If an employer, licensing board, or agency told you to get a "live scan," you might be wondering what makes it different from the fingerprinting you've seen in the movies. The short version: live scan is electronic fingerprint capture. Instead of rolling your fingers through ink and pressing them onto a paper card, your prints are scanned digitally. That difference matters more than it sounds.
Live scan vs. ink cards
The old method uses ink and a physical FD-258 card. It works, but ink smudges, over-inking blurs the ridges, and a single bad impression can get a whole submission rejected — which means starting over. Live scan captures each finger digitally, checks the image quality on the spot, and lets us re-capture anything that isn't clean before it's ever submitted. The result: cleaner prints and far fewer rejections. When your background check is tied to a job offer or a license deadline, avoiding a rejection is worth a lot.
Do you actually need live scan?
Here's the honest answer — the requesting agency decides. Some employers and boards accept (or require) electronic submission; others still want a physical fingerprint card mailed in. You don't have to guess. Your instructions from the agency will tell you which one they need, including any codes or submission details. When in doubt, we can help you read them.
Who typically needs it
Live scan and electronic submission come up across a wide range of situations, including:
- Employment — background screening for new hires and contractors.
- Licensing — nurses, teachers, real estate, and many other professional boards.
- Certifications — programs that require a criminal history check.
- Immigration and adoption — checks that call for fingerprint-based records.
What to bring to your appointment
Two things, and you're set: a valid government-issued photo ID and any instructions from the agency requesting the check. Those instructions carry the details we need — the type of check, any ORI or agency codes, and where results should go. Come with both and your appointment moves quickly.
How fast are results?
For FBI background checks submitted electronically, results come back in about 30 minutes. The FBI check is $125. If your agency needs a physical card instead, Fingerprint Cards are $75 with two included. Additional fees may apply and will be discussed during the appointment.
One note on HAZMAT
Not every fingerprinting need falls under live scan. HAZMAT endorsement fingerprinting (TSA) runs through a specific vendor, so we don't offer it — for that, contact IDEMIA/IdentoGO. For standard FBI checks, licensing, and card submissions, we've got you covered.
A few common questions
What is live scan fingerprinting?
Live scan is electronic fingerprint capture. Instead of rolling your fingers in ink on an FD-258 card, your prints are captured digitally, which produces cleaner images and fewer rejections.
How do I know if I need live scan or a fingerprint card?
The agency requesting your background check decides. Check your instructions — they'll tell you whether to submit electronically or provide a physical card.
What do I bring to a live scan appointment?
A valid government-issued photo ID and any instructions from the agency requesting the check, including any ORI or agency codes.
How much does live scan cost and how fast are results?
FBI Background Check is $125 with results in about 30 minutes. Fingerprint Cards are $75 (two included). Additional fees may apply and will be discussed during the appointment.
Ready for cleaner prints and faster results?
Electronic FBI submission with results in about 30 minutes — same-day appointments and walk-ins across Portland Metro and Clark County, WA.