Live Scan fingerprinting is a fast, secure, and digital method of capturing fingerprints for background checks and identity verification. Whether you’re applying for a job, professional licensing, or a government position, being well-prepared for your Live Scan fingerprinting appointment can ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your appointment, including required documents, what to expect during the session, and tips for a successful fingerprinting experience.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaway
- What is Live Scan Fingerprinting
- What To Bring To Your Live Scan Appointment
- What To Expect During The Live Scan Process
- Tips For A Smooth Live Scan Fingerprinting Experience
- Why Choose Emri Fingerprinting & Notary?
- FAQs
Key Takeaway
- Live Scan fingerprinting is a fast and secure digital process for background checks.
- Required items: Valid photo ID, Live Scan request form, payment method, and any additional documents.
- Process steps: Check-in, fingerprint capture, quality check, electronic submission, and receipt issuance.
- Preparation tips: Moisturize hands beforehand, avoid excess lotion, and follow technician instructions.
- Choose Emri Fingerprinting & Notary for quick, accurate, and professional Live Scan services in Washington, DC.
What is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is an electronic fingerprinting process that digitally captures fingerprints and submits them directly to the relevant agencies, such as the FBI, DOJ, or state licensing boards. Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, Live Scan provides more accurate results and speeds up background check processing.
What to Bring to Your Live Scan Appointment
To avoid delays or complications, make sure you bring the following:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Live Scan request form from the agency requesting your fingerprinting
- Payment method (check with the service provider for accepted forms of payment)
- Any additional documents required by your employer, licensing board, or requesting agency
What to Expect During the Live Scan Process
- Check-In: Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to present your ID and Live Scan request form.
- Fingerprint Capture: A trained technician will guide you through the fingerprinting process using a specialized Live Scan machine.
- Quality Check: The system ensures your fingerprints are clear and accurate before submission.
- Submission: Your fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the appropriate agency for processing.
- Receipt: You’ll receive a transaction record or tracking number to check the status of your background check.
Tips for a Smooth Live Scan Fingerprinting Experience
- Moisturize your hands a day before your appointment to prevent dry skin from affecting fingerprint quality.
- Avoid excessive lotion on the day of your appointment, as it can create smudges.
- Stay relaxed and follow the technician’s guidance to ensure proper finger placement.
- Double-check your documents before leaving home to avoid any last-minute issues.
Why Choose Emri Fingerprinting & Notary?
At Emri Fingerprinting & Notary, we offer professional and reliable Live Scan fingerprinting services in Washington, DC. Our experienced technicians ensure a quick and efficient process, minimizing errors and delays. Whether you need fingerprinting for employment, licensing, or background checks, we provide top-quality service.
Visit us today or schedule an appointment! Call us at (202) 670-1068
By preparing in advance and choosing a trusted fingerprinting provider, you can make your Live Scan fingerprinting experience seamless and stress-free. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team—we’re happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FBI Fingerprinting
FBI fingerprinting refers to the process of capturing and processing fingerprints for use in background checks and criminal investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States.
What is the purpose of FBI fingerprinting
- Background checks for employment, licensing, or security clearance purposes
- Criminal investigations, to identify suspects or to confirm the identity of individuals involved in criminal activity
- Immigration and naturalization purposes, to verify an individual’s identity and background information
- Adoption and child custody cases, to verify the identity and background of potential adoptive parents or guardians
- It’s important to note that FBI fingerprinting is a highly regulated process and is subject to strict privacy and security guidelines. The fingerprints are only used for authorized purposes and are not shared with third parties without proper authorization
Can I use the same fingerprint card I used for my previous background check?
No. The FBI requires a current fingerprint card to process your background check.
How will my fingerprint background check be sent back to me?
The FBI will return all results, both foreign and domestic, by U.S. First-Class Mail via the U.S. Postal Service. If you submitted your request electronically, you will receive a response electronically and an option to receive a response by First-Class Mail via the U.S. Postal Service
How much does it cost to request and submit fingerprint cards from the FBI?
The cost to submit a fingerprint card to the FBI is $18. Credit Card using the Credit Card Payment Form or Money Order or Certified Check for $18 U.S. dollars made payable to the Treasury of the United States. Sign where required. If you would like we, can send them out for you
What is the process to mailing in fingerprint cards
- Fill out and Signed Applicant Information Form
- Have the Fingerprint Card filled out
- Submit payment of $18 U.S. dollars per person (use the Credit Card Payment Form if you are paying by credit card)
- Sent the fingerprint card and the Signed Applicant Information Form to:
- FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
- 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306
What is the address and contact information to the FBI?
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306
Email: identity@fbi.gov Phone: (304) 625-5590
What is the website for the FBI?
Identity History Summary Checks Frequently Asked Questions — FBI
Rap Sheets (Identity History Summary Checks) — FBI
How is FBI Live Scan Fingerprinting processed?
Fingerprints are taken electronically on a live scan machine and captured in the tamper-proof system and sent through a channeling system to the FBI.
How long does it take to get the electronics fingerprints
24 to 48 hours
How to administer ink fingerprinting
Ink fingerprinting is a method of capturing fingerprints using ink and a fingerprint card. Here are the general steps for administering ink fingerprinting:
- Prepare the fingerprint card: The individual being fingerprinted should fill out the required information on the fingerprint card, including their name, date of birth, and other identifying information.
- Roll the fingers: The fingerprint technician will begin by rolling the fingers of the individual being fingerprinted onto the ink pad, making sure that the fingers are evenly coated with ink.
- Submit the fingerprint card: Once the fingerprints have been captured and verified, the fingerprint card should be submitted to the appropriate agency for processing.
- It’s important to note that ink fingerprinting is a skilled process that requires training and experience to do properly. If you need to have ink fingerprinting done, it’s recommended that you seek out a qualified and experienced fingerprint technician to ensure that the prints are clear and accurate.
What is ink fingerprinting used for?
Ink fingerprinting is a method of capturing fingerprints using ink and a fingerprint card. It is used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Criminal background checks: Ink fingerprints are often used by law enforcement agencies to conduct criminal background checks on individuals. The fingerprints are submitted to a database maintained by the FBI and are used to identify individuals who have been arrested or convicted of crimes.
- Employment and licensing: Ink fingerprints may be required for certain types of employment or professional licensing, particularly in fields that require a high level of security clearance, such as law enforcement, healthcare, or finance.
- Immigration and naturalization: Ink fingerprints may be required as part of the immigration and naturalization process, to verify an individual’s identity and background information.
- Adoption and child custody: Ink fingerprints may be used in adoption and child custody cases to verify the identity and background of potential adoptive parents or guardians.
What are the different kinds of ink fingerprint cards?
There are several types of fingerprinting cards that are commonly used for capturing fingerprints:
- FD-258 Fingerprint Cards: These are the most commonly used fingerprint cards for US citizens and are used for a variety of purposes, including criminal background checks, employment, and licensing.
- FD-1164 Fingerprint Cards: These are the most commonly used fingerprint cards for Non US citizens and are used for a variety of purposes, including criminal background checks, employment, and licensing.
- SF-86 Fingerprint Cards: These fingerprint cards are used for conducting background checks for individuals seeking a special security clearance.
- Child ID Fingerprint Cards: These fingerprint cards are used by parents or guardians to capture their child’s fingerprints for identification purposes.