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Fingerprinting Locations in USA

Find the nearest Live Scan fingerprinting service location in USA.

USA Live Scan Fingerprinting Services Locations Near Me

We currently operate a network of 1200+ fingerprint enrollment centers offering both Live Scan and Fingerprint Card services. In order to use these services, you will need to enroll online and then walk into the location.

Fingerprint Card Service

If you are looking to get your fingerprints captured and printed onto an ink fingerprint card (FD-258) and to provide it to a State or Federal agency, you will need to enroll online and obtain a QR code. You will then be able to use this QR code at nationwide locations to complete the fingerprinting process, we will then mail a copy of your ink fingerprint card by USPS First Class mail to your mailing address.

California Live Scan Submission

If are looking to submit your Live Scan to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), you are required to obtain a copy of the Request for Live Scan Form which will contain your Requesting Agency ORI number and your Application Type. You will then need to walk into any of our California locations with this form, a valid form of ID, and a form of payment. You can optionally enroll online, prepay, and then walk into the location with a Token for expedited processing.

Florida Live Scan Submission

If you are looking to submit your Live Scan to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), you will need to obtain your Requesting Agency ORI number and will then need to enroll online to obtain a QR code. You will then be able to use this QR code at nationwide locations to complete the Live Scan submission process for your Florida application.

How to Complete Your Fingerprint Capture

Find a Location

We offer a nationwide network of 1200+ fingerprint enrollment centers that you can choose from to capture your fingerprints for an FD-258 card or Live Scan submission.

Enroll Online

You are required to select your application type and to enroll online, this includes providing us with all the required information to complete the electronic fingerprinting capture.

Get Fingerprinted

Once you've enrolled online and found a location, simply walk into the location and provide them with a copy of your QR code or Token, they will then proceed to capture your fingerprints.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Where can I find fingerprinting services near me?

    You can get fingerprinted at several locations, depending on whether you need Live Scan fingerprinting or traditional ink fingerprinting. Here are some common options:

    1. Certifix Live Scan Providers:

    • Certifix Locations:
      Certifix offers Live Scan fingerprinting services at multiple locations across the U.S. You can easily find a nearby provider by visiting the Certifix website and using the location search tool to find a fingerprinting service near you. Keep in mind that Certifix does not offer state-level fingerprinting in all states, so check availability in your area.

    2. Law Enforcement Agencies:

    • Local Police Departments or Sheriff’s Offices:
      Many local police departments and sheriff’s offices offer fingerprinting services. Contact your nearest law enforcement agency to confirm whether they provide Live Scan or ink fingerprinting, and check if you need to schedule an appointment.

    3. Private Live Scan Providers:

    • There are many private companies offering Live Scan fingerprinting services, often certified by state agencies. These providers are commonly found in urban areas and work with individuals needing background checks for employment, licensing, or other purposes.

    4. Mobile Fingerprinting Services:

    • If you’re unable to visit a fingerprinting location, mobile fingerprinting services are available. These services send a technician to your location, providing convenience for individuals or groups.

    How to Find a Fingerprinting Location:

    • Certifix Live Scan:
      Visit the Certifix website and use the location search tool to find a provider near you.
    • State Search Tools:
      Some states, like California and Michigan, offer online search tools through the California DOJ or Michigan State Police websites to help find fingerprinting providers in your area.

    What to Bring:

    • A government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
    • Any required forms (e.g., Request for Live Scan Service form).
    • Payment for the fingerprinting service (fees vary by provider).

    By using these options, you can find a convenient location for fingerprinting near you.

  • How long does the fingerprinting process itself take to complete?

    The actual process of fingerprinting is relatively quick and usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the steps and time involved:

    1. Live Scan Fingerprinting:

    • Electronic Capture:
      Live Scan fingerprinting is done using a digital scanner, and the process of capturing fingerprints for both hands usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Real-Time Feedback:
      The technician may check the quality of the fingerprints as they are captured and retake any unclear prints. This ensures high-quality results and minimizes the need for resubmission.
    • Submission:
      Once the fingerprints are captured, they are immediately transmitted electronically to the appropriate agency (e.g., state DOJ, FBI), which is quick and efficient.

    2. Ink Fingerprinting (FD-258 Card):

    • Ink Application:
      Ink fingerprinting, where your fingers are rolled in ink and pressed onto a physical fingerprint card, also takes around 10 to 15 minutes. The technician rolls each finger carefully to ensure complete and clear prints.
    • Review:
      The technician will review the fingerprint card to ensure there are no smudges or incomplete prints. If necessary, they may redo any poor-quality prints.

    Additional Time Factors:

    • Paperwork:
      Filling out any required forms, such as the Request for Live Scan Service form in California, may add a few more minutes to the overall process.
    • Appointment Wait Times:
      If you have an appointment, the wait time will be minimal. If you’re a walk-in at a busy location, you may experience some wait time depending on how many people are ahead of you.

    In Summary:

    • The fingerprinting process itself typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Any wait times or additional paperwork may add to the overall time spent at the fingerprinting facility, but the entire appointment usually doesn’t take longer than 30 minutes to an hour.

    For a faster experience, it’s recommended to schedule an appointment ahead of time.

  • How long does it take for fingerprinting results to be returned?

    The time it takes to receive fingerprint results can vary depending on the type of fingerprinting method used, the agency processing the results, and the volume of requests. Here’s a general breakdown of expected processing times:

    1. Live Scan Fingerprinting:

    • State Background Checks (e.g., California DOJ, Michigan State Police):
      • Results typically come back within 1 to 7 days. In many cases, results can be received in 24 to 72 hours if there are no issues or delays.
      • Processing times may be longer during peak periods or if there are complications with fingerprint quality.
    • Federal Background Checks (FBI):
      • If the background check requires submission to the FBI, results are generally processed within 3 to 5 days.
      • FBI background checks are often processed alongside state checks, but in some cases, they may take slightly longer.

    2. Ink Fingerprinting (FD-258 Card):

    • For traditional ink fingerprinting, the results typically take longer due to the need for physical mailing and manual processing.
      • Expect results to come back in 2 to 4 weeks depending on the agency receiving the fingerprints and their processing capacity.
      • This method is used for certain out-of-state or federal background checks, or when Live Scan is not available.

    3. Factors Affecting Processing Time:

    • High Volume of Submissions:
      If there is a high volume of requests (e.g., during peak hiring seasons), the processing time may be delayed.
    • Poor Fingerprint Quality:
      If your fingerprints are of poor quality (e.g., smudged or incomplete), they may be rejected, which could require resubmission and cause delays.
    • Criminal History:
      If an applicant has an extensive or complex criminal history, the background check may take longer to process as additional reviews might be required.

    4. Tracking Your Submission:

    • For Live Scan submissions, you will typically receive a receipt with an ATI number (Automated Transaction Identifier). You can use this number to track the status of your fingerprint submission through the requesting agency or the processing body, such as the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Michigan State Police (MSP).

    Summary of Expected Processing Times:

    • Live Scan (State Background Check): 1 to 7 days (often within 24 to 72 hours).
    • FBI Background Check: 3 to 5 days.
    • Ink Fingerprinting: 2 to 4 weeks (including mailing time).

    If you’re in need of fingerprint results by a specific deadline, it’s best to schedule your appointment well in advance to account for any potential delays.

  • Is Live Scan the same as traditional fingerprinting?

    Live Scan is a type of fingerprinting, but it specifically refers to the electronic capture of fingerprints using a digital scanner. Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, which uses ink and paper to capture fingerprints on a physical fingerprint card (such as an FD-258 card), Live Scan is a more modern, digital process where fingerprints are captured electronically and transmitted directly to agencies like the California Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, or other state and federal entities for background checks.

    Key Differences Between Live Scan and Traditional Fingerprinting:

    1. Capture Method:
      • Live Scan:
        Fingerprints are captured electronically using a digital scanner. This is a quick, clean, and efficient process, with no ink involved.
      • Traditional Ink Fingerprinting:
        Fingerprints are captured by rolling each finger in ink and pressing them onto a paper fingerprint card. This method is more time-consuming and messier.
    2. Submission Process:
      • Live Scan:
        Once fingerprints are captured electronically, they are immediately submitted online to the appropriate agency (DOJ, FBI, etc.) for processing.
      • Traditional Fingerprinting:
        The physical fingerprint card must be mailed to the agency for processing, which can take longer and is more prone to errors (e.g., smudged prints).
    3. Processing Speed:
      • Live Scan:
        Results from Live Scan submissions are typically processed much faster because they are transmitted electronically. Agencies can receive and process the fingerprints within 1 to 7 days in most cases.
      • Traditional Fingerprinting:
        Processing times are slower because the fingerprint card must be mailed and manually processed by the agency, often taking several days to weeks.
    4. Accuracy and Rejections:
      • Live Scan:
        Live Scan is more accurate because the system checks the quality of each print in real time. If a print is unclear, the technician can retake it immediately.
      • Traditional Fingerprinting:
        Ink fingerprinting is more prone to errors such as smudges or incomplete prints, which increases the likelihood of rejections and the need to resubmit fingerprints.

    When is Live Scan Used?

    • Employment background checks (e.g., for teachers, healthcare workers, security personnel).
    • Professional licensing (e.g., nurses, real estate agents, contractors).
    • Government jobs and security clearance.
    • Concealed carry permits.
    • Volunteer work with vulnerable populations (e.g., children, the elderly).

    When is Traditional Ink Fingerprinting Used?

    • Out-of-state background checks where Live Scan is not available.
    • Federal purposes (e.g., FBI background checks using an FD-258 card).
    • Visa and immigration applications in some cases.

    In summary, Live Scan is a modern, digital method of capturing and submitting fingerprints, while traditional ink fingerprinting is the older, manual method. Both are forms of fingerprinting, but Live Scan is generally faster, more accurate, and more widely used for state and federal background checks.

  • Are there any specific instructions I should follow when having my fingerprints taken?

    Yes, there are several important instructions to follow to ensure your fingerprints are recorded correctly:

    1. Clean Hands:
      Before fingerprinting, wash your hands thoroughly to remove any oils or dirt that could affect the quality of the prints.
    2. Dry Fingers:
      Ensure your fingers are completely dry. Moisture on your fingers can cause smudges and poor-quality prints.
    3. Proper Positioning:
      The technician will guide you through the process, but make sure you roll each finger from one side to the other smoothly, without pressing too hard. This ensures a clear and complete print for each finger.
    4. Follow Instructions:
      Listen carefully to the instructions provided by the fingerprinting professional. They may ask you to adjust your finger pressure or angle to capture the best prints.
    5. No Smudging:
      Avoid moving or smudging your fingers on the card or scanner, as this can cause prints to be rejected. The technician will help guide the process to prevent this.
    6. Verify the Quality:
      After your fingerprints are recorded, the technician should verify that the prints are clear and readable. This ensures that your prints meet the required standards for processing.

    By following these instructions and relying on a professional fingerprinting service, you can avoid delays or the need to retake your prints.

  • Can I complete a fingerprint card on my own, or is professional assistance required?

    While you can fill out the personal information on a fingerprint card by yourself, the actual fingerprinting must be done by a trained professional. This ensures the fingerprints are taken correctly and meet the necessary quality standards for background checks or licensing. Most agencies, such as law enforcement offices or certified Live Scan providers like Certifix, offer professional fingerprinting services to ensure your prints are properly captured. Attempting to take your own fingerprints may result in poor-quality prints, leading to delays or rejections in processing.

  • What should I do after filling out the fingerprint card?

    1. Review for Accuracy:
      After filling out the fingerprint card, carefully review all personal details such as your name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as the quality of your fingerprints. Ensuring this accuracy can prevent delays in processing.
    2. Include Necessary Forms:
      Depending on the purpose (e.g., firearm licensing or employment), you may need to include additional forms or authorization letters with your fingerprint card submission. Check the agency’s requirements to avoid missing any crucial documentation.
    3. Prepare Payment:
      Confirm whether any fees are required for processing the fingerprint card. Most agencies accept payments via check or money order, and they should be made out to the appropriate recipient. Be sure to include this payment with your submission.
    4. Submit the Fingerprint Card:
      Mail the completed fingerprint card, forms, and payment to the correct agency, ensuring that the address is accurate. Some agencies allow in-person submission, so check if this is an option if you prefer.
    5. Track Your Submission (if applicable):
      If you are provided with a Transaction Control Number (TCN) or similar tracking number during the process, keep it for your records. This allows you to track the progress of your background check or licensing application.
    6. Wait for Processing:
      Once submitted, it typically takes a few weeks for the processing to be completed. If you are applying for something with a deadline, make sure to submit well in advance to account for processing time.

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