Get Certified Today: Discover Fingerprinting Services Available in Your State
Navigating the requirements for professional licensure, employment, or volunteer work often feels like a puzzle—especially when it comes to biometric identification. Whether you’re a nurse in Florida, a teacher in California, or a real estate agent in Texas, your career progress depends on a fast, accurate criminal background check.
In 2026, the standard has shifted. Traditional “ink-and-roll” methods are being replaced by high-speed Live Scan technology, ensuring your prints are transmitted to the DOJ or FBI in seconds, not weeks.
This guide provides a comprehensive “snapshot” of the fingerprinting landscape across the United States, helping you find a certified location and understand your specific state’s mandates.
What is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is an inkless, electronic means of capturing fingerprints in a digitized format. These prints are transmitted via a secure connection to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the State Department of Justice (DOJ) to search for criminal history records. Unlike ink cards, Live Scan results are typically processed within 72 hours.
How to Get Fingerprinted: 5-Step Process
- Obtain your Form:
Get the Request for Service Form from your employer or board. - Find an ORI Number:
Ensure your form has the 9-digit Originating Agency Identifier. - Locate a Center:
Use our Nationwide Directory to find a station near you. - Bring Identification:
Arrive with a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. - Receive Results:
Your biometrics are transmitted instantly; your agency receives the report digitally.
Why State Requirements Differ
Background check laws are governed at the state level. While the technology is similar, the Applicant Agency and the ORI Number (Originating Agency Identifier) vary wildly depending on your location and profession.
Using the wrong form or an incorrect code can result in a “rejection notice,” forcing you to pay twice and restart the process.
Priority States: Requirements & Snap-Shots
The Southwest Hub: Arizona & Utah
- Arizona: Most applicants require a DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card. This is essential for educators and healthcare professionals.
Find Arizona Fingerprinting Locations
- Utah: Fingerprinting is managed by the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). It is a mandatory step for contractors and medical professionals.
Get Fingerprinted in Utah
The West Coast Leaders: California, Nevada & Washington
- California: As the pioneer of Live Scan, California has the strictest DOJ and FBI protocols. Results are typically routed to the Department of Justice within 24 hours.
Find a California Live Scan Provider
- Nevada: Focuses heavily on gaming and private investigation.
Nevada Fingerprinting Services
- Washington: The WSP (Washington State Patrol) oversees the process for healthcare and childcare workers.
Washington State Fingerprinting Guide
The Florida & Texas Powerhouses
- Florida: Known for Level 2 Live Scan requirements. If you work in healthcare (AHCA) or with vulnerable populations, you must have a biometric match submitted to the FDLE.
Start Your Florida Live Scan Enrollment
- Texas: The Texas DPS utilizes the FAST system. Real estate agents and insurance adjusters are the primary users of these services.
Texas Fingerprinting Locations
The Midwest & Northeast: Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota & NC
- Ohio: Unique for requiring both BCI (State) and FBI (Federal) checks for most school-related roles.
Ohio BCI & FBI Fingerprinting
- Michigan: Overseen by LARA for nursing and professional licensing.
Michigan Fingerprinting Services
- Minnesota: The BCA manages results for the high-demand healthcare and education sectors.
Minnesota Fingerprinting Hub
- North Carolina: The SBI handles all electronic submissions, primarily for CCW permits and nursing licenses.
North Carolina Fingerprinting
Mountain & Mid-Atlantic: Colorado & Georgia
- Colorado: The CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigation) requires digital prints for real estate and liquor licensing.
Colorado Fingerprinting Locations
- Georgia: Utilizing the GAPS system, Georgia is a leader in adoption and foster care background screening.
Georgia GAPS Fingerprinting
Technical Essentials: Live Scan vs. Ink Cards
While digital Live Scan is the standard for in-state applications, you may still need traditional FD-258 Ink Cards if:
- You are applying for an out-of-state license.
- You are submitting prints for a federal agency that does not yet accept digital transmissions.
- You are an expat applying for an FBI Identity History Summary from abroad.
What if my prints are rejected?
The primary reason for “rejection notices” is poor ridge quality or skin dryness. Certifix technicians use high-resolution sensors and software to verify print quality during your appointment, significantly reducing the risk of DOJ/FBI rejection.
Fingerprinted for Your Career: Understanding Professional Licensure
In many industries, a background check isn’t just a part of the hiring process—it is a legal prerequisite for professional licensure. State licensing boards use fingerprinting to ensure that individuals entering positions of public trust, healthcare, or financial responsibility meet strict ethical and legal standards.
Because every industry is governed by different statutes, the “type” of scan you need depends entirely on your job title. For example, a Level 2 AHCA scan for a nurse in Florida is technically distinct from a DOJ teacher credentialing scan in California.
Why Your Profession Dictates Your Process
When you apply for a license, your board provides you with a specific Applicant Agency code. This code ensures your results are routed to the correct governing body, such as:
- The Board of Nursing: For RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.
- The Department of Education: For teachers, administrators, and school staff.
- The Real Estate Commission: For brokers and sales associates.
- The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services: For security guards and private investigators.
Failure to select the correct career portal can lead to delayed license issuance or the need to pay again for a second scan. To simplify this, we have categorized the most common requirements by sector below.
Sector-Specific Compliance Notes
- Healthcare & Medicine: Most states require an FBI-level check (Level 2) to protect vulnerable patient populations. This often includes a search of the OIG Exclusion List in addition to criminal records.
- Education & Childcare: These checks are the most rigorous, often requiring annual or bi-annual updates to ensure continued eligibility to work with minors.
- Real Estate & Finance: Focuses heavily on “Financial Crimes” and “Crimes of Moral Turpitude” that might impact a professional’s ability to handle escrow or sensitive financial data.
Ready to Get Certified?
Don’t let a background check slow down your career. With over 1,200+ locations across the United States, Certifix is your partner in professional compliance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I find my ORI Number?
The ORI Number is usually found on the “Request for Live Scan” form provided by your employer. If you don’t have it, contact your licensing board or use our Visa Document Matchmaker for international guidance.
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How long does it take to get fingerprinting results?
For electronic Live Scan, most results are sent to the requesting agency within 24 to 72 hours. Hard cards mailed to the FBI can take 2 to 4 weeks to process.
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Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
While some locations allow walk-ins, it is highly recommended to book an appointment to ensure a technician is available and to verify your paperwork in advance.
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Can I get fingerprinted for another state while I am in California?
Yes, but you will likely need to perform a “Hard Card” scan (Ink-on-Paper) and mail it to that state’s agency, as digital systems are rarely interconnected across state lines.
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What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 checks?
Level 1 is a name-based search of local/state records. Level 2 (common in Florida) is a biometric-based search of the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) at both the state and FBI levels.