At A1 Live Scan & Notary Services, we make the fingerprinting process fast, accurate, and stress-free. Whether you’re getting fingerprinted for a job, license, visa, or background check, knowing the Live Scan requirements ahead of time can save you time and prevent unnecessary delays.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to bring, the documents needed for fingerprinting, and how to make sure your Live Scan appointment goes smoothly the first time.

Bring a Valid Photo ID

The most important item on your checklist is a valid, government-issued photo ID. This is a requirement for all Live Scan fingerprinting appointments. Accepted IDs include:

• State-issued driver’s license or ID card
• U.S. passport or foreign passport with appropriate documentation
• Military ID
• Permanent resident card (green card)
• Tribal ID or other forms of government ID

Your ID must be current and not expired. If your identification is expired or damaged, your fingerprints may not be accepted, causing delays in processing. These are the standard Live Scan ID requirements accepted across most agencies in California.

Know Who Is Requesting the Live Scan

Before your appointment, make sure you bring your Request for Live Scan Service form. This is often referred to as the “ORI form.” The agency requesting your background check—whether it’s an employer, licensing board, or government office—must provide you with this form.

This document contains important information such as:

• ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number
• Job title or license type
• Agency address and contact information
• Billing or payment details (if applicable)

This is a requirement for Live Scan fingerprinting, as it tells the fingerprinting technician where and how to route your criminal history report.

Prepare Your Hands for Scanning

You might not think about it, but the condition of your hands can affect the quality of your fingerprint scan. Here are some tips:

• Avoid using lotion or hand sanitizer before your appointment. These substances can interfere with the scanner’s ability to read your prints.
• If your hands are excessively dry or cracked, lightly moisturize the night before—but skip it the day of the appointment.
• Clean, dry hands help ensure your Live Scan fingerprinting requirements are met without any scanning issues.

Know the Documents Required for Fingerprint Appointments

Aside from your ID and Live Scan request form, you typically won’t need much else. However, depending on the purpose of your appointment, here are some additional documents needed for fingerprinting:

• For U.S. visa or immigration purposes: You may need to bring your immigration paperwork, case number, or appointment confirmation letter. These are the documents required for fingerprinting for a U.S. visa and help ensure proper routing to agencies like the FBI or USCIS.
• For employment or licensing: A letter from your employer or licensing board may be helpful but is usually not mandatory if the ORI form is completed correctly.

Bringing these fingerprint documents required ensures your background check is submitted to the correct agency the first time.

Appointments Recommended—Walk-ins Welcome

At A1 Live Scan, we gladly accept walk-ins. However, for faster service, especially during peak hours, we recommend scheduling an appointment online or by phone. This allows us to prioritize your visit and reduce wait times.

When you’re prepared with the documents needed for fingerprinting, the process is quick and smooth—usually taking less than 15 minutes.

Why Choose A1 Live Scan?

We understand how important it is to meet all Live Scan requirements the first time. Our experienced team will:

• Review your documents
• Guide you through the process
• Ensure that your prints are captured clearly and submitted securely
• Provide a receipt and tracking number for your records

Whether you’re fulfilling a CA DOJ criminal background check, submitting fingerprints to the FBI, or getting a Live Scan for a U.S. visa, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

By understanding the Live Scan fingerprinting requirements, including the documents required for fingerprint appointments, you can avoid delays and get your results faster. From Live Scan ID requirements to preparing your hands properly, every small step helps ensure success.

At A1 Live Scan & Notary Services, we’re committed to getting it done right the first time. Walk in or schedule your appointment today—and let us help you move forward with confidence.

Call A1 at 213-489-4559 for questions or an appointment.