Live Scan Fingerprint

(electronic fingerprints)

Live scan

(electronic fingerprints) - DOJ and FBI

A live scan fingerprint is an inkless, electronic fingerprinting process that captures a person's unique fingerprints and transmits them to a requesting agency. The process is more efficient and accurate than traditional ink fingerprinting, which involves applying ink to each finger and rolling it on a card.

Live scans are often required for people who work in positions of trust with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and dependent adults. For example, in California, the DMV requires live scan fingerprinting for anyone applying for a first-time license as a vehicle salesperson, dealer, driving instructor, or other vehicle industry professional. Live scans may also be required for employment, licensing, certification, foreign adoptions, and VISA/immigration clearances.

The requesting agency usually provides the form for the live scan, and may also provide instructions on how to obtain it. The individual will need to submit identification, such as a valid driver's license, passport, or other photo ID. There is usually a fee involved, which may include a rolling fee from the live scan operator and another fee from the state's Department of Justice.

Once the live scan is complete, the results are electronically transmitted to the requesting agency typically within 7 to 10 days.

Ink card fingerprint

(FD-258)

Ink card fingerprinting is a traditional method of taking fingerprints by rolling a person's fingertips in ink and then rolling them onto a card. The process is often used to obtain fingerprints for criminal background checks, which are required for many reasons, such as employment verification, professional licensing, and security clearances.

Here's how ink card fingerprinting works:

The person's fingertips are rolled in ink to cover the entire fingerprint area.
Each finger is rolled onto a prepared card from one side of the fingernail to the other, starting with the thumb and rolling each finger one after the other.
All fingers of each hand are placed down on the bottom of the card at a 45-degree angle to produce a set of flat impressions.

The applicant then submits the prints to the appropriate agency, which cross-references them with a criminal database to check the applicant's criminal history. The processing time for ink fingerprinting can be lengthy, taking an estimated 8–16 weeks for results, depending on the agency.

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