How Live Scan Works

A simple step-by-step guide to fingerprint capture and electronic submission.

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Why Choose Live Scan?

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Fully Digital Process

Enter your information online and receive a secure QR code or token you can use at any participating location—no paperwork or manual forms required.

Accurate identification

Verified Identity

Your ID is confirmed on-site, and fingerprints are captured using FBI-certified scanners. If a resubmission is ever needed, it’s completed at no extra cost.

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Fast, Reliable Results

Fingerprints are submitted electronically to the correct state or federal agency—or printed onto an FD-258 card when required—ensuring timely and dependable processing.

Fingerprint capture using Certifix Live Scan technology

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Fingerprint Rail™

The Fingerprint Rail™ is Certifix’s secure backend infrastructure that supports how fingerprint data is captured, validated, formatted, and transmitted as part of the fingerprinting process.

During your Live Scan appointment or fingerprint card service, the Fingerprint Rail™ helps ensure fingerprint submissions are processed consistently and in accordance with applicable state or federal program requirements, based on the service selected.

How to Get a Live Scan

  • Choose Your State or Service

  • Find a Location

  • Getting Fingerprinted

Select your state or fingerprinting service to view the instructions that apply to you.

  • California

    Bring your completed Request for Live Scan Service form. If you’re outside California, we’ll print your fingerprints on an FD-258 card for mailing.

  • Florida

    You’ll need the correct ORI number. Inside Florida, you may walk into a participating location; outside Florida, online enrollment is required.

  • Other States (FD-258 Cards)

    Enroll online, visit a location, and we’ll mail your FD-258 fingerprint card.

  • FBI Background Check

    Enroll online, get fingerprinted at a partner location, and download your FBI report once processed.

Fingerprinting services are available at 1,200+ locations nationwide. Choose a convenient site based on your service type.

  • California

    Walk in with your Live Scan form or enroll online for faster processing.

  • Florida

    Bring your ORI number. Online enrollment recommended and required for UPS Stores.

  • Other States

    Visit any partner location for FD-258 card service.

  • FBI

    Visit any participating location after online enrollment.

Learn what to bring and what to expect during your fingerprinting visit.

  • California

    Bring your Live Scan form (or enroll online). After fingerprinting, you’ll receive an ATI number to track your results.

  • Florida

    Provide your ORI number. Your fingerprints are submitted electronically, and you’ll receive a TCN number to share with your agency.

  • Other States

    Your fingerprints will be printed on an FD-258 card and mailed to you.

  • FBI Background Check

    Your prints are sent electronically to the FBI, and you’ll receive instructions to download your report.

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