FAQs
What are Live Scan and Fingerprinting used for?
What are Live Scan and Fingerprinting are used to determine whether an individual is appropriate for employment, licensing, certification and/or a volunteer position. Live Scan digital submissions provide the quickest way to submit and process a background check to determine if the applicant has engaged in any criminal activity, or has prior felony convictions, that would make them unsuitable for the position they are applying for.
Once I have my fingerprints taken will they always be on file with the Government?
No. Once your fingerprint record has been processed and your suitability for certification, licensing, employment and/or volunteerism have been reported to your Referring Agency, your fingerprint record is deleted. The only civilian fingerprint records kept are those belonging to convicted felons.
What will I need in order to obtain Live Scan service?
To properly prepare for your upcoming Live Scan appointment, you will need the following:
“Request for Live Scan Service” form (BCII 8016)
Social Security Number
DOJ Approved Photo ID
In order to receive Live Scan service you must present a valid photo ID. The following are DOJ approved forms of photo identification:
California Driver’s License
California DMV ID Card
Passport
Out-of-state Driver’s License
Alien Registration/Immigration Green Card
Military ID Card
I am unsure about “Applicant Type”, “Billing Code” and/ or any of the other required information on the BCII 8016. What should I do?
Contact the Referring Agency that sent you to be fingerprinted and obtain the proper codes or information. Your fingerprint record cannot be properly processed without the correct codes. It is your responsibility to have the correct Live Scan Request forms with you at the time of service.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI and All Clear Live Scan will not issue refunds or allow for resubmissions because of incorrect processing codes.
When should “Other Name” information be provided on the “Request for Live Scan Service” form?
You should fill in the “Other Name” (AKA or Alias) section of the “Request for Live Scan Service” form if you have ever used a different name in an official capacity (i.e. maiden name, professional name, etc.).
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), when in doubt, list it.
Do I need to give my Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not provide the Live Scan Operator with your Social Security number you will not receive service.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has strict policies and procedures when it comes to the care and safety of citizens’ (applicants’) personal information. All Clear Live Scan, by law, must adhere to these rules.
All Live Scan systems and forms are to be stored in a locked and secure area. Fingerprint records may not remain on a Live Scan system beyond 30 days. After a designated period of time the expired forms must and will be shredded prior to disposal.
What is a “rolling fee”?
The rolling fee is the amount charged by All Clear Live Scan to digitally capture your fingerprints and transmit them to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
What is the cost of the Department of Justice (DOJ) background check?
Typically the charge is $32.
What is the cost of the FBI background check?
Typically the charge is $19.
If I’ve already had Live Scan fingerprints taken and I have changed jobs, do I need to be fingerprinted again?
Yes, for two reasons. One, by law, licensing agencies, organizations and/or companies may not share applicant background information; it’s against your right to privacy. Two, once your background information is sent to the Referring Agency, the Department of Justice deletes your fingerprint record – – there is no record to “share” with your new employer/licensing agency.
I am curious about my personal records but have not been requested to have my fingerprints taken for employment/volunteer purposes?
Yes, you may utilize Live Scan fingerprinting and request a “Personal Criminal Record Review” from the California Department of Justice.
The DOJ charges a fee to process this request and a copy of your background information will be mailed to you.
Why are fingerprints rejected? If my prints were rejected would I be required to pay additional fees?
Fingerprints can be rejected for several reasons. The most frequent are characteristics with the Applicant’s fingerprints that make them difficult to capture. This would include scars, cracks, cuts and calluses. If an Applicant’s fingerprints are rejected on this basis, All Clear Live Scan will re-take the Applicant’s fingerprints at no additional cost.
An Applicant’s application for Live Scan Service may also be rejected if the Applicant’s BCII 8016 form is incorrect, incomplete or improperly filled out. In this case, fees will be charged to the Applicant to provide them with repeated Live Scan service. It is important that Request for Live Scan Service form (BCII 8016) is complete and accurate when presented to the Live Scan technician for service. It is your responsibility!!
What do I need to bring to my appointment if my fingerprints have been rejected and I am having them retaken?
Your letter of rejection from the DOJ and a copy of your original Live Scan form.
This letter of rejection contains your ATI (Applicant Transmission Identifier) number which is necessary for resubmission. You should make arrangements with All Clear Live Scan to retake them.
If your record was rejected due to poor fingerprint quality or an error on the part of the All Clear Live Scan fingerprint technician, All Clear Live Scan will prepare your re-submission record at no charge.
How long will an offense I committed stay on my record?
“The DOJ is required by law to record summary arrest, detention, disposition, and personal identification information when submitted by a law enforcement agency or court of this state. The record retention policy of the Department is to maintain criminal history information until the subject reaches 100 years of age.” – per the DOJ 8/09
How do I get arrests or court disposition information removed from my criminal history record?
“Arrest and court disposition information can only be modified or deleted by court order or at the direction of the arresting agency/district attorney having jurisdiction over the criminal matter.
The Department of Justice is required to record summary arrest, detention, disposition, and personal identification information when submitted by a law enforcement agency or court of this state.
The record retention policy of the Department is to maintain criminal history information until the subject of the record reaches 100 years of age.”- per the DOJ 8/09