Live Scan Fingerprinting ➜ Apostille of Your Background Check
Clear, step-by-step instructions to complete your Live Scan using the official request form and then apostille your California DOJ or FBI background check with Orange County Apostille.
Overview
Many employers, immigration matters, foreign adoptions, and consulates ask for a fingerprint-based background check that is also apostilled for international use. Below is the complete workflow:
1) Get the Live Scan Form
Use the California “Request for Live Scan Service” form (often labeled BCIA 8016 for many purposes). You can open the file you shared here:
Open the Live Scan request form (Google Drive)
Key sections commonly found on the form
- ORI Code: Provided by the requesting agency (determines where results go).
- Type of Application / Reason for Application: (e.g., employment, licensing, visa, adoption).
- Applicant Information: Legal name, DOB, sex, height, weight, eye/hair color, POB, SSN (if required), driver’s license/ID, address.
- Billing Number (if any) & Mail Code: If the agency is paying.
- Level of Service: “DOJ” and/or “FBI”. Check what the agency requires.
- Receiving Agency Address / Mail Results To: If results must be mailed.
2) Prepare for Your Live Scan Appointment
- Bring a valid government ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
- Bring the completed Live Scan request form (3 copies are often used: operator, requesting agency, applicant).
- Confirm whether you need DOJ, FBI, or both levels of service.
- Confirm where results are sent (mail, electronic, or to you).
- Bring payment for the Live Scan operator’s rolling fee + government fees.
3) Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting
- Check In: Provide your completed form and ID to the Live Scan operator.
- Fingerprint Capture: Your prints are scanned; the operator verifies quality.
- Submission: The operator submits electronically to DOJ/FBI as selected.
- Receipts: You receive a copy of the form with the operator’s ATI number (tracking).
Keep the ATI number—it’s useful if you need to follow up on results.
4) Receiving Your Background Check Results
Results may be sent to the requesting agency, directly to you, or both, depending on how the form was completed and the purpose. The format can be:
- California DOJ response (for CA purposes) — often a letter or secure electronic file.
- FBI Identity History Summary — if ordered, sometimes delivered electronically via a portal or as a mailed letter on FBI letterhead.
5) Apostille Your Background Check with Orange County Apostille
Once you have (or are about to receive) your results, we take care of the authentication process so your background check is recognized abroad.
California DOJ Background Check → California Apostille
- Document Review: We verify your DOJ result format and eligibility for apostille.
- Certification Path: For California-issued results, we prepare the proper certification so the California Secretary of State can issue the apostille.
- Submission: We file with the CA Secretary of State (Sacramento or Los Angeles processing as appropriate).
- Delivery: We arrange pickup/shipping back to you, or local handoff.
FBI Background Check → U.S. Department of State Apostille
- Document Review: We confirm the FBI summary and whether it needs authentication letter or hard copy.
- Certification Path: We process your FBI result for federal apostille at the U.S. Department of State (Washington, D.C.).
- Delivery: We return the apostilled FBI document to you by your chosen method.
What we handle for you
- Pre-check of your Live Scan form and result type (DOJ vs FBI).
- Correct certification route (state vs federal) based on your destination country.
- Courier, filings, apostille pickup, and secure return shipping.
- Translations (if required by the foreign authority) and staple-sensitive handling.
Checklists
Bring to Live Scan
- Completed Live Scan request form (open link).
- Valid photo ID (DL/ID, passport).
- Payment for rolling + government fees.
- Any instructions from the requesting agency.
For Apostille
- Original background check (or apostille-eligible copy/printout per issuer rules).
- Destination country and deadline.
- Return shipping preference (domestic/international).
- If needed: translation requirements and language.
Frequently Asked Questions (25)
1) Do I have to complete Live Scan before apostille?
Yes. Your background check is generated after fingerprints are submitted. Apostille applies to the resulting document.
2) What’s the difference between DOJ and FBI checks?
DOJ is California-specific; FBI is federal. Some purposes require one; others require both. Tell us the destination/use and we’ll guide you.
3) Can a PDF FBI result be apostilled?
Often yes, but it may need a specific certified printout or authentication page. We’ll confirm the acceptable format before submitting.
4) How long does Live Scan take?
The appointment itself is quick (about 10–20 minutes). Processing time for results depends on the agency load and whether there are record hits.
5) How long does a California DOJ apostille take?
Timelines vary by Secretary of State workload. We’ll advise current processing options (standard vs. expedited via walk-in/courier where available).
6) How long does a U.S. Department of State apostille for FBI take?
Federal timelines fluctuate. We monitor current turnaround and select the fastest compliant route.
7) Can I do Live Scan in one city and apostille elsewhere?
Yes. Live Scan can be done at any compliant location. We can apostille documents regardless of where you were printed (based on the issuing authority).
8) What if my results are sent directly to a requesting agency?
Ask if an additional copy can be sent to you or if the agency will release a certified copy for apostille. We can advise alternatives.
9) The consulate asked for a “recent” background check. How recent?
Many authorities accept documents issued within 90 days, but requirements vary. Share the destination’s rule; we’ll time the apostille accordingly.
10) Do I need translation?
If the receiving authority requires it. We can provide certified translations and keep apostille staples intact.
11) Should I select DOJ, FBI, or both on the Live Scan form?
Follow the requesting authority’s instructions. If it’s for international use without clear guidance, ask us—we’ll help you choose correctly.
12) What is an ATI number and why is it important?
It’s the transaction identifier for your submission. Keep it to check status with the agency if needed.
13) Can you notarize or certify my background check?
Notarization isn’t usually applied to DOJ/FBI results themselves. Instead, we route them for the proper government certification and apostille.
14) My FBI result is only in a secure portal. What do I do?
Download/print per FBI instructions or request a mailed copy if required. We’ll tell you which format works for apostille.
15) Do you handle non-Hague countries?
Yes. We shift from apostille to consular legalization and manage each consulate’s steps, fees, and timelines.
16) Can I Live Scan with out-of-state ID?
Usually yes with valid government ID. Some locations have specific rules—confirm beforehand.
17) My name changed. Which name should I use?
Use your current legal name that matches your ID. Bring name-change proof if relevant.
18) What if my fingerprints can’t be captured clearly?
Operators follow capture best practices and may re-roll prints. If quality can’t be achieved, the agency may request manual alternatives.
19) Can you coordinate Live Scan for groups or companies?
Yes. We can help standardize forms, timelines, and downstream apostille for international placements.
20) Will apostille staple damage cause rejection?
Don’t remove staples. Some authorities reject tampered documents. We pack and ship to protect the binding.
21) Do background checks expire?
They don’t expire per se, but recipients may impose recency windows (30–180 days). Confirm with your destination.
22) Can you mail my apostilled results overseas?
Yes. We support domestic and international shipping with tracking and protective packaging.
23) Do you offer translations after apostille?
Yes. Some destinations prefer translation on the apostilled packet. We’ll follow those preferences.
24) Can I use Live Scan for federal purposes only?
Yes—select FBI level. If you also need California purposes, select DOJ as well (as instructed).
25) What if the receiving country asks for legalization instead of apostille?
That means it’s not a Hague country. We’ll process state/federal certification and then consulate legalization end-to-end.