FAQ
FAQ
Have questions? We have the answers that will help you get through the process quickly!
***Please note we do not do TSA, pre-check, or hazmat fingerprinting.***
What to bring
What is the Proper Identification?
What are the Fees?
Fees depend on the level of service required.
The ORI# on the “Request for Live Scan” application has specified the “Level of Service” for your background check. The Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, CA Child Abuse Index and Dept. of Social Services fees that are required for some applicants are NON-NEGOTIABLE. Level-of-Service fees are set by the respective agencies, NOT by California Fingerprinting Authority.
If your school, business, or agency is looking to set up an account, please contact our office via the email link below.
WHY DOESN’T MY EMPLOYER OR AGENCY PAY THE FEES?
Many employers do cover the cost of fingerprinting. Typically, when Live Scan fingerprinting for a professional or personal license, you will be responsible for all fees unless the agency collects those fees as part of your licensing application.
Also, many times, employers or agencies have a billing number that covers the cost of the Level of Service fees for either the DOJ Fees or FBI Fees but not the rolling fees. This billing number is indicated by a six-digit number located on your Request for Live Scan form in the billing number section.
Please verify with your employer or agency if they pay or possibly reimburse for the fees associated with fingerprinting. Please check with us to see if your employer or agency has an account.
How Long will it take?
With parking conveniently at our door, once it's your turn, we'll have you processed within 5 to 10 minutes if you have filled out your forms ahead of time. If you are in a hurry and would like to make a call-ahead appointment, please make sure to call before you come in, and we will take care of you when you walk in.
When will I get my results?
The DOJ electronically sends the results to your employer or requesting agency within 8 to 72 hours after fingerprinting unless the agency to which your prints were submitted requires an additional review. Please note: Santa Clarita Live Scan does not receive your results.
If an applicant’s fingerprints match fingerprints in the database, a manual review by a technician is initiated. This manual process may take an indeterminate amount of time. Again, it’s important to clarify again that Santa Clarita Live Scan does not control this process.
Alternatively, you may check your status by visiting this link. Please ensure you have your ATI# (located at the bottom of your Live Scan form) and your date of birth. You will need both your ATI number and birth date available.
If your record shows “completed,” then the requesting agency has received its response. If it shows that it’s “in process,” then you must wait until the record shows “completed.” The DOJ controls when the results are submitted to the requesting agency. For any questions, please reach out directly to the requesting agency, school district, or business entity. It’s important to emphasize again that Santa Clarita Live Scan solely facilitates the fingerprint submission process and does not have access to the records. Only the requesting agency possesses the authority to access and manage the results.
EXTENSIVE DELAYS: Please be aware that your clearance could be extensively delayed (for up to 30 days) for any of the following reasons:
If your year of birth is prior to 1945
If you have an arrest record.
CCW DELAYS/FIREARMS DELAYS
Firearms Index checks can take longer to process because the DOJ handles a high volume of these records manually. Your Live Scan submission will typically show as 'in progress' during this review. Once it updates to 'completed,' your requesting agency has the results. Once this shows “completed,” your requesting agency will have the results. To monitor this process, please visit our Results Page. You will need to enter your ATI# (located at the bottom of your Live Scan form) and date of birth. For any questions about timing, contact the requesting agency directly — we don't receive the results and don't control how long DOJ review takes.
What happens if I receive a rejection notice?
If you receive notification from the DOJ that your information or fingerprints are unacceptable, bring the notification letter with you, and the California Fingerprinting Authority will resubmit your prints. Most customers are aware at the time of fingerprinting if they are subject to rejection for poor quality. Resubmission from other Live Scan facilities will be charged our Rolling Fee. If rejected because of poor quality on the second attempt, the applicant agency must request a name check.
How long does the DOJ keep offenses I committed on my record?
The simple answer is until you turn 100 years old. The DOJ is required by law to record the summary arrest, detention, disposition, and personal identification information when submitted by a law enforcement agency or court of this state.
How do I obtain background checks for my employees?
California law authorizes certain governmental and private organizations to conduct criminal offender record information background checks to help determine the suitability of a person applying for a license, employment, or a volunteer position working with children, the elderly, or the disabled. Law enforcement agencies, public and private schools, non-profit organizations, and in-home supportive care agencies are some of the organizations authorized to conduct these fingerprint-based background checks.
We offer assistance in setting up Applicant Agencies including Santa Clarita school contractors or Santa Clarita school vendors wishing to do business with any of our school districts.
I forgot to request an FBI check for my applicant or other mistakes on the Live Scan form?
You (or the applicant) will need to be fingerprinted again. All fees will be charged and have to be remitted the second time.
Mobile Services
We provide mobile, on-site Live Scan fingerprinting services to Santa Clarita and beyond. Our technicians can fingerprint groups of 30 to 1,000 or more. Minimums do apply. Please email us your RFQ/RFP or company information. Minimums do apply. Please email us your RFQ/RFP or company information.
Do you do other investigative services?
No, but we recommend Endeavor Group for all your needs. Please click here
How can I obtain a copy of my criminal history record?
Individuals have the right to request a copy of their own criminal history record from the Department to review for accuracy and completeness. To receive a copy of your personal criminal history record, you must fill out a Record Review Live Scan Form, which is available here. Bring this form, photo I.D. and payment with you.
What happens when an employer says i didn’t pass the background check?
Pursuant to Penal Code section 11105 (t), if an adverse employment, licensing, or certification decision is made based on the results of the criminal history background check, the applicant agency must provide a copy of those results to the applicant immediately.
AB 506 or CalVECHS/VECHS information
Do you fingerprint volunteers for AB 506 or CalVECHS/VECHS compliance?
Yes. We regularly fingerprint volunteers, employees, and administrators for churches, youth sports organizations, scouting groups, and nonprofits throughout Santa Clarita to meet AB 506 requirements. We use the CalVECHS-specific Live Scan form (BCIA 8016VECHS) for these appointments.
What is CalVECHS (VECHS)?
CalVECHS, also written as VECHS, is the California DOJ program that allows qualified organizations to receive both state and federal background check results for their volunteers and employees. It's separate from the fingerprinting itself, organizations enroll in CalVECHS directly with the DOJ; we handle the fingerprinting and submission.
Do you handle our organization's CalVECHS enrollment or paperwork?
No. We fingerprint your volunteers and employees and submit the prints to the DOJ. CalVECHS enrollment, the signed waiver agreement, your Custodian of Records designation, and your organization's written child abuse prevention policies are your organization's responsibility, not ours. See our AB 506 and CalVECHS Fingerprinting page for a full breakdown of what you handle versus what we handle.
Do you offer mobile fingerprinting for a large group of volunteers?
Yes, we offer on-site mobile Live Scan fingerprinting for groups of 30 or more, which many churches and youth organizations use to fingerprint their volunteer roster in one visit. Contact us to schedule.
Do I need Live Scan fingerprints for a California real estate license?
Yes. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires Live Scan fingerprinting for salesperson and broker license applicants. Bring a completed Live Scan Service Request (form RE 237) and a valid government-issued photo ID. The form is available on the DRE website.
Fingerprinting is not required to sit for the exam, but DRE cannot issue your license until it receives your fingerprint results. If you filed a combined exam/license application, getting fingerprinted when you apply, or soon after, helps keep your license from being delayed after you pass. If you apply for the exam first, you will submit your RE 237 with your license application after passing.
California residents pay DRE’s fingerprint processing fee at the time of fingerprinting, in addition to our rolling fee. DRE’s processing fee is not refundable, even if you do not pass the exam. Your results go directly to DRE. We do not receive them.
Walk in Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No appointment needed.