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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Live Scan, and why is it used for background checks?

  Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting system used to capture and electronically submit fingerprints to government agencies for background checks. It replaces the traditional ink-and-paper method, offering a faster, more accurate, and more secure way to submit fingerprints for various purposes, such as employment, licensing, and certifications.

  Key Features of Live Scan:

  1. Digital Fingerprinting:
     • Live Scan uses electronic fingerprint scanners to capture your fingerprints digitally, without the need for ink or paper.
  2. Electronic Submission:
     • Once your fingerprints are captured, they are submitted electronically to state and/or federal agencies, such as the California Department of Justice (DOJ), Florida FDLE, or the FBI.
     • This electronic submission speeds up the background check process and eliminates the need to mail physical fingerprint cards.
  3. Faster Results:
     • Live Scan results are typically processed much faster than traditional methods, with results often available within 24 to 72 hours.

  Who Needs Live Scan?

  • Employers, licensing agencies, and government organizations use Live Scan to conduct background checks on individuals applying for jobs, licenses, permits, and certifications.

  How Does It Work?

  • You visit an authorized Live Scan provider like Certifix, where your fingerprints are digitally captured.
  • Your fingerprints are then submitted electronically to the appropriate agency for processing, and your background check is conducted using your fingerprint data.

  Enroll for Live Scan Services:

  You can enroll online for Live Scan services through Certifix’s service selection page to find a location and begin the process.

• Is Live Scan the same as a background check?

  No, Live Scan and a background check are not the same, but they are closely related. Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting method used to collect and submit your fingerprints electronically, which are then used as part of the background check process.

  How Live Scan and Background Checks Work Together:

  1. Live Scan (Fingerprinting):
     • Live Scan is the process of capturing your fingerprints digitally using a scanner. These fingerprints are then submitted electronically to state or federal agencies, such as the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or the FBI, for processing.
  2. Background Check:
     • A background check is the review of your criminal history and other relevant records by government agencies or employers. Fingerprints collected through Live Scan are used to match against law enforcement databases to verify if you have a criminal record or other disqualifying history.

  Key Differences:

  • Live Scan is the method of fingerprinting, while the background check is the actual investigation of your criminal and personal history based on the fingerprints and other identifying information.
  • Live Scan provides fingerprints that are used to conduct the background check, but the background check itself includes looking into various databases and records for your criminal history.

  Summary:

  Live Scan is a fingerprinting method that supports the background check process, but the background check is a broader review of your history. Both are often required for jobs, licenses, or certifications. You can enroll for Live Scan services through the Certifix service selection page.

• Why do I need a Live Scan fingerprinting?

  You may need Live Scan fingerprinting for several reasons, depending on the requirements of your employer, licensing board, or government agency. Live Scan is typically used for conducting background checks to ensure the safety and integrity of certain jobs and responsibilities. Here are the main reasons why Live Scan is required:

  1. Employment Background Checks:

  • Many jobs, especially in sensitive sectors such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, and government, require a thorough background check, including fingerprinting. Live Scan helps confirm the identity of job applicants and checks for any criminal history that could disqualify them from certain roles.

  2. Professional Licensing:

  • If you’re applying for a professional license, such as to become a real estate agent, contractor, or healthcare professional, Live Scan is often required as part of the licensing process to verify your background and ensure you meet regulatory standards.

  3. Volunteer Work:

  • Many organizations require background checks for individuals working with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or disabled individuals. Live Scan is often mandated to ensure the safety of these groups.

  4. Government Clearances:

  • If you are applying for a job or position that requires government clearance, Live Scan fingerprinting is a standard part of the security clearance process to check for any disqualifying criminal records.

  5. Certifications and Permits:

  • You may need a Live Scan for certain certifications or permits, such as a firearm permit, notary public certification, or for adoptions and foster care.

  6. Compliance with Legal Requirements:

  • Some laws and regulations mandate that individuals in specific roles or professions undergo fingerprint-based background checks. This ensures compliance with state or federal statutes that aim to protect the public.

  Summary:

  Live Scan ensures a thorough and accurate background check, helping agencies, employers, and licensing boards verify your identity and check for any criminal history that may affect your eligibility for certain jobs, licenses, or volunteer positions. If you need Live Scan, you can enroll online through Certifix’s service selection page to get started.

• Who needs Live Scan fingerprinting?

  Live Scan fingerprinting is required by a wide range of individuals and professionals who need to undergo background checks for legal, employment, or licensing purposes. Here’s a look at who typically needs Live Scan:

  1. Employment Background Checks:

  • Individuals applying for jobs in sectors that require high levels of trust or access to sensitive information often need Live Scan fingerprinting. This includes:
    • Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, caregivers).
    • Teachers and school employees.
    • Law enforcement personnel (police officers, security guards).
    • Government employees.

  2. Professional Licensing:

  • Many professional licenses require Live Scan fingerprinting as part of the application process. Common fields include:
    • Real estate agents.
    • Contractors.
    • Attorneys.
    • Foster parents.
    • Childcare providers.

  3. Volunteer Work:

  • Individuals working in volunteer positions, particularly those involving vulnerable populations (e.g., children, elderly, or disabled), are often required to complete a Live Scan background check.

  4. Certifications and Permits:

  • Certain certifications, permits, or applications may require fingerprinting. Examples include:
    • Firearm permits.
    • Notary public applications.
    • Adoptions and foster care approvals.

  5. Government Clearances:

  • Applicants seeking government jobs or clearances at local, state, or federal levels may need to undergo Live Scan fingerprinting as part of the security clearance process.

  6. Immigration and Citizenship Applications:

  • Some immigration or citizenship applications require fingerprinting to verify identity and conduct a criminal background check.

  Enroll for Live Scan Services:

  If you need Live Scan for employment, licensing, or other purposes, you can enroll online through Certifix’s service selection page to get started.

• Where can I get Live Scan services?

  You can get Live Scan fingerprinting services at various authorized locations across the U.S. Here’s how to find a provider:

  1. Certifix Locations:

  • Certifix offers nationwide Live Scan services. You can easily locate an authorized provider by visiting the Certifix service selection page and entering your zip code or city to find the nearest Live Scan location.

  2. Local Law Enforcement Agencies:

  • Many police departments and sheriff’s offices provide Live Scan services. Contact your local law enforcement agency to check availability and whether you need to schedule an appointment.

  3. Private Live Scan Providers:

  • There are numerous private Live Scan providers offering fingerprinting services for employment, licensing, and background checks. These providers are often found in larger cities or urban areas.

  4. In California:

  • If you’re in California, you can also enroll online and obtain a Token to use at any authorized Live Scan provider in the state. Visit the California Live Scan Enrollment page to start the process.

  5. Mobile Live Scan Services:

  • Certifix also offers mobile Live Scan services for businesses or organizations that need group fingerprinting. You can request mobile services by visiting Certifix Mobile Live Scan.

  Summary:

  You can find a Live Scan provider near you by visiting the Certifix service selection page or contacting local law enforcement or private providers in your area.

  • For California Live Scan services, enroll online through Certifix California Live Scan Enrollment.

• How does the Live Scan process work?

  The Live Scan process involves the digital capture and submission of fingerprints for background checks, making it faster and more efficient than traditional ink fingerprinting. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

  1. Obtain the Request for Live Scan Service Form:

  • Your requesting agency (or Applicant Agency) will provide you with a Request for Live Scan Service form, which includes key details such as the ORI number (Originating Agency Identifier) that directs where the background check results should be sent.

  2. Schedule an Appointment or Walk-in:

  • You can schedule an appointment or walk into any authorized Live Scan provider location to complete the process. In some cases, you may need to enroll online first, depending on the state.

  3. Capture of Fingerprints:

  • At the Live Scan location, a certified technician will use a digital fingerprint scanner to capture your fingerprints electronically. This process takes only a few minutes and does not involve ink or paper.
  • The technician will also verify your identity by checking your valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license or passport).

  4. Electronic Submission:

  • Once your fingerprints are captured, they are submitted electronically to the relevant state or federal agency (e.g., California Department of Justice (DOJ), Florida FDLE, or FBI) for processing.
  • Electronic submission ensures faster processing times compared to mailing traditional ink fingerprint cards.

  5. Receive Your Transaction Control Number (TCN) or ATI:

  • After submission, you will receive a Transaction Control Number (TCN) or, in California, an ATI (Applicant Transaction Identifier), which allows you to track the status of your background check.

  6. Background Check Processing:

  • The relevant agency processes your background check using the submitted fingerprints. This can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, though it may take longer depending on the agency’s workload.

  7. Receive Results:

  • Once your background check is complete, the results are sent to the requesting agency, and they will notify you of any next steps.

  Enroll for Live Scan Services:

  You can enroll for Live Scan services online through the Certifix service selection page to find a location and start the process.

• What is a requesting agency, and how does it relate to fingerprint-based background checks?

  A requesting agency (or Applicant Agency in California) is an organization or entity that requires individuals to complete Live Scan fingerprinting or background checks for various purposes, such as employment, licensing, or certification.

  Key Features:

  1. ORI Number (Originating Agency Identifier):
     • Requesting agencies are usually assigned an ORI number, which allows them to submit fingerprint-based background check requests to state or federal law enforcement agencies.
     • The FBI and state agencies issue ORI numbers to organizations that qualify under federal or state statutes.
  2. State and Federal Agencies:
     • In many states, requesting agencies are typically state agencies, such as schools, healthcare institutions, and law enforcement departments. These agencies can request background checks from their state or federal law enforcement bodies.
  3. In California:
     • California allows a wider range of organizations to apply to become an Applicant Agency as long as there is a state statute that mandates the background checks for their organization type. This allows businesses, nonprofits, and other entities to obtain ORI numbers and request fingerprint-based background checks.
  4. Federal ORI Numbers:
     • The FBI issues ORI numbers to certain organizations that qualify under federal law, allowing these agencies to submit federal background check requests.

  Summary:

  Once an agency obtains an ORI number, they can access state and/or federal records for fingerprint-based background checks. The process enables them to meet statutory requirements for hiring, licensing, or certifying individuals. For more information on Applicant Agencies in California, you can visit the California DOJ website.

• How do I get my TCN after completing a Florida Live Scan?

  The Transaction Control Number (TCN) is a unique identifier assigned to your fingerprints when they are submitted for a Florida Live Scan. Here’s how you can obtain your TCN:

  1. Receive the TCN After Your Live Scan Appointment:

  • When you complete your Live Scan fingerprinting at an approved provider in Florida, you will typically receive a receipt or confirmation at the end of your appointment. This receipt will include your TCN along with other details like the date of submission and the fingerprinting provider’s information.
  • Make sure to ask for the TCN at the time of your fingerprinting if it’s not automatically provided.

  2. Check with the Live Scan Provider:

  • If you did not receive your TCN immediately after your appointment, you can contact the Live Scan provider where you completed your fingerprinting. They should be able to provide you with the TCN, as it is tied to your fingerprint submission.

  3. Contact the Agency Requesting the Background Check:

  • In some cases, the agency or organization that required your background check (e.g., a licensing board or employer) may also have access to your TCN once the fingerprints are submitted. If you’re having trouble retrieving the TCN, check with the requesting agency to see if they can provide it.

  4. Certifix Live Scan:

  If you used Certifix for your Florida Live Scan, your TCN should be provided at the end of your appointment or sent to you via email or receipt. If you didn’t receive it, you can contact Certifix customer support for assistance.

  Why Is the TCN Important?

  • The TCN is crucial for tracking the status of your background check with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). If you need to inquire about the progress or results of your background check, you may be asked to provide your TCN.

  To summarize, you will usually receive the TCN directly after your Florida Live Scan appointment, either on your receipt or through follow-up communication from the provider. If not, you can contact your Live Scan provider or the requesting agency to obtain it.