Frequently Asked Questions
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Mr. Fingerprints' FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Mr. Fingerprints FAQ section! We aim to provide you with clear and thorough answers to your questions about Live Scan fingerprinting services. Whether you’re wondering what Live Scan is, what you need for your appointment, or the fees involved, you’ll find the information you need right here. Our goal is to ensure you have a smooth and informed experience with our services.
A Live Scan is an advanced fingerprinting technique that captures fingerprints electronically, without the use of ink. These electronic fingerprints are subsequently transmitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for analysis. The DOJ conducts a comprehensive review, comparing the submitted fingerprints against existing criminal history records.
Upon receipt of the electronic fingerprints, the Department of Justice (DOJ) undertakes a thorough background check. The resulting information, indicating either the presence or absence of a criminal history, is then communicated to the requesting agency. In the event that no criminal history is detected, the DOJ typically provides a response within a period of 3 to 7 business days.
Live Scan fingerprinting is necessary for a variety of purposes, primarily related to background checks and verification of identity. Common reasons you might need a Live Scan include:
- Employment: Many employers require Live Scan as part of their hiring process, especially for positions involving children, the elderly, or sensitive information.
- Licensing and Certification: Various professional licenses, such as those for nurses, teachers, contractors, and real estate agents, require a Live Scan background check.
- Volunteer Work: Organizations that work with vulnerable populations often require volunteers to undergo Live Scan fingerprinting. This is also a requirement under AB 506, which mandates background checks for individuals working with youth.
- Adoption and Foster Care: Prospective adoptive and foster parents are usually required to complete a Live Scan background check.
- Immigration and Visa Applications: Certain immigration and visa processes may require Live Scan fingerprinting.
- Firearm Permits: Obtaining a permit to carry a firearm often necessitates a Live Scan background check.
- Government and Military Positions: Jobs within the government or military frequently require Live Scan fingerprinting for security clearance purposes.
Ensuring that your Live Scan is up-to-date can be crucial for complying with legal and regulatory requirements across various fields, including fulfilling the requirements of AB 506.
To ensure a smooth and efficient Live Scan fingerprinting appointment, please bring the following items:
- Valid Photo Identification: An unexpired, government-issued ID is required. Acceptable forms include:
- Driver’s License
- State ID Card
- Passport
- Military ID
- Live Scan Request Form: This form must be completed and provided at the time of your appointment. It should be filled out accurately with all necessary information, including the requesting agency’s details and the type of application.
- Payment: Be prepared to pay the Live Scan fee, which may include a rolling fee and the applicable government fees.
Ensuring you have these items ready will help expedite the Live Scan process and avoid any delays. If you have any questions about what to bring, please contact us prior to your appointment.
The Live Scan process involves two types of fees: the background investigation fee and the rolling fee. At Mr. Fingerprints, we charge a standard rolling fee of $30.00 for all applications. The background investigation fee varies based on the type of Live Scan application and the level of service required by the requesting agency. The fees charged by the DOJ for checking your fingerprints against criminal records, range from $25.00 to $110.00. FBI fees are an additional $17.00.
If your Live Scan form includes an “Agency Billing Number” (a six-digit number starting with “1”), the requesting agency will cover the background fees, and you only need to pay the $30.00 rolling (fingerprinting) fee. If your form does not include a billing number, you will be responsible for both the rolling (fingerprinting) fee and the background fees.
Click here to check Live Scan results.
Click here to download your form(s).
MR Fingerprints accepts payment in the form of Cash, VISA, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashiers Check, Corporate or Business Checks.
Please note that if you are providing a corporate or business check, the check must be issued from the agency that is listed on the Live Scan form and must also be the agency that is requesting your Live Scan.
Walk-ins are welcome during our normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8AM-5PM. As a walk-in customer, you will be live scanned on a first come, first served basis.
Appointments are also available every half hour during normal business hours. Customers with an appointment that arrive timely will have priority over walk-in customers.
The DOJ does not share your information with other agencies. An applicant’s Live Scan form acts as a release for a criminal history response to be sent to the specified requesting agency.
This means that you must submit a new application each time a criminal history is requested of you, therefore you must go through the Live Scan process again. Previous Live Scan information CANNOT be utilized.
Fingerprints are rejected on occasion for several reasons. The most common reasons are the applicant’s fingerprints have characteristics that are difficult to capture in the live scan process.
This would include items such as cuts, scars and calluses. If an applicant has fingerprints rejected on this basis, and they were originally scanned by MR Fingerprints, we will re-scan your fingerprints at no additional charge.
The requesting agency (the entity that is requesting the background check) will provide you with the live scan forms necessary to complete the live scan. Please also review the question below.
At Mr. Fingerprints, we specialize in accommodating large groups for Live Scan fingerprinting services. Whether you’re organizing fingerprinting for employees, volunteers, or any other group, we offer several solutions to ensure a smooth and efficient process:
- Concierge Services: Convenience is key, our mobile services bring fingerprinting directly to your location. We conduct Live Scan fingerprinting for your entire group without the need to disrupt your team’s schedule with off-site visits. Our concierge units are fully equipped to provide the same high-quality fingerprinting services at your office or any location of your choice.
- Customizable: Our customizable billing process ensures hassle-free transactions, we simplify your accounting processes, saving you time and reducing administrative burdens. We are experts in providing adaptable solutions to honor and support the diversity of your team, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met seamlessly.
- Capacity: We have the capacity and resources to efficiently handle large groups, ensuring a smooth and quick process for all your employees. Whether you need to onboard new staff members or conduct routine security checks, our team is equipped to manage high volumes with precision and care.
- Exclusive Group Pricing: We value loyalty and take pride in offering our Tiered Pricing Programs. Take advantage of our competitive pricing with significant savings for bulk fingerprinting services. Our proprietary pricing programs ensure your organization’s needs are met allowing your staff to focus on what truly matters- your mission!
To arrange fingerprinting for your large group, please contact us directly to discuss your specific needs and schedule an appointment.
Expedited Translation Services for Spanish and English
We offer expedited translation services for both Spanish and English documents. By opting for expedited service, your order is prioritized, reducing the turnaround time by 50%. Please note that this service incurs a 50% surcharge.
For documents requiring expedited translation in other languages, please inquire about availability. If we can accommodate your request, our staff will provide you with the necessary instructions.
Important Note: Standard terms apply to expedited services. Orders placed after 2 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time) will be processed on the next business day. Delivery dates do not include weekends and holidays.
Yes, we offer notarized translations. Our professional translation services include the option for notarization to ensure that your translated documents are legally recognized and accepted by official institutions. This service provides an added layer of verification and authenticity for your important documents. Please note that pricing for notarized translations varies based on the type of document and specific requirements.