5 Shocking Ways Live Scan Fingerprinting Beats Online Background Checks (and 1 It Doesn’t)
When you’re hiring, applying for a license, or volunteering, background checks are a must.
But not all background checks are created equal. Live Scan fingerprinting and online background checks may seem similar, but they’re worlds apart in accuracy, legality, and reliability.
Let’s break down the 5 shocking ways Live Scan Fingerprinting beats online background checks—and the one area where it doesn’t quite take the crown.
Press play for a quick breakdown of Ways Live Scan Fingerprinting Beats Online Background Checks:
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
How It Works
Who Uses It
It’s widely used by:
Live Scan is about verifying who you are, not just what’s on record.
What Are Online Background Checks?
How Online Checks Operate
Online background checks rely on public databases and third-party information brokers. They gather data, such as criminal records, address history, and social media footprints, but none of it is biometric.
Common Uses
These checks are used by:
- Landlords
- Employers doing quick pre-screens
- Individuals researching someone’s public history
They’re fast, cheap, and easy—but often incomplete or outdated.
Why the Comparison Matters
| Reason | Why It Matters |
| Accuracy | Choosing the right method ensures background checks reflect true and up-to-date information. |
| Compliance | Certain jobs and licenses legally require Live Scan verification through the DOJ/FBI databases. |
| Security | Live Scan offers encrypted, biometric verification, while online checks may expose personal data. |
| Decision Quality | Employers and agencies can make better, faster, and more confident hiring or licensing decisions. |
| Cost vs. Risk | Online checks may be cheaper, but they risk errors or missed criminal records, which can lead to costly consequences later. |
► #1: Live Scan Delivers Verified Identity Data
The Role of Biometrics
Unlike online checks, Live Scan uses fingerprints—your unique biological signature. It’s virtually impossible to fake or confuse.
Why Online Checks Can’t Compete
Online checks depend on name and date-of-birth matching. That means anyone with a similar name could show up in your results—or worse, slip through the cracks.
Live Scan = certainty.
Online check = guesswork.
► #2: Live Scan Is More Accurate and Trusted by Law Enforcement
Direct Connection to DOJ and FBI Databases
Live Scan sends fingerprints directly to state and federal agencies. These databases are updated in real-time and include sealed, restricted, or non-public records—the kind online systems can’t access.
The Risk of Errors in Online Systems
Online databases often miss recent convictions or contain outdated information. That can lead to false negatives—or even mistaken identity.
Accuracy isn’t optional when someone’s job, license, or security clearance is on the line.
► #3: Live Scan Offers Faster, Real-Time Results
Electronic Submissions vs. Manual Searches
Live Scan results are transmitted instantly to the DOJ and FBI. Most results come back within 72 hours.
In contrast, online checks rely on manual searches across fragmented databases, sometimes taking days or weeks—and even then, accuracy varies.
Speed and Efficiency in Hiring Processes
For employers, every delay costs productivity. Live Scan’s quick turnaround keeps your hiring process moving smoothly.
► #4: Live Scan Is Legally Compliant for Licensing and Employment
Meeting State and Federal Regulations
Many states, including California and Florida, require Live Scan for positions involving children, healthcare, or public safety. It meets DOJ and FBI submission standards, ensuring compliance.
Legal Limitations of Online Background Checks
Online checks aren’t legally accepted for most licensing or regulated employment. They’re fine for personal use, but not when the law demands verified results.
► #5: Live Scan Protects Sensitive Information Better
Encryption and Data Privacy
Live Scan uses secure, encrypted transmissions to government servers. The service provider doesn’t store your fingerprints—they’re sent directly to authorized agencies.
The Security Risks of Public Data Brokers
Online background check companies often sell or share user data, exposing individuals to privacy risks. Once your personal information is out there, you can’t get it back.
►And 1 Way Live Scan Doesn’t Win: Accessibility and Cost
Why Online Background Checks Are Easier and Cheaper
Live Scan requires in-person fingerprinting at an authorized site. That means scheduling, travel, and fees ranging from $25 to $80.
Online checks, meanwhile, take minutes and cost a fraction of the cost.
When an Online Check Might Be Enough
If you’re just curious about a neighbor or verifying a simple record, an online check does the job. But for official or regulated purposes, Live Scan is non-negotiable.
When to Choose Live Scan vs. Online Background Checks
Choose Live Scan when:
- You’re applying for a professional license
- You work with children, healthcare, or sensitive data.
- Your employer requires DOJ/FBI verification.
Choose Online Background Checks when:
- You just need basic public info
- You’re doing an informal screening.
How Certifix Live Scan Makes the Process Easy for You
Certifix Live Scan simplifies the fingerprinting process with fast, convenient, and secure options tailored to your needs.
| Service | Description |
| Nationwide Network | Access one of the largest networks of Live Scan fingerprinting locations across the U.S.—most just minutes from your home or workplace. |
| Mobile Fingerprinting Services | Do you need to fingerprint a team or group? Our mobile technicians can come directly to your location, saving you time and hassle with coordination. |
| Comprehensive Services | We provide both DOJ Live Scan submissions and FBI Ink Fingerprint card processing, ensuring compliance for every type of background check. |
Whether you’re an individual, business, or government agency, Certifix Live Scan helps you get fingerprinted quickly, accurately, and securely—anywhere in the country.
How to Get a Live Scan Done
- Get your Request for Live Scan Form from your employer or licensing agency.
- Bring a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport).
- Visit an authorized Live Scan location, such as Certifix Live Scan.
- Pay the service and government fees.
- Wait for the DOJ/FBI to process your results.
Process to get a Live Scan done (Step-by-Step)
●Step 1: Get Your Live Scan Form
Before anything else, you’ll need a Request for Live Scan Form (BCIA 8016).
- This form is provided by the agency or employer that requires your background check.
- It lists the ORI number and requesting agency details, which tell the DOJ/FBI where to send your results.
●Step 2: Locate a Certifix Live Scan Store
Go to the Certifix Live Scan Locations page.
- Enter your city, ZIP code, or county to find the nearest authorized site.
- You can choose walk-in or appointment-based locations, depending on availability.
●Step 3: Bring Required Documents
When you go to your appointment, bring:
- Your completed Live Scan Form (from Step 1)
- A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID
- Payment for the service (varies by location and agency fee)
●Step 4: Get Fingerprinted Digitally
At the store:
- A trained technician will scan your fingerprints electronically using a Live Scan machine.
- The data is securely transmitted to the DOJ and/or FBI for background processing.
- You’ll receive a copy of your transaction form with an ATI number (used for tracking results).
●Step 5: Wait for Processing
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) typically processes results within 2–3 business days.
- Some agencies may take longer, depending on clearance levels.
- Results are sent directly to the requesting agency, not to you.
●Step 6: Follow Up if Needed
If your agency hasn’t received results after a week:
- You can track your Live Scan status on the California DOJ website using your ATI number and your date of birth.
- Or contact the Certifix Live Scan support team for assistance.
Common Misconceptions About Live Scan Fingerprinting
| Myth | Truth |
| ● Live Scan results are sent to me. | Results are sent directly to the requesting agency, not the applicant. You will not receive a personal copy. |
| ● I can use my old Live Scan. | Each Live Scan submission is unique to a specific request or agency. You must complete a new one for each purpose. |
| ● Live Scan takes forever. | Most Live Scan results are processed and returned within 2–3 business days, depending on the agency’s workload. |
| ● Any fingerprinting service counts as Live Scan. | Only certified Live Scan providers can submit fingerprints electronically to the DOJ or FBI. Ink-and-paper prints are not accepted for Live Scan purposes. |
| ● Live Scan checks all records everywhere. | Live Scan only accesses records relevant to the agency’s request. It does not provide a public background report. |
The Future of Background Screening
Biometric verification is the future. As privacy laws tighten and identity theft grows, fingerprint-based checks like Live Scan will likely become the standard for employment and licensing.
Online background checks might stay useful for quick info—but when accuracy and compliance matter, Live Scan wins hands down.
What It All Means
When it comes to trust, accuracy, and compliance, Live Scan fingerprinting outperforms online background checks in nearly every way.
The only edge online checks hold is convenience—but that’s where it ends.
For official, secure, and legally recognized results, Live Scan is the clear winner.
Recommended for You ▼- 7 Easy Steps to Complete the BCIA 8016 Form (Plus 5 Expert Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes)
- 30 Fascinating Facts About Fingerprints and Live Scan Background Checks
- Employment Background Check Error Lawyer: Your Legal Options After a Wrongful Job Denial
- Unlocking the Secrets of Fingerprint Patterns in Live Scan Checks
- Hiring at Scale? A Guide to Streamlining Bulk Employment Background Checks
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Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is live scan the same as fingerprinting?
Live scan is fingerprinting done electronically performed for an agency or an individual to receive a background check from the DOJ and FBI.
-
How does Live Scan work?
The requesting agency provides the applicant with a Request For Live Scan Service Form.
The applicant then takes the form along with proper identification to the nearest live scan location to get fingerprinted via live scan.
This is then sent to the DOJ, FBI or both to be processed.
The DOJ then sends the results to the requesting agency only. -
Who can I contact to check the status of my live scan?
You can check the status of your live scan on the Department of Justice Applicant Status Check website: https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov/checkstatus which will let you know if it is still processing or if it has been completed. You will need your date of birth and ATI number. The ATI number should be located at the bottom of the live scan form you received after you did live scan.
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What do I need to get a live scan?
The requesting agency should provide you with a “request for live scan service form”. You will need to fill that out, you will also need to bring a primary form of I.D. such as a Driver’s license or a CA ID
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How long does a Live Scan take?
Typically, the process takes about 10–15 minutes at the site, with results available within 2–3 business days.
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Can anyone get a Live Scan?
Yes, if you have a request from an agency or a licensing form.
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Does Live Scan show misdemeanors?
Yes, it can include both misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the agency’s request.
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Can I do a Live Scan from home?
No, you must visit an authorized location to get fingerprinted.
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What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
You can redo them for free at most locations within a set timeframe.
I am a landlord of two rental properties and am interested in using this as a potential tenant evaluation option.
I don’t quite understand how perform the following statement “If you are in California you can use the Record Review live scan form that is provided by the California Attorney General’s office for a Personal Use background check”.
Do I supply the applicant with Request for Live Scan Service form BCII 8016 RR from ( ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/forms/bcii_rr_8016.pdf )
Thank you,
Laura
Yes, you would provide the applicant with the form and they will submit a Live Scan. An alternative is the FBI Record Check which is nationwide.
You can download an FBI Ink Fingerprint card here: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks/standard-fingerprint-form-fd-258
You will need to send a payment of $18 and an application form with the ink fingerprint card, you can download the form here: https://forms.fbi.gov/departmental-order-website-questionnaire
i wanted to know how much do i pay if the employer requesting level of service is DOJ and FBI? I am applying for a home caregiver for adult residence 6 clients.Do I have to pay for this or the employer? thank you
The fingerprint rolling fee ranges between $20-$25, there is an additional fee of $32 for the DOJ check and $17 for the FBI check.
The employers for Adult Residence do not usually pay for your Live Scan, you may want to ask them.