Livescan Finger Printing
Private Professional Livescan Finger Printing
Live Scan is mandatory when a state law, regulation, or licensing authority requires a fingerprint-based background check through the California Department of Justice (and sometimes the FBI). Visit our Los Angeles Branch or Duarte Branch in Southern California.
Jobs & Industries Where Live Scan Is Required
Working With Vulnerable Populations
Required by statute for roles involving:
- Children (schools, childcare, youth programs)
- Elderly (senior care, assisted living)
- Disabled individuals
Examples:
- Teachers, aides, school staff
- Childcare workers
- Home health aides
Governing authorities often include:
- California Department of Social Services
- California Department of Education
State-Licensed or Certified Profession
Live Scan is required as a condition of licensure for many professions, such as:
- Nurses and healthcare professionals
- Notaries public
- Real estate professionals
- Security guards
- Contractors (certain classifications)
Licensing agencies include:
- California Secretary of State
- Department of Consumer Affairs
Government & Public Agency Employment
Most state, county, and municipal positions require Live Scan, including:
- City and county employees
- Public safety staff
- Public agency contractors with access to sensitive data
Positions Requiring Ongoing Criminal Monitoring
Some statutes require subsequent arrest notifications, meaning the DOJ will notify the employer or licensing body if the individual is arrested after hire.
This can only be done through Live Scan.
Live Scan Fingerprinting in California
Crossroads Drug & Alcohol Testing provides California Live Scan fingerprinting services for employment, professional licensing, volunteer organizations, government agencies, contractors, healthcare providers, educators, childcare professionals, security personnel, real estate professionals, and many other regulated occupations. Our digital fingerprinting system securely transmits fingerprints to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, when required, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), helping employers and licensing agencies complete criminal history background checks quickly and accurately. Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours, and appointments are available for individuals, employers, and organizations requiring multiple applicants.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is California’s electronic fingerprinting process used to conduct criminal background checks for employment, licensing, certification, volunteer positions, and other legally authorized purposes. Unlike traditional ink fingerprint cards, Live Scan captures fingerprints digitally and securely transmits them to the California Department of Justice and, when required, the FBI for processing.
Digital fingerprinting offers several advantages over ink fingerprint cards, including:
- Faster electronic submission
- Improved fingerprint quality
- Reduced rejection rates
- Faster processing
- Secure transmission
- No ink or paper fingerprint cards for California Live Scan submissions
How the Live Scan Process Works
Getting fingerprinted is a straightforward process.
Step 1 – Bring your Request for Live Scan Service formMost employers, licensing agencies, schools, volunteer organizations, or government agencies provide applicants with a completed Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form. This form contains the ORI number and other information needed to route the results correctly.
Step 2 – Bring a valid government-issued photo IDAcceptable identification generally includes:
- California driver’s license
- State ID
- Passport
- Military ID
- Other government-issued identification accepted under DOJ requirements
A trained technician scans each fingerprint using a digital Live Scan device.
Step 4 – Fingerprints are transmitted securelyThe electronic fingerprints are securely submitted to the California DOJ and, if required by the requesting agency, to the FBI.
Step 5 – Results are sent directlyBackground check results are sent directly to the requesting employer, licensing agency, or authorized organization. Crossroads does not determine the outcome of the background check or receive the criminal history report.
Who Needs Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Many California occupations require Live Scan before employment, certification, licensing, or volunteer service.
Common applicants include:
Education
- Teachers
- School employees
- Coaches
- Volunteers
- Tutors
- Childcare providers
Healthcare
- Nurses
- Medical assistants
- Home health aides
- Physicians
- Dental professionals
- Behavioral health providers
Government
- State employees
- County employees
- Municipal workers
- Public safety employees
Professional Licensing
- Real estate professionals
- Notaries public
- Contractors
- Insurance professionals
- Accountants
- Financial professionals
Security
- Security guards
- Private investigators
- Alarm company employees
Volunteer Organizations
- Youth sports
- Churches
- Nonprofits
- Scouting organizations
- Senior services
Live Scan Fingerprinting for Employers
Employers often use Live Scan when California law requires fingerprint-based background checks for employees working in regulated industries.
Crossroads assists employers with:
- Individual appointments
- New hire onboarding
- Group fingerprinting events
- Mobile fingerprinting (if offered)
- High-volume hiring
- Ongoing hiring programs
Employers should verify that each applicant receives the correct Request for Live Scan Service form from the requesting agency before fingerprinting begins.
Live Scan for Professional Licensing
Many California licensing boards require Live Scan before issuing or renewing a professional license.
Common licensing agencies include:
- Department of Consumer Affairs
- California Department of Social Services
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- California Department of Public Health
- California Secretary of State (Notaries)
Each licensing authority determines its own fingerprinting requirements and submission process. Applicants should always use the form provided by the requesting agency.
California DOJ and FBI Background Checks
Depending on the requesting agency, fingerprints may be submitted to:
- California Department of Justice
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Both DOJ and FBI
Crossroads submits fingerprints electronically according to the information provided on the Request for Live Scan Service form. We do not determine which agency receives the fingerprints or how long the background investigation will take.
California Law AB506 for Scouting America Adult Volunteers
California law AB 506 requires all registered Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America) adult volunteers, staff, and 18+ adult participants to complete a two-hour online State Mandated Reporter Training on child abuse identification and a digital Live Scan background check. Obtain a council-specific BCIA 8016 form and complete a digital Live Scan background check at an authorized California fingerprint location.
Who Must Comply
- Registered BSA volunteers and paid employees
- Camp staff and adult scouters
- Any adult participant (Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, Sea Scouts) aged 18
- Regular volunteers with direct youth contact over 16 hours a month or 32 hours a year
What Should You Bring to Your Appointment?
Bring:
- Request for Live Scan Service form
- Government-issued photo ID
- Payment (if applicable)
- Employer authorization (if required)
Applicants should verify whether their employer or licensing agency is paying DOJ and FBI processing fees or whether those fees must be paid at the appointment.
Why Choose Crossroads for Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Crossroads provides:
- Walk-in availability
- Convenient appointments
- Digital fingerprint capture
- Secure electronic submission
- Experienced fingerprint technicians
- Employer support
- Group scheduling
- Professional customer service
- Convenient Southern California location
When Will I Receive My Live Scan Results?
Processing times vary depending on the requesting agency, DOJ workload, FBI involvement, and the applicant’s fingerprint quality.
Crossroads submits fingerprints electronically during your appointment, but we do not control or receive the results. Applicants should contact the requesting agency if they have questions about the status of their background check.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions about Live Scan Fingerprinting.
What is Live Scan?
Live Scan is California’s electronic fingerprinting process used for employment, licensing, certification, and authorized background checks.
What should I bring?
Bring your Request for Live Scan Service form and a valid government-issued photo ID.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours, although appointments are recommended for groups or busy periods.
How long does the appointment take?
Fingerprint capture usually takes only a few minutes. Total visit time depends on customer volume and paperwork.
How long does it take to receive results?
Processing times vary depending on the requesting agency and DOJ/FBI processing.
Can Crossroads tell me whether I passed my background check?
No, results are sent directly to the requesting employer or licensing agency.
What if my fingerprints are rejected?
Occasionally fingerprints may need to be recaptured if image quality is insufficient. Digital Live Scan generally reduces rejection rates compared with traditional ink fingerprint cards.
Do you provide ink fingerprint cards?
Occasionally fingerprints may need to be recaptured if image quality is insufficient. Digital Live Scan generally reduces rejection rates compared with traditional ink fingerprint cards.
Where can i get ab506 fingerprints?
You can get your AB 506 youth-service fingerprints done by Crossroads Drug And Alcohol Testing, we are an authorized Live Scan digital fingerprint provider in California
Do you do fingerprinting for youth organizations like AYSO, Scouting America (Boy Scouts) and Girl Scouts?
Yes, bring your Live Scan Request Form: Provided by your specific youth organization (like AYSO, Boy Scouts, or Girl Scouts) containing their unique ORI code.
What are your Southern California Locations for Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Los Angeles Office and Duarte Office, click on the links to get directions.
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