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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.