The 2025 Submission Deadline: Last Day to Live Scan Before January
You have the job offer. You have the start date: January 5th, 2026. But do you have the clearance?
Every year, thousands of applicants engage in a high-stakes gamble: waiting until late December to submit their background check. Unlike other months, where a 3-5 day turnaround is standard, December presents a unique “perfect storm” of obstacles—fiscal furloughs, court closures, and the dreaded holiday mail backlog.
If you are counting on a January start date, the window to submit your fingerprints is closing faster than you think.
This guide outlines the critical background check processing times for December 2025, defines the absolute last day to submit, and explains why booking an urgent Live Scan appointment is your only safe bet to beat the clock.
The “Holiday Freeze”: Background Check Processing Times in December 2025
Why does a standard DOJ check take longer in December? It isn’t just about the holidays themselves; it’s about the infrastructure supporting them.
⚠ Warning: Is your January 5th start date at risk? Calculate your clearance probability instantly.
Critical Deadlines: When is the Last Day to Submit?
To ensure your results are generated and sent to the Applicant Agency (your employer or licensing board) before the first week of January, you must adhere to this schedule.
Note: These dates are based on historical DOJ/FBI processing trends during holiday periods.
📅 See the ‘Dead Zones’: Visualize exactly which days courts are closed in December.
Pro Tip: If you are reading this after December 18th, you are in the “Danger Zone.” You absolutely cannot afford the delay of ink fingerprinting. You must find a same day fingerprinting appointment at a digital Live Scan location immediately.
Live Scan vs. Ink Cards: The December Race
In the race against the calendar, the submission method is the only variable you can control.
Electronic Live Scan transmits your biometric data directly to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) via a secure digital network. This bypasses the post office entirely.
- Ink Card (Mailed): ~10-21 Days in December (High risk of “Lost in Mail”)
- Live Scan (Digital): ~3-7 Days (Often 24-72 hours for clean records)
See the difference: Watch this simulation to understand why mailing your prints in December is a risk you shouldn’t take.
🏁 Race the Clock: See how much faster Live Scan is compared to snail mail during the holidays.
Urgent Scenarios: Who Needs to Act Now?
Certain industries have hard deadlines that do not pause for the holidays.
If you fall into one of these categories, prioritize your screening immediately.
💸 The High Cost of Waiting: See exactly how much salary you lose if your start date is pushed back 2 weeks.
How to Expedite Your Process (3 Steps)
You cannot force the FBI to work faster, but you can shave days off the front end of the process.
Step 1: Skip the Police Station
Local police departments often have very limited public hours for fingerprinting, and many close their administrative offices completely for the holidays.
- Better Option: Certifix Live Scan locations are private businesses (like mailbox stores and notary offices) that often have extended holiday hours and accept walk-ins.
🔍 Everything else closed? Find a Certifix location open for ‘Emergency Walk-Ins’ right now.
Step 2: Ensure Data Accuracy
A “rejection” due to a typo or poor print quality will force you to restart the process in January.
- Double-check your ORI Number and Mail Code on your Request for Live Scan Service form.
- Verify your SSN and DOB before leaving the appointment.
Step 3: Use the “Heads Up” Strategy
If you are submitting late (after Dec. 20th), be proactive. Notify your hiring manager now that court closures may impact the timeline.
✉️ Dread writing that email? Use our template to professionally notify your boss about potential delays.
Don’t Let a Delay Cost You the Job
The “December Freeze” is real, but it doesn’t have to freeze your career. By understanding the calendar and choosing the fastest submission method, you can navigate the holidays with confidence.
The clock is ticking. Do not wait for the post office. Find a location and secure your January start date today.
You Might Also Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I get fingerprinted on New Year's Eve?
It depends on the location. While government offices are closed, many private Certifix Live Scan locations are open on New Year’s Eve. Use our location map to filter for “Open Now” to find urgent live scan appointments near you.
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Do background checks process during Christmas?
The automated databases (AFIS) run 24/7, but the human elements do not. If your check requires a manual review by a court clerk or an employment verification call, no progress will be made on federal holidays (Dec 25th, Jan 1st).
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What is the fastest way to get a background check for a job?
The fastest method is electronic Live Scan submission. Avoid “hard card” (FD-258) fingerprinting unless you are out of state and have absolutely no other option.
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Will my background check clear before January 1st?
If you submit via Live Scan before December 18th and have no criminal history requiring manual review, there is a very high probability it will clear. Submissions after Dec 22nd are likely to roll over into the first week of January.