Submitting Your Fingerprints Is Just the Beginning
Submitting your fingerprints through a Live Scan appointment might seem like the hard part, but for many professionals and international applicants, the real stress begins once the waiting starts. Whether you’re applying for a job, seeking a license, or gathering documents for international use, knowing how to check the status of your Live Scan can save you time, reduce delays, and help you stay in control of the process.
Why Live Scan Still Matters in a Digital World
In California and across the U.S., Live Scan fingerprinting is a standard requirement for employment clearance, government licensing, and even immigration-related documentation. While the process is designed to be fast and secure, applicants are often left wondering when and how they’ll receive results. This article breaks down how Live Scan works, how to monitor your submission, and how to avoid common delays with confidence.
Live Scan fingerprinting is not just a routine step. It is a legally mandated part of the vetting process for many professions, especially in education, healthcare, security, legal services, and childcare. For international cases, it can also serve as the first stage before requesting a federal background check and eventually an apostille.
Unlike traditional fingerprinting on paper cards, Live Scan captures biometric data electronically and securely transmits it to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI, or both. But once submitted, many applicants find themselves asking the same question: how long will this take, and where do I go to check?
Understanding the Process After Submission
After your Live Scan is submitted, it goes to the designated agency for a background check. Depending on your purpose – employment, licensing, or travel – it may go to the DOJ alone or include an FBI review. These agencies compare your biometric data against criminal databases to confirm your identity and record.
In most cases, if your prints are clear and your information is entered correctly, results are processed within 24 to 72 hours. However, it’s not unusual for some checks to take longer due to high volume, mismatched records, or technical errors.
How to Check the Status of Your Live Scan
To check the status of your Live Scan, you’ll need one critical detail: your ATI number, short for Automated Transaction Identifier. This 10-character code is unique to your Live Scan submission and is found at the bottom of the form provided at your appointment.
Once you have your ATI number:
- Go to the California Department of Justice website (oag.ca.gov)
- Click on the “Applicant Background Check Status” section
- Enter your ATI number and date of birth
- Submit the form to view the real-time status of your background check
If you’re unsure How to Check the Status of your Live Scan, anshinotary.com provides clear guidance and ensures you receive your ATI number correctly documented after every appointment. Their experienced team makes sure you know exactly what to do after your fingerprinting session ends.
What If There’s a Delay?
Delays can happen, and they often catch applicants off guard. Common causes include smudged prints, incorrect data, or unmatched records in the DOJ or FBI systems. If your Live Scan is rejected for technical reasons, you may be asked to resubmit your fingerprints without incurring another fee.
If your check is for employment or licensing, it is also a good idea to follow up with the requesting agency to see if they’ve received the results directly. Occasionally, they will get the completed background report even if your online status hasn’t updated yet.
Why Your Provider Matters More Than You Think
Where you get your fingerprints done plays a significant role in how smooth your experience is. Anshin Notary & Live Scan offers professional, high-accuracy Live Scan fingerprinting services throughout Los Angeles, both in-office and mobile, covering key areas such as Century City, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA.
Their services are built for speed, reliability, and compliance. Equipped with advanced biometric fingerprinting machines and staffed by trained technicians, Anshin ensures that your prints are captured correctly the first time. You’ll also leave with your ATI number securely documented so you can track your status without confusion.
Beyond standard fingerprinting, they also provide FBI background checks and FD-258 ink fingerprinting services, all handled with the same level of care and consistency.
When Live Scan Is Just the Beginning
For expats and professionals preparing to move or work overseas, your Live Scan may only be the first step. Many international applications require FBI background checks that are then apostilled through the U.S. Department of State for use abroad.
Anshin Notary offers apostille services tailored to clients handling international immigration paperwork. With experience in Live Scan, FBI background checks, and document preparation, they help ensure these essential steps are completed efficiently and without unnecessary setbacks.
The Role of the ATI Number in Tracking Your Status
The ATI number is more than just a tracking code. It’s your key to understanding where your Live Scan stands at any moment. If you misplace your form or don’t receive your ATI number, contact your provider immediately to request a reprint. Without it, you won’t be able to access your results online.
Each submission gets its own ATI number. If you’re submitting fingerprints for multiple purposes or agencies, keep each form separate and clearly labeled. This is especially important for professionals with dual licensing applications or international clearance requests.
Stay Informed, Stay Ready
Checking the status of your Live Scan should never be an afterthought. With high-stakes decisions often resting on the timing of a background check, whether it’s starting a new job, applying for licensure, or submitting visa documents, knowing how to track your submission puts you back in control.
If you’re starting the process and need professional support that values accuracy and clarity, visit anshinotary.com. Their experienced team is trusted across Los Angeles for Live Scan fingerprinting, FBI background checks, and apostille certification, all handled with precision and care.
Conclusion: Clear Steps for a Smooth Process
Live Scan is more than a compliance requirement. It’s part of a bigger picture – your career, your mobility, your future. When you know how to check the status of your Live Scan, you can navigate each next step with clarity and confidence. For those who need professional, efficient fingerprinting and documentation services, Anshin Notary & Live Scan offers the reliability and support today’s applicants deserve.
