If you’ve completed your Live Scan fingerprinting, you’re probably wondering: How long will it take to get the results? Whether you’re waiting on a job offer, license approval, or background clearance, knowing what to expect can help you plan your next steps and reduce stress.
In this post, we’ll explain how long Live Scan results typically take, what factors can cause delays, and how you can check the status of your submission.
How Long Does It Take to Get Live Scan Results?
In most cases, Live Scan results are processed quickly—especially when sent electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and/or the FBI.
Here’s a general timeline:
| Type of Background Check | Estimated Time |
| DOJ only | 1–3 business days |
| DOJ + FBI | 3–7 business days |
| With additional reviews | 7–14+ business days |
Important: These are typical timelines, but results can take longer depending on the agency, workload, or if the applicant has a criminal history or prior arrests.
Where Do the Results Go?
Live Scan results are not sent to you, the applicant. Instead, they are sent directly to the agency listed on your Live Scan request form—such as:
- An employer
- A licensing board
- A school district
- A volunteer organization
Only that agency will be able to confirm when they receive your background check results.
Can I Check the Status Myself?
Yes, if your fingerprints were sent to the California DOJ, you can check the status online.
✅ Here’s how:
- Go to the California DOJ Applicant Background Check Status page:
https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov - Enter your:
- ATI number (located on your copy of the Live Scan request form)
- Date of birth
- Click “Check Status”
This tool will show whether your background check has been processed, is still pending, or has been completed and sent to the requesting agency.
Note: This tool is only for Live Scan requests processed by the California DOJ.
What Is an ATI Number?
The ATI number stands for Applicant Tracking Identifier. It’s a unique number given at the time of your Live Scan submission, and it allows you (and the agency) to track your submission’s progress.
A typical ATI number looks like this: 123456-ABC
You can find your ATI number on the bottom of the Live Scan form copy you received during your appointment.
What Causes Delays in Live Scan Results?
While most results are processed within a few days, some factors can slow things down:
- Incomplete or unclear fingerprints – May require resubmission
- Criminal history hits – Require manual review by DOJ or FBI staff
- High volume of submissions – Especially common during peak seasons (e.g., back to school, license renewals)
- Incorrect or missing info on your Live Scan form
- Network issues during transmission
If your results are taking longer than expected, check your status using your ATI number, and contact the requesting agency if needed.
What to Do If Your Results Are Delayed
If it’s been more than 14 business days, and the requesting agency hasn’t received your results:
- Use the DOJ status tool to check for updates.
- Contact the agency that requested the Live Scan—they may already have your results but haven’t notified you.
- If there’s no status update and you suspect a technical error, contact the Live Scan provider you visited. They can verify if your submission went through successfully.
In rare cases, you may be asked to resubmit your fingerprints, especially if the first scan was rejected due to poor quality.
Final Thoughts
Live Scan fingerprinting is fast and reliable, but knowing how the process works helps manage your expectations and avoid unnecessary worry. Most applicants receive their results within a few days, and tracking them online is easy with your ATI number.
At [Your Business Name], we provide high-quality fingerprinting and ensure your Live Scan is submitted correctly the first time—minimizing delays and rejections. If you ever need help tracking your status or understanding next steps, we’re just a phone call away.
Need Live Scan fingerprinting today? Walk in or schedule online at [Your Website], or call [Phone Number] for assistance.
Would you like post #9 next—about how mobile Live Scan services work and who they’re for?
You said:
great, could you do the next one too?
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely! Here’s the ninth blog post in your series:
Title: What Is Mobile Live Scan? (And Who Needs It)
Need fingerprinting, but can’t make it to a Live Scan office? Whether you’re managing a busy team, organizing a group event, or just prefer the convenience of fingerprinting on your schedule, mobile Live Scan might be exactly what you need.
In this post, we’ll explain what mobile Live Scan is, how it works, who it’s ideal for, and what to expect when you book the service.
What Is Mobile Live Scan?
Mobile Live Scan is a service where a certified fingerprint technician comes to your location—such as your home, office, school, or event site—to perform digital fingerprinting on-site. It offers all the same benefits of in-office Live Scan:
- Clean, fast digital fingerprinting
- Secure electronic submission to DOJ, FBI, or other agencies
- Same ATI number and tracking capabilities
But instead of you going to the Live Scan location, the service comes to you.
Who Should Use Mobile Live Scan?
Mobile Live Scan is ideal for individuals or organizations who need fingerprinting but want flexibility, convenience, or privacy. It’s especially useful when:
✅ You have a busy schedule
Skip the traffic and waiting room. Mobile service brings fingerprinting to your home or office at a time that works for you.
✅ You’re organizing group fingerprinting
If you’re coordinating background checks for a school staff, healthcare team, real estate firm, or volunteer group, mobile Live Scan makes the process smoother and more efficient by completing everyone’s scans on-site in one visit.
✅ You’re in a rural area or have limited transportation
Mobile service is a great option if you’re in a remote location or have difficulty traveling.
✅ You value privacy
Mobile Live Scan allows you to be fingerprinted in a more discreet and comfortable setting—perfect for high-profile clients or sensitive positions.
Common Use Cases for Mobile Live Scan
- School districts & educational institutions
- Nursing & caregiver agencies
- Construction & security companies
- Nonprofits onboarding volunteers
- Licensing seminars or job fairs
- Real estate brokerages
- Government contractors
- Private individuals with mobility needs
How Does Mobile Live Scan Work?
The process is simple and streamlined:
- Request the service
Contact the Live Scan provider to schedule a mobile appointment. You’ll provide the number of people being fingerprinted and the location. - Prepare your paperwork
Each individual will need a completed Request for Live Scan Service form with the appropriate ORI number. - Technician comes to you
A trained, certified Live Scan technician arrives with portable equipment, including a fingerprint scanner, laptop, and secure submission software. - Fingerprints are captured and submitted
Just like in-office Live Scan, fingerprints are digitally scanned and transmitted securely to the requesting agency (DOJ, FBI, etc.). - Receipts are issued
Each participant receives a signed copy of their Live Scan form with an ATI number for tracking purposes.
Note: Mobile appointments may have a minimum number of participants or a small travel fee depending on distance.
What to Expect During a Mobile Live Scan Visit
- A professional, background-checked technician will arrive on time
- Setup takes just a few minutes, and each scan takes about 10–15 minutes
- All equipment is sanitized between users
- Fingerprints are submitted on the spot, just like in an office
You’ll need to provide:
- A valid, government-issued photo ID
- Your completed Live Scan request form
- Any required payment (your provider will let you know in advance)
Advantages of Mobile Live Scan
✅ Time-saving – No driving or waiting
✅ Group-friendly – Efficient for onboarding multiple people
✅ Flexible – Available evenings or weekends with prior scheduling
✅ Private and secure – No public lines or shared spaces
✅ Professional – Performed by DOJ-certified technicians
We recommend newport beach livescan.
