How Long Does Live Scan Take? Electronic Fingerprint Processing Time

August 16, 2026

If you’ve recently completed Live Scan fingerprinting, one of the first questions you may have is: How long will my results take?

The typical Live Scan processing time in California can be relatively fast, but there is no guaranteed turnaround time for every applicant. Many electronic fingerprint submissions are processed within a few days, while others may take longer depending on the individual’s fingerprints, criminal history record, information submitted, and whether manual review is required.

Understanding what happens after your fingerprints are submitted can help you know what to expect—and when it may be appropriate to check the status of your fingerprint submission.

What Is the Typical Live Scan Processing Time?

According to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), fingerprint transactions that do not match fingerprints already in its database are generally processed electronically within approximately 48 to 72 hours after the transaction is received by DOJ.

The DOJ also states that most results are returned to the requesting agency within about three days. However, this does not mean every applicant will receive a license, clearance, employment decision, or other approval within three days.

There are actually several different timelines involved:

Fingerprint capture → electronic submission → DOJ/FBI processing → requesting agency review → final application or licensing decision.

These are separate stages.

This is why someone may have completed their Live Scan fingerprints successfully but still be waiting for their overall application status to change.

What Happens After Live Scan Fingerprints Are Submitted?

Live Scan is a fingerprint-based electronic system used to capture and transmit fingerprint images for authorized background checks.

Once your fingerprints are captured, the electronic transaction is transmitted for processing according to the information and agency codes provided on your Request for Live Scan Service form.

The fingerprint images can then be compared against fingerprint records as part of the appropriate criminal history background check.

Your Live Scan provider captures and submits the fingerprints. The provider does not decide whether you pass your background check, qualify for a license, or are approved by the requesting agency.

Those decisions belong to the appropriate government or requesting agency.

Why Can Live Scan Processing Take Longer?

Not every fingerprint transaction can be completed automatically.

A delay can occur for several reasons, including:

Poor fingerprint quality
Incorrect information entered with the transaction
Incomplete information
A fingerprint match requiring additional review
Information requiring manual review
Issues associated with existing fingerprint records

California DOJ specifically notes that delays may occur because of poor fingerprint quality, criminal information associated with an applicant’s record, certain older dates of birth, or incorrect data submitted with the electronic transaction.

A delay does not automatically mean that something is wrong or that an applicant has failed a background check.

In some cases, the transaction simply requires additional review.

Does Criminal History Affect Live Scan Processing Time?

It can.

When fingerprints submitted through Live Scan do not match fingerprints in the DOJ database, the transaction may be processed electronically without technician intervention.

If the applicant’s fingerprints match fingerprints already contained in the database, associated records may need to be reviewed manually by a technician. DOJ explains that this manual process can take an indeterminate amount of time.

Therefore, two people who complete their Live Scan appointments on the same day may not necessarily have their background checks completed at the same time.

Does Completing Live Scan Mean My Application Is Approved?

No.

This is an important distinction.

Your Live Scan fingerprint transaction and your actual application status are not necessarily the same thing.

For example, a licensing agency may need to receive the background check results and then continue reviewing the applicant’s licensing paperwork, training requirements, fees, or other documentation.

That means your fingerprints could already have been processed while your application itself remains pending.

Live Scan processing time ≠ application processing time.

Applicants should avoid assuming that a pending license or application means their fingerprints are still being processed.

How Can I Check the Status of My Live Scan?

After completing Live Scan, keep the copy of your Request for Live Scan Service form provided after your fingerprint appointment.

Pay particular attention to your ATI number (Automated Transaction Identifier).

California’s Applicant Background Check Status system uses your:

ATI number + date of birth

to locate the status of your fingerprint transaction.

Your ATI number is extremely important, so don’t throw away your completed Live Scan form after your appointment.

Also remember that checking your fingerprint transaction status is different from checking whether a professional license, employment application, permit, or certification has been approved.

What Does My ATI Number Mean?

The Automated Transaction Identifier, commonly called an ATI number, identifies your electronic Live Scan transaction. If you’re unsure where to locate it, learn how to get your ATI number for Live Scan and where to find it on your completed form.

Live Scan vs. Fingerprint Cards: Which Is Faster?

Electronic Live Scan is generally much faster than traditional fingerprint cards when electronic submission is available.

Live Scan allows fingerprints to be captured and transmitted electronically rather than relying on physical cards that must be mailed and manually handled.

For example, BSIS currently advises that its out-of-state applicants using fingerprint hard cards can face a minimum processing time of 8–12 weeks, while California residents are encouraged to use Live Scan for faster processing.

That is a substantial difference compared with electronic transactions that may be processed within several days when no additional review is necessary.

Can Poor Fingerprints Delay My Background Check?

If your fingerprints have been pending longer than expected, read our guide explaining why Live Scan results may be delayed in California and some of the common reasons processing takes longer.

Can Incorrect Information Delay Live Scan Processing?

Yes. Even if your fingerprints are captured properly, incorrect applicant information can create problems.

Before your fingerprint transaction is submitted, make sure important information on your Live Scan form is accurate.

That includes details such as your:

Name, date of birth, requesting agency information, and other required identifying information.

California DOJ specifically identifies incorrect data submitted on an electronic transaction as one potential cause of delays.

Take a moment to review your information before completing your fingerprinting appointment.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Live Scan Processing Time?

Don’t panic simply because your fingerprints weren’t processed immediately.

While many transactions are completed quickly, some legitimately require additional processing.

If you’ve been waiting longer than expected, first check the status of the fingerprint transaction using the ATI number from your completed Live Scan form.

Then distinguish between:

Fingerprint status: Has the DOJ/FBI background check been processed?

and

Application status: Has the requesting agency completed your license, employment, certification, or application review?

Those are two different questions.

If your fingerprint background check has already been sent to the requesting agency, your next step may be to contact that agency rather than the Live Scan provider.

Frequently Asked Questions About Live Scan Processing Time

How long does Live Scan usually take?

Many electronic fingerprint transactions can be processed within approximately 48–72 hours after DOJ receives them when no fingerprint match or manual technician review is required. Other transactions may take longer.

Are Live Scan results instant?

No. Your fingerprints are captured electronically, but the subsequent background check still has to be processed.

Why is my Live Scan taking so long?

Possible reasons include fingerprint quality, incorrect information, a fingerprint match, or a transaction requiring manual review.

Does a delayed Live Scan mean I have a criminal record?

Not necessarily. A delay alone does not tell you the reason for the delay or the outcome of the background check.

Can Downtown Live Scan see my background check results?

No. A Live Scan provider captures and submits fingerprints. Your background check results are handled by the appropriate agencies and requesting organization.

How do I check my Live Scan status?

Keep your completed Live Scan form. Your ATI number and date of birth can be used to check your fingerprint transaction status through California’s Applicant Background Check Status system.

Are fingerprint cards slower than electronic Live Scan?

They can be significantly slower. For example, BSIS currently lists a minimum processing time of 8–12 weeks for its manually reviewed hard-card fingerprint submissions.

Need Live Scan Fingerprinting in Los Angeles?

If you’ve been asked to complete a fingerprint-based background check, Downtown Live Scan provides professional Live Scan fingerprinting services in Los Angeles.

Whether your fingerprints are required for employment, professional licensing, certification, volunteering, or another authorized purpose, we’ll help make the fingerprinting portion of the process simple and efficient.

Ready to complete your Live Scan fingerprints?