- Submit the form to see whether your background check is still in process or completed.
If your status shows as completed but your agency says they have not received anything, contact the requesting agency first. They are the only ones authorized to review your results.
Visit Pasadena Live Scan Service
We welcome individuals, families, employers, schools, law offices, and community organizations from Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada, Glendale, Burbank, the San Gabriel Valley, and throughout Los Angeles County.
📍 Office: 708 N Marengo Ave. Suite #A, Pasadena, CA 91103
📞 Phone: (626) 792-2185
📧 Email: Pasadenalivescan@gmail.com
🕒 Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed for lunch between 1:00pm–1:45pm
Accessibility note: We are located on the second floor and unfortunately do not have an elevator.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Live Scan Process
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
We strongly recommend making an appointment to keep your wait time short and ensure a technician is available when you arrive. Walk-ins may be accepted when our schedule allows, but priority is always given to scheduled appointments.
How long does it take for Live Scan results to be sent?
Many Live Scan submissions are processed by the California DOJ within a few business days, but the exact timing depends on your agency and the type of background check. Some agencies may take longer to review the results after they are received.
Can I check the status without an ATI number?
The ATI number is the fastest way to check your status online. If you do not have your ATI number, contact the requesting agency listed on your Live Scan form. They may be able to verify whether your results have been received.
Do you accept out-of-state or federal Live Scan forms?
We can handle many out-of-state and federal fingerprint requests, depending on the form and instructions. If you are unsure, email us a copy of your form or call our office before your visit so we can confirm the correct service (Live Scan vs. ink card).