(Better Business Bureau )
This article was prepared for BBB Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Coastal California by ProTech Investigative Services, a BBB Accredited Business.
If you seek employment, certification, or a professional license, chances are you were requested to get a “Live Scan” fingerprinted. Historically, people were required to get fingerprinted with ink on an FD-258 card and snail-mailed to the DOJ/FBI for analysis to get criminal history returns. Unfortunately, this process is still in use in some states and for certain situations. Luckily for us, technology has changed, and fingerprinting background checks can now be done digitally and sent electronically, hence the “Live Scan.”
So, what is a live scan?
It is truly the Cadillac of fingerprinting. It’s exponentially faster and less messy in that no ink is used in the process and no more waiting for weeks for criminal history returns. The returns can be as fast as 24 hours, although some may delay processing times for weeks. These delays could result from convictions that need to be validated, the density of work at the government agencies, etc. The key feature of the “Live Scan” process, I believe, is its accuracy. Producing a bad print with a live scan machine is virtually impossible. As long as your fingerprint service provider is well-trained and understands the dynamics of fingerprints, they will capture quality prints for the DOJ/FBI to analyze. If you need Live Scan fingerprint services, you can check out the California Attorney General's website or do a simple search online. Many live scan service providers offer walk-in service while others offer mobile service in which they come to you. This is a super convenient way to get this service. If you have mobility issues or are juggling a busy schedule and want to avoid traffic, weather, etc., you may want to seriously consider this option.
To complete the fingerprint service, live scan service providers require you to complete a BCIA 8016 (Request for Live Scan) form. In addition, you will need identification, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport. There are other acceptable ID forms, but these are the most commonly used. For minors, school identification cards are okay.
How much does it cost?
The cost can vary and is mostly dependent upon the ORI#/Applicant Type shown on the Live Scan form and the service levels needed, such as DOJ, FBI, or CACI level service. CACI stands for Child Abuse Central Index. CACI is a list of suspected child abusers maintained by the California Department of Justice. It includes those suspected of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, and severe neglect of a minor. This level of service is typically reserved when applicants will be dealing with minors in the scope of their work. Remember, the level of services mentioned above are just government-related fees, which are non-negotiable/unavoidable fixed fees. The applicant should also expect to pay the live scan service providers rolling fees which are sometimes negotiable. These fees vary across providers. The average is somewhere around $30 but can be higher or lower. In addition, some mobile providers charge an additional traveling/convenience fee, which typically depends on travel distance. When all is said and done, people can expect to pay, on average, between $75 and $115+, depending on the level of service and the service provider you choose. Some employers or agencies will cover the cost of the government fees or will pay the entire amount. Some employers will require you to pay and reimburse you, and some will have to pay the cost out of pocket. Ask your provider if they offer group rates, contract rates or any other promotions. You never know what deals can be made.
The next time you are required to get live scan fingerprinted, I hope this information helps you in the planning, preparation and decision-making process.
The Better Business Bureau Serving The San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California thanks PorTech Investigative Services for submitting this guest blog.