Live Scan fingerprinting captures your prints on a glass scanner instead of with ink, and sends them electronically to the agency that requested your background check. It is faster and less likely to be rejected than ink cards. Here is how it works, when you need it, and when you need ink instead.
Need this done in the Portland area? PDX Fingerprinting offers Live Scan and ink fingerprinting at our Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego offices, plus mobile service across the Portland metro. Book an appointment online.
How Live Scan works
- You bring ID and any code or form your agency gave you.
- A technician rolls each finger on a digital scanner and checks the image quality on screen.
- Your prints and details are sent electronically to the right agency (state, FBI, or a channeler).
- The agency processes the check and sends results to whoever requested it.
Live Scan vs. ink cards
| Live Scan | Ink card (FD-258, SF-87, state cards) | |
|---|---|---|
| How sent | Electronically | By mail |
| Speed | Usually days | Usually weeks |
| Rejection risk | Lower (quality checked on screen) | Higher (smudges, wrong boxes) |
| Works for out-of-state agencies? | Only if they accept that state’s electronic submissions | Yes, the usual choice for out-of-state |
| Typical uses | Local licensing, employment, your own FBI check | Out-of-state boards, federal SF-87, some immigration and ATF |
More detail: ink vs. Live Scan fingerprinting.
When you need Live Scan
- You want your own FBI Identity History Summary quickly
- Florida checks through FDLE (see Florida Live Scan)
- Many Oregon employment and licensing checks
When you need ink cards instead
- A licensing board in another state (for example California boards)
- Federal jobs that send an SF-87 card
- ATF/NFA paper submissions (or an EFT file)
What to bring
- Unexpired government photo ID
- Your agency code, ORI number or form
- Payment (see pricing)
What happens after your Live Scan appointment
- Your prints are sent electronically to the state and/or FBI.
- You get a receipt with a tracking number. Keep it.
- Results go to the agency that requested the check, not to you.
- If a print is rejected for quality, you will be asked to come back. See what to do if your prints are rejected.
Tips for a smooth Live Scan
- Bring the exact form, ORI number or code your agency gave you.
- Make sure your name matches your ID.
- Moisturize your hands the day before, not the morning of.
- Book ahead if your agency uses a specific state system, such as Florida, so the right setup is ready.
Who uses Live Scan
- Employers in healthcare, education, childcare and finance
- State licensing boards for nurses, teachers, real estate agents, security guards and more
- Volunteer organizations that work with children or vulnerable adults
- Out-of-state agencies, such as Florida (FDLE), when they accept electronic prints from approved providers
Each agency gives you its own instructions, often with an ORI number or service code. Bring them to your appointment so your prints go to the right place. If your agency says to mail a card instead, you need ink fingerprinting.
What it costs
Prices depend on the agency and any state or FBI fees. Florida Live Scan at our offices is $120. See pricing, or call 503-212-0678 if you are not sure which service you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is Live Scan the same in every state?
No. Each state routes Live Scan to its own system. California Live Scan, for example, only works at California sites.
How long does Live Scan take?
The appointment takes about 15 minutes. Results usually come in days. See how long results take.
