FAQs – Berkeley Live Scan

What is Live Scan Fingerprinting?

LiveScan is ink-less electronic fingerprinting. The fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for completion of a criminal record check.

The Live Scan technology replaces the process of recording an individual’s fingerprint patterns through a rolling process using ink. Digitizing the fingerprint minutiae (the characteristics that make fingerprints unique) enables the electronic transfer of the fingerprint image data in combination with personal descriptor information to central computers at the DOJ in a matter of seconds, instead of the days required to send hard copy fingerprint cards through the mail.

Additionally the DOJ will coordinate other processing resulting from the automated submission of fingerprints, including forwarding the fingerprints to the FBI (if required).

Background of Live Scan Fingerprinting

As a result of legislation passed in late 1997, the DOJ has developed an automated background check process that requires digitized fingerprints (“Live Scan”). Digitizing the fingerprints enables the electronic transfer of fingerprint image.

How do I check the status of my recent Live Scan?

Click this link and when prompted you will need to enter the following information:

Your date of birth (DOB)
The 10-digit Automated Transaction Identifier (ATI) number that is located at the bottom of the Live Scan Applicant Request form.

What happens if my fingerprints get rejected by either or both the DOJ and FBI?

A Live Scan can be rejected either for poor fingerprint quality or data entry errors.

Your employer or agency can find out what the reason was by emailing [email protected].

You or your agency may also receive a rejection letter from the DOJ that states the reason for rejection.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may reject fingerprints even if the images were acceptable by the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ).

If this happens, the applicant will need to be reprinted using the original ATI (Applicant Transaction Identifier). If rejected twice for poor quality, the applicant agency must request an FBI name check.

Consult your requesting agency for how to complete and submit the FBI Name Check Request.

You may go to any location to get a resubmission; however, you will still likely be responsible for paying a new rolling fee. Under most circumstances, the agency fees (DOJ and FBI) will not need to be paid again.

If your Live Scan was rejected for data errors, you should go to the original location to avoid paying the fees. You will need to submit a new transaction and the Live Scan provider should waive the fees if they entered your information incorrectly.

You will be required to make a new appointment through our scheduling website.

I hope this helps explain how these types of situations are handled.

How Does the Process Work?

A trained technician will scan your fingerprints using a Cogent Systems CS500E Live-Scan. That’s all there is to it. The electronic fingerprinting takes five to ten minutes and your prints are immediately available for electronic transmission to the appropriate FBI-Certified channeling agencies for background processing..

What is a “Request for Live Scan Form”?

This is a form that ALL live scan applicants MUST provide to the Live Scan Operator (“Roller”) prior to getting the fingerprints taken. This form has identifying numbers and information pre-filled onto the upper most portion of this form that identifies for whom the background history is being requested. You will notice a number in the top, left portion of the form that represents the ORI Number. This is the critical number that the operator begins the entire process with, and therefor cannot initiate the process without it. See example

Who Needs Live Scan?

Live Scan Fingerprints are required to be submitted by Real Estate Licensees, Notaries, Vehicle salespersons, vehicle dealers, driving instructors, or any other vehicle industry related occupation licensed by DMV, Foster Parents, Stock Brokers, Teachers, Appraisers, Elder Care Givers, as well as anyone having contact with children or the elderly, Security Guards, etc.

If I Recently Had My Live Scan Completed, Do I have To Do It Again For Someone Else?

Yes! Live Scans must be done for each separate request. Authorized recipients of criminal background information are not able to share this information and therefore must obtain their independent results.

Do you offer mobile live scan service?

No, this service is no longer offered.

Do you also handle FBI Card (FD-258) – Ink Prints?

Absolutely! Please bring your FBI card(s) with you (We charge $1.50 per card if you need to purchase from us). These are completed using ink and NOT via the electronic Live Scan equipment. The rolling fee is still $35.00 per card.

What are the benefits of Live Scan?

Live Scan will avoid many of the problems associated with ink prints, such as smudging, smearing, and over or under inking. A major benefit of Live Scan is in processing speed since nearly all of those without criminal records are done within 72 hours and up to 30 days if there is a criminal record. Rolled ink prints (traditionally submitted on a fingerprint card) can take 10 to 12 days to process (plus mail time) and up to 60 days if there is a criminal record.

Payment Options

Fingerprinting services can be paid for by cash or credit card.

Hours of Operation

Please make an appointment.

Location

Berkeley Live Scan is now located at 1110 Solano Ave. in Albany, CA.(Located inside of the Farmer’s Insurance Office -No affiliation) BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

Fees

$35.00 (Rolling Fee only – Agency fees are added. see below)

Remember that the Department of Justice (DOJ)and the

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also charge fees that we

are required to collect on their behalf. These fees differ

depending upon the type of authorized agency request, however

the most common additional fee is $49.00 (DOJ & FBI combined)

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