LIVE SCAN FINGERPRINTING
Pasadena Live Scan system captures your fingerprints digitally and transmits them electronically to the California DOJ (and the FBI when required). If you were given a Request for Live Scan Service form, we’ll help you complete it quickly and correctly.
Bring your Live Scan form and a valid photo ID. Results go to your requesting agency (not to you).
Get Your Live Scan Form
Your employer, licensing board, school, or agency provides the “Request for Live Scan Service” form.
Bring Form + Valid ID
We review your form, verify your ID, then capture your fingerprints on Live Scan equipment.
We Transmit Electronically
We transmit to DOJ (and FBI/others if listed). Your requesting agency receives the results directly.
What Live Scan Is & Who It’s For
Live Scan is required for many positions of trust in California—employment, professional licenses, volunteering, immigration-related matters, and other agency programs. Below is a quick overview of what it is, what to bring, and what happens after submission.
Digital Capture + Electronic Submission
- Fingerprints are captured digitally (no ink cards)
- Submitted electronically to California DOJ
- FBI submission happens when required by your form
- Results are sent to the requesting agency
Form + Valid Photo ID
- Completed “Request for Live Scan Service” form
- Valid, unexpired government photo ID
- Payment method (unless your form has billing)
- Any extra agency instructions or letters
Track Status with ATI
- Keep your ATI number + transaction date
- Check status on the DOJ portal
- Rejections can happen due to print quality
- Questions about results go to your agency
Live Scan Fees
Your total cost depends on your Live Scan purpose. You always pay our $19 rolling fee, plus any government fees (DOJ/FBI/other agency fees) unless your form includes a valid billing number.
| Fee Type | What It Covers | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Fee (Our Service) | Fingerprint capture + electronic submission | $19 | Charged per Live Scan transaction |
| Government Fees | DOJ / FBI / agency processing | Varies | Depends on the purpose (license, employment, volunteer, etc.). See fee schedule: DOJ fees |
Billing number on your form? In many cases, that means your organization covers the government fees, and you may only pay the $19 rolling fee at our office.
What To Bring for Live Scan
Checklist: What to Bring
- Original Request for Live Scan Service form from your agency
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
- Any agency-specific instructions or letters you received
- Payment method accepted by our office (if your agency is not billed)
Helpful Reminders
- Arrive a few minutes early for form review
- Most visits take about 15 minutes
- Results go to your agency (not to you)
- Keep your ATI number to check status
Check your status here: DOJ Applicant Status.
Top Reasons People Visit Our Pasadena Live Scan Office
These are some of the most common situations where people are required to complete a California Live Scan fingerprint-based background check.
New Job or Employment
Many employers, including schools, healthcare facilities, security companies and government agencies, require Live Scan before you can start work in a position of trust.
Professional License
Real estate agents, brokers, notaries, CPAs, contractors, and other licensed professionals use Live Scan when applying for new licenses or renewing their credentials.
Volunteering & Community Programs
Volunteers and coaches who work with children, seniors or vulnerable populations often need Live Scan for non-profit organizations, youth sports, churches and community groups.
Immigration, Adoption & Legal Matters
Some immigration cases, adoptions, guardianships and court-related appointments require a fingerprint-based background check through California Live Scan.
Who Pays the Government Fees?
The way your Live Scan fees are paid depends on your requesting agency and what the Live Scan is for.
- If your Live Scan form shows a Billing Number (sometimes tendency “Agency Billing Number” or “BIL”), it usually means your organization has arranged to be billed directly by the DOJ for government fees.
- When a valid billing number is present, you may only pay the $19 rolling fee at our office.
- If there is no billing number on your form, you are typically responsible for both the rolling fee and all government fees at the time of your appointment.
- Agencies and employers who frequently send applicants can learn more about setting up an account with us on our Agency Partnerships page or by visiting the Employer/Organization Business Account Setup page.
Live Scan Questions (Quick Answers)
The most common Live Scan questions.
How long does a Live Scan appointment take? ⌄
How do I check my Live Scan status? ⌄
Do I receive a copy of my background check results? ⌄
What ID is accepted for Live Scan? ⌄
Do you accept walk-ins for Live Scan in Pasadena? ⌄
What happens if my Live Scan is rejected? ⌄
Need more details? We’re building a full Live Scan FAQ library with longer answers, examples, and common scenarios.
View All Live Scan FAQsPasadena Live Scan Service Location
Convenient for Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Glendale, Burbank, and the greater Los Angeles area. Appointments are recommended to keep your visit fast and organized.