If you’re applying for a California Guard Card, completing a security Live Scan is an important part of the application process. Security guard applicants must undergo a criminal history background check through both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Live Scan allows your fingerprints to be captured digitally and submitted electronically for processing, eliminating the traditional ink-and-paper process for most California applicants.
At Downtown Live Scan, we help security guard applicants complete their Live Scan fingerprinting accurately and conveniently so they can move forward with the BSIS Guard Card application process.
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What Is a Security Live Scan?
A security Live Scan is the electronic fingerprinting process used as part of the criminal history background check required for California security guard registration.
During the appointment, a certified Live Scan operator captures your fingerprint images electronically. The fingerprints are then submitted for the appropriate DOJ and FBI criminal history checks associated with your BSIS application.
According to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), applicants for Security Guard Registration must undergo a criminal history background check through both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Why Do Security Guards Need Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Security guards work in positions involving the protection of people and property. California therefore requires applicants to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history review as part of the Guard Card registration process.
Your Live Scan fingerprinting provides the fingerprint information necessary for the DOJ and FBI background checks required by BSIS.
Live Scan itself does not determine whether someone qualifies for a Guard Card. The Live Scan provider captures and submits the fingerprints; BSIS and the appropriate government agencies handle the background-check and licensing processes.
When Should I Complete My Security Guard Live Scan?
This is important because applicants can easily get the order of the process confused.
Current BSIS application instructions state that, per FBI guidelines, you must submit your Security Guard application to BSIS before completing your Live Scan.
After submitting your application, you can complete your fingerprinting using the appropriate Security Guard Live Scan form.
You should also keep your completed Live Scan form after fingerprinting. BSIS instructs applicants to retain a copy containing the ATI number and the Live Scan operator’s signature.
What Live Scan Form Do Security Guards Need?
Security guard applicants should use the Security Guard Request for Live Scan Service form provided for BSIS applicants.
Using the correct form matters because it contains the coding necessary for BSIS to receive the appropriate information. BSIS warns that using an incorrect Live Scan form can delay application processing.
Before your appointment, review the form and make sure you’re using the version appropriate for your Security Guard Registration.
BSIS Security Guard licensing and forms
What Should I Bring to My Security Live Scan Appointment?
Being prepared can make the fingerprinting process much easier.
Security guard applicants should generally bring:
- The appropriate Security Guard Live Scan form
- A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
- The information required to complete the fingerprint transaction
- Payment for applicable fingerprinting and government processing fees
The California DOJ states that applicants must present valid photo identification to a Live Scan operator.
Your Live Scan form contains important information identifying the agency requesting the background check, so don’t substitute another fingerprint form simply because it looks similar.
How Does Security Live Scan Fingerprinting Work?
The actual digital fingerprinting appointment is generally straightforward.
The Live Scan operator reviews the required information and identification before capturing your fingerprints electronically.
Your fingers are placed on the scanner so clear fingerprint images can be captured. The operator can review the images for quality before completing the transaction.
Unlike traditional fingerprint cards, Live Scan allows the applicable fingerprints to be electronically submitted for processing.
The California DOJ describes Live Scan as an electronic fingerprint submission system used for automated background checks and responses.
What Does the Security Guard Background Check Include?
California Security Guard Registration applicants undergo criminal history checks through the California DOJ and FBI.
The criminal history review is performed by the appropriate government agencies—not by the fingerprinting business.
Downtown Live Scan’s role is to accurately capture and facilitate the electronic submission of your fingerprints according to the information provided for your Live Scan transaction.
The ultimate licensing determination belongs to BSIS.
How Do I Book a Security Live Scan Appointment Online?
If you’re ready to complete your security Live Scan, you can schedule a fingerprinting appointment with Downtown Live Scan.
Before your appointment:
- Submit your Security Guard application to BSIS.
- Obtain the correct Security Guard Live Scan form.
- Make sure you have acceptable identification.
- Schedule your Live Scan fingerprinting appointment.
- Bring your required documents to the appointment.
- Keep your completed Live Scan form after fingerprinting.
This provides a simple path from your BSIS application to fingerprint submission without unnecessarily complicating the process.
Ready to get fingerprinted? Schedule your Security Guard Live Scan appointment with Downtown Live Scan.
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How Do I Check the Status of My Security Guard Live Scan?
After your fingerprints have been submitted, you can check the status of your DOJ/FBI fingerprint background check through California DOJ’s Applicant Background Check Status system.
You will need:
- Your ATI number from your completed Live Scan form
- Your date of birth
The DOJ specifically notes that this system shows the status of the fingerprint background check—it does not indicate your Guard Card licensing status.
Check Your California DOJ Live Scan Status
Keep your completed Live Scan form because your ATI number is needed to perform the status search.
How Long Does Security Live Scan Take?
The fingerprint capture portion of a Live Scan appointment is typically relatively quick, but your fingerprinting appointment and the government’s processing of your background check are two different things.
Downtown Live Scan captures and submits the fingerprints. DOJ, FBI, and BSIS processing occurs separately.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that completion of the fingerprint appointment means their Guard Card has been approved.
BSIS publishes application processing information separately, and those timeframes can change.
Can I Use a Fingerprint Card Instead of Live Scan?
For applicants in California, Live Scan is the standard electronic fingerprinting method.
BSIS states that applicants living outside California who do not have access to Live Scan may submit fingerprint hard cards. Previously processed fingerprint submissions, photocopies of fingerprints, or previously used cards are not substitutes for a new required submission.
If you’re applying from within California, you should generally follow the BSIS instructions for Live Scan rather than obtaining a fingerprint card unless you’ve specifically been instructed otherwise.
What Happens After My Security Live Scan?
After your fingerprints have been electronically submitted, the appropriate agencies process the criminal history record check.
Remember that fingerprinting is only one component of becoming a registered security guard in California.
Applicants must also satisfy BSIS application and training requirements. BSIS currently requires completion of Power to Arrest training before issuance of a Security Guard Registration, along with additional security-officer skills training requirements following registration.
If you’re completing the entire Guard Card process, make sure you’re following the current BSIS requirements rather than treating Live Scan as the only required step.
Where Can I Get a Security Live Scan in Los Angeles?
Downtown Live Scan provides security Live Scan fingerprinting for Guard Card applicants in the Los Angeles area.
Whether you’re beginning a career in private security or completing the fingerprint requirement associated with your BSIS application, our team can help you complete the fingerprinting portion of the process.
Bring your Security Guard Live Scan form and acceptable identification, and we’ll help you complete your fingerprints for electronic submission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Live Scan
Do I need Live Scan to get a California Guard Card?
California Security Guard Registration applicants must undergo a DOJ and FBI criminal history background check. For California applicants, Live Scan is the electronic fingerprinting method used for this process.
Should I complete Live Scan before submitting my Guard Card application?
No. Current BSIS application instructions state that applicants must submit their application to the Bureau before completing Live Scan, per FBI guidelines.
Does Downtown Live Scan approve my background check?
No. A Live Scan provider captures and submits fingerprints. DOJ, FBI, and BSIS perform their respective background-check and licensing functions.
What is an ATI number?
The ATI number identifies your Live Scan fingerprint transaction. Keep your completed Live Scan form because you’ll need the ATI number and your date of birth to check the DOJ background-check status.
Can I check my Live Scan results online?
You can check the status of your fingerprint background check through the California DOJ Applicant Background Check Status system. The status shown there is not your actual licensing determination.
Do I need to provide my Social Security number for Live Scan?
Follow the instructions on the official BSIS application and Live Scan form regarding the identifying information required for your transaction. Sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, should only be provided where officially required and should be handled securely.
Complete Your Security Live Scan with Downtown Live Scan
Getting your fingerprints completed correctly is an important part of the California Guard Card application process.
If you’ve submitted your application to BSIS and are ready for your security Live Scan, Downtown Live Scan can help you complete your digital fingerprints conveniently and professionally.
Bring the correct Security Guard Live Scan form and valid identification, and keep your completed form after your appointment for your records.
Ready for your Security Guard Live Scan?
Schedule your Live Scan fingerprinting appointment with Downtown Live Scan today.