Live scan fingerprinting is an essential process in today’s professional landscape. However, it can be confusing for people unfamiliar with the process.
Fortunately, this article will demystify the live scan form process and provide a step-by-step guide. The result will be a seamless, confident background check.
How It Works
Live scan fingerprinting is a process that uses a digital scanner to capture an applicant’s fingerprints. The prints are then electronically transmitted to a government agency for a background check. It is a fast and efficient method of fingerprint processing. It also helps to reduce human error that can occur when using ink and paper for fingerprint submissions.
The process starts with the applicant receiving a request from an agency or employer to submit their live scan fingerprints. Then, the applicant schedules an appointment at a Live Scan location. They must bring a government-issued photo ID and a payment form for the services provided.
An authorized live scan technician will scan the fingerprints onto a card at the Live Scan location. The technician will then submit the fingerprints to the Department of Justice and FBI for a background check. The applicant will receive a receipt indicating that their fingerprints were successfully transmitted.
Traditionally, fingerprinting was done using ink on a fingerprinting card. The process was time-consuming and prone to errors, such as smudging or over-inking. Fortunately, technology has evolved to allow a faster and more accurate way to capture fingerprints — by using live scan equipment. This new technology allows fingerprints to be sent to the FBI for a background check much more quickly and efficiently.
Preparation
Many government agencies require live scan background checks for positions that deal with children, vulnerable adults, finances, or property. Live scan operator fingerprint processing is simple, convenient, and more accurate than traditional ink-and-roll methods.
Unlike ink-and-roll submissions, which require a lot of manual labor, digital fingerprinting is a paper-free, automated process. This helps reduce human error when submitting the prints to an agency and makes the entire process much faster.
The first step in the live scan process is to fill out the correct form provided by the requesting agency.
You will present the request for a live scan submission form and a valid photo ID at your appointment. The live scan operator will verify your identity and open the live scan software to capture your fingerprints. Generally, fingerprints are taken using four-finger slaps and two thumb scans on each hand. Depending on your needs, the fingerprints may need to be rolled.
Since there is no need for ink and paper, a live scan process is more environmentally friendly than traditional paper-based submissions. In addition, it helps to reduce the time needed for a fingerprint search and clearance because fewer steps are involved between fingerprint submission and searching against existing records.
Scan
Submitting your fingerprints digitally for background checks can be done through live scan fingerprinting. It is the preferred fingerprinting method for many reasons, including a more accurate result than inked fingerprints and a more straightforward submission process. In addition, it is faster and less costly than traditional fingerprinting methods.
The FBI and DOJ use these digital fingerprints to search for criminal history records matching your prints. These records are available to law enforcement agencies within 24 hours of submitting your fingerprints. This helps reduce the time needed to process your background check and minimizes human error that often occurs when using inked fingerprints.
Once the DOJ and FBI have processed your fingerprints, they will send an approval or denial letter to the address on file with your agency or employer. Depending on the number of people ahead of you in line, it may take several days for this to happen.
The type of live scan you need will be specified on the request form given to you by the agency or person requesting your fingerprints. For example, you will need a different live scan form for community care licensing than you would for employment with the Department of Social Services. Ensure you have the correct request form before visiting the live scan service location.
Post-Completion Distribution
Live scan fingerprinting is a crucial requirement for individuals who need to undergo a criminal background check. It can help prevent identity theft by making it more difficult for people to impersonate others, and it can also be used for law enforcement purposes. It can also help people get a job, as many employers require that applicants have their fingerprints on file before hiring them.
Getting live scan fingerprinting can seem daunting for those unfamiliar with it, but some things should be kept in mind.
Once a person has the proper form, they should visit a live scanner location and have their prints taken. This can be done at a local police station, military recruitment office, or some private locations offering the service. Some of these locations even travel to homes and businesses so people can get their fingerprints done conveniently.
After the prints are captured, they will be electronically submitted to the appropriate agency for processing. The process of submitting the prints is usually much faster than if the person were to submit them on paper, and it also helps to reduce human error.
