1. Big picture: what you’re actually doing

When you use BCIA 8016 – Request for Live Scan Service, your fingerprints are taken electronically and transmitted to the CA Department of Justice (DOJ). If the “FBI” level of service is checked and the agency is authorized, DOJ forwards the request to the FBI for a federal (FBI) criminal history check.

Important:

You do not choose “FBI background check” by yourself on this form. The requesting agency must be authorized to ask for FBI results, and they must indicate that on the form.
Results usually go directly to the agency, not to you personally, unless you’re using a separate FBI “record review” or channeler process.

2. Step-by-step: using BCIA 8016 and a Live Scan provider

Step 1 – Confirm what type of background check you need

Ask the requesting agency (employer, licensing board, school, etc.):
- Do they require DOJ only, FBI only, or both?
- Are they providing you with a pre-filled BCIA 8016, or should you download a specific version for your purpose?
Only agencies authorized for FBI checks can request the FBI level of service.

If you just need a personal FBI Identity History Summary (for visa, adoption, etc.), that usually goes through FBI direct or an FBI-approved channeler, not a generic BCIA 8016 form.

Step 2 – Get the correct BCIA 8016 form

The generic BCIA 8016 is listed on the CA DOJ fingerprint forms page under “Request for Live Scan Service (General Use).”
Many agencies give you a customized BCIA 8016 with their:
- ORI (Originating Agency Identifier)
- Authorized Applicant Type
- Type of License/Certification/Permit or Working Title
- Contributing Agency Information (mail code, address, city, ZIP)

Do not edit these agency fields on your own; if they’re wrong or blank, contact the agency.

Step 3 – Fill out your part of BCIA 8016

Typically the form is divided into:

Top section – agency fields Filled by the requesting agency (ORI, mail code, Authorized Applicant Type, etc.).
Middle section – “Applicant Information” (you fill in):
- Last, First, Middle Name
- Date of Birth, Sex, Height, Weight, Eye Color, Hair Color
- Place of Birth
- Social Security Number (often requested; some instructions note that not providing SSN can delay matching).
- Home Address, City, State, ZIP
- Driver’s license or ID number, phone, or other requested info
“Level of Service” boxes
- Your agency must indicate DOJ, FBI, or both.
- If FBI service is allowed but the FBI box is not checked, you will not receive FBI results.
Billing or “Misc. Billing” (if used)
- Usually controlled by the requesting agency, not you.

Leave any sections blank that you’ve been told not to complete; your Live Scan operator and/or the agency will fill their portions.

Step 4 – Find an authorized Live Scan provider

Go to the CA DOJ fingerprint website and use their Live Scan location search to find a site near you (law enforcement agencies, private vendors, mail & shipping stores, etc.).

When choosing a location, check:

Whether they accept walk-ins or appointments only
What IDs they accept
Accepted payment methods and rolling fee (their service fee) in addition to DOJ/FBI processing fees

Step 5 – Prepare for your Live Scan appointment

Bring:

Completed BCIA 8016 (with agency info and your applicant data filled in, but not the operator section).
A valid, unexpired government photo ID such as:
- CA driver’s license or ID
- Passport
- Military ID, etc.
Payment:
- DOJ fee
- FBI fee (if applicable)
- Live Scan site’s rolling fee

Arrive 10–15 minutes early so you can complete any additional paperwork.

Step 6 – What actually happens during the Live Scan appointment

Here’s what you can expect, step-by-step:

Check-in & identity verification
- The technician checks your ID, confirms your name and date of birth, and reviews the BCIA 8016 for completeness.
- They may ask you to verify or sign the form.
Data entry into the Live Scan system
- The operator enters the agency ORI, mail code, and other fields from the top of the form.
- They input your personal data (name, DOB, SSN if provided, address, etc.) exactly as written on BCIA 8016.
Fingerprint capture
- You place each finger on a glass or optical scanner; the system captures rolled and flat impressions of all 10 fingers and sometimes palms.
- The operator may redo a finger several times if the image quality is poor (dry skin, cuts, lotion, etc.).
- If a finger is missing or damaged, that fact is recorded.
Submission and ATI number
- After capturing all prints, the operator submits your fingerprints electronically to DOJ (and FBI if applicable).
- The system generates an ATI (Applicant Transaction Identifier) number, which the operator writes at the bottom of the BCIA 8016 form.
Copies of the form
- Original – retained by the Live Scan operator or sent as required.
- Applicant copy – you keep this; it has your ATI number.
- Requesting agency copy – may be given to or retained by the agency.

The entire appointment usually takes 10–20 minutes, sometimes less if you pre-fill the form.

Step 7 – What happens after the appointment

Transmission to DOJ/FBI
- Live Scan operators are expected to transmit fingerprint data to the DOJ within about 24 hours, though in practice it can be immediate or slightly delayed depending on the system and operator.
- If the FBI level of service is checked and authorized, DOJ forwards the request to the FBI.
Processing time – how long it takes Typical ranges (for clear fingerprints and no issues):
- CA DOJ: often 1–3 business days, sometimes up to 7 days.
- FBI (via Live Scan / electronic channeling): commonly 24 hours to 3–5 business days depending on the provider and FBI workload.
- Combined DOJ + FBI check (for many CA agencies): often 3–7 business days total, but delays can happen.
Delays may occur if:
- Fingerprints are low quality or need manual review
- Information on BCIA 8016 was incomplete or incorrect
- DOJ/FBI backlogs are high
How the results are delivered
- For a standard BCIA 8016 Live Scan tied to an agency, results go directly to the “Agency Authorized to Receive Criminal Record Information” listed on the form, usually electronically.
- The agency then reviews the record and notifies you (often by email, letter, or phone) whether you cleared.
- If you’re doing a personal FBI check through an FBI-approved channeler, results may be:
  - Emailed as a secure PDF
  - Accessible via secure online portal
  - Mailed as a paper original
If fingerprints are rejected
- If the FBI or DOJ cannot read your fingerprints, they may request a re-submission, using the ATI from the first transaction (recorded at the bottom of the form).
- After a certain number of rejections (usually two), the agency may be allowed to proceed using an alternative method (e.g., name-based check), but that depends on the agency’s rules.
90-day rule
- For FBI background checks routed through DOJ, the FBI requires fingerprints to be received within 90 days of the DOJ submission; otherwise, the transaction is deleted and you must be printed again.

3. 25 FAQs about FBI Background Checks via Live Scan (BCIA 8016)

1. What is BCIA 8016?

BCIA 8016 is California’s “Request for Live Scan Service” form used to authorize and route electronic fingerprint submissions to the DOJ and, when permitted, the FBI.

2. Can I use BCIA 8016 to get a personal copy of my FBI background check?

Not usually. BCIA 8016 is primarily for agency-requested checks (employment, licensing, etc.), with results going to that agency. For a personal copy, you typically apply directly to the FBI or use an FBI-approved channeler.

3. Who fills out the ORI and agency sections on BCIA 8016?

The requesting agency fills out the ORI, mail code, Authorized Applicant Type, and license/working title. You should not guess or change these fields yourself.

4. What does the “Level of Service” section mean?

It shows whether your background check goes to DOJ, FBI, or both. If the FBI box is not checked (even when allowed), no FBI result will be returned.

5. Do I have to include my Social Security Number?

Some instructions recommend or require it to ensure accurate matching and timely transmission of results; failing to provide it may cause delays, but individual agencies’ policies differ.

6. How long does it usually take to get DOJ and FBI Live Scan results?

Most clear submissions complete within 24–72 hours, but you should allow 3–7 business days to be safe. FBI checks via channelers can sometimes be ready in 24–48 hours.

7. Will I personally receive a copy of my FBI report from a BCIA 8016 Live Scan?

No. With a standard BCIA 8016, the results go to the agency listed on the form, not directly to you. You may request a copy only if allowed by that agency or through a separate FBI record-review process.

8. What identification do I need for the Live Scan appointment?

You must present a valid, unexpired government photo ID—usually a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Expired IDs are generally not accepted.

9. Can I reuse my Live Scan results for multiple jobs or licenses?

Generally no. Each agency needs its own background check request, with its own ORI and mail code. You usually must do a new Live Scan for each different purpose.

10. What is an ATI number and why is it important?

The ATI (Applicant Transaction Identifier) is a unique code generated by the Live Scan system when your fingerprints are submitted. It’s used to track your submission and is essential if you need to check status or resubmit prints.

11. How do I check the status of my Live Scan background check?

Most agencies ask you to contact them with your ATI number to confirm whether results were received. Some Live Scan providers also offer online status tools based on your ATI.

12. What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?

You may be asked to re-scan at no additional DOJ/FBI fee, using the ATI from the first submission. After repeated rejections, the agency might be allowed to proceed with alternative methods, depending on their rules.

13. Can Live Scan be done if I’m out of state?

California Live Scan is designed for use inside California at approved sites. Out-of-state applicants often must use paper fingerprint cards (FD-258) which take longer to process.

14. Is the Live Scan appointment invasive or painful?

No. It’s simply placing your fingers on a glass or optical scanner—no ink, no needles. It may feel awkward if you have stiff joints or injuries, but it’s generally quick and painless.

15. Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?

Some locations accept walk-ins, but many prefer or require appointments. Check the provider’s listing or call ahead.

16. What if my name or date of birth is entered incorrectly?

Errors can delay or invalidate results. If you see a mistake at the appointment, ask the operator to correct it immediately before submission; if discovered later, contact the requesting agency and/or DOJ for correction guidance.

17. Does Live Scan show expunged or sealed records?

What appears on your report depends on state and federal law and on the type of background check requested (e.g., employment vs. licensing vs. record review). Some expunged or sealed records may not appear, but this is a legal question best answered by an attorney or the requesting agency.

18. How long are Live Scan background check results “good for”?

There is no universal expiration; each agency decides how long a previous check is acceptable (6 months, 1 year, etc.). Many require a fresh background check for new applications or renewals.

19. Can minors be fingerprinted for Live Scan?

Yes, minors can be fingerprinted when required by law (e.g., for certain volunteer or licensing purposes). The process is the same, but parents/guardians may need to sign paperwork depending on the agency.

20. Can lotions or injuries affect my Live Scan fingerprints?

Yes. Dry skin, heavy lotion, cuts, or cracks can reduce image quality and increase the chance of rejection. It’s best to keep hands clean and lightly moisturized but not greasy on the day of your appointment.

21. What if I have missing fingers or amputations?

The Live Scan operator will document missing or non-printable fingers in the system. The DOJ/FBI are accustomed to handling such entries; it does not automatically disqualify you.

22. Are Live Scan results shared with anyone besides the requesting agency?

Your data goes to DOJ (and FBI if applicable) and the specific agency listed on BCIA 8016 for the stated purpose. Additional sharing is governed by law and agency policy; unauthorized disclosure is restricted.

23. Are paper ink cards still used if I do Live Scan?

For most CA DOJ submissions, Live Scan has replaced ink cards. However, some out-of-state or federal processes still require FD-258 ink cards, especially if Live Scan is not available in your area.

24. Can an FBI-approved channeler get my results faster than a standard BCIA 8016 Live Scan?

Often yes. Many channelers advertise 24–48 hour turnaround for FBI Identity History Summary results, delivered electronically, which is typically faster than traditional mail-based FBI requests.

25. Who should I contact if there is a delay or problem?

Start with your requesting agency, since they receive the results and can tell you whether they’ve arrived. If they confirm no record received after a reasonable time, they may direct you to contact DOJ, the Live Scan provider, or the FBI (for record review cases) with your ATI number.