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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything people actually ask us, answered plainly. If yours is not here, call or text. We would rather answer it than have you guess.
Getting Started
What is Live Scan?
Live Scan is electronic fingerprinting. Instead of rolling your fingers in ink onto a card, we capture your prints digitally and transmit them straight to the California Department of Justice, and to the FBI when required. It is faster, cleaner, and far less likely to be rejected than ink.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. We are a mobile service, so we come to you and every visit is scheduled. You can book online any time or call or text us.
Where do you come?
Your home, workplace, job site, school, church, care facility, coffee shop, or anywhere else that works for you. We serve Riverside and San Bernardino County.
Can you do my fingerprinting today?
Often, yes, depending on our schedule and your location. Call us and we will tell you honestly. There is no rush fee.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sundays by appointment. Evenings and Saturdays cost no more than weekday mornings.
Cost
How much does it cost?
$80 in our closest zone (Zone 1), $90 in Zone 2, or $100 in Zone 3, travel always included, plus government fees set by the State. For most employment Live Scans in Zone 1, the total is around $129.
Is travel included?
Yes. Every price on our site includes travel to your location. No trip charges, no mileage fees, no setup fees. The only separate charge is the government processing fee, which is set by the state.
Are there any other fees?
No. No setup fee, no deposit, no processing fee, no cancellation fee. The number we quote you is the number you pay.
Do you charge extra for evenings or Saturdays?
No.
What if two or three of us need fingerprinting?
Each person pays the same service fee, $80 per person in Zone 1, plus their government fees. There is no extra trip charge for additional people at the same location.
Do you require a deposit?
No. Not for individuals, not for groups. You pay when the service is complete.
Your Form and ORI Code
Where do I get the Live Scan form?
From whoever is requesting your background check: your employer, licensing board, school, or agency. We cannot issue one. Not sure? Text us a photo of your paperwork and we will help.
What is an ORI code?
It is the identifier for the agency requesting your background check, and it tells us where to send your results. It is printed at the top of your form and usually looks like A0522. Your ORI also determines your government fee.
My form is missing information. Can you still fingerprint me?
Not if it is missing the ORI code, applicant type, or the requesting agency information. We would be submitting to nowhere. Send us a photo of your form before your appointment and we will check it at no charge.
Can I get a Live Scan without a form?
Only if you are requesting your own California record. That is a Record Review using form BCIA 8016RR, and the State fee is $25.
Timing and Results
How long does the appointment take?
Usually 10 to 15 minutes for one person.
How long until results come back?
California DOJ results typically go to the requesting agency within a few days, though some submissions take longer. FBI Identity History Summary results usually arrive the same day, often within a few hours.
How do I check my status?
Use your ATI number at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov.
Can you tell me what is on my background check?
No. Results go directly to the requesting agency. We never receive them.
What if my prints are rejected?
It happens occasionally, usually due to worn or damaged fingerprints. If we processed the original submission, we come back and re-roll at no charge and cover the resubmission fees.
FBI Background Checks
What is the difference between a DOJ Live Scan and an FBI check?
A DOJ Live Scan goes to the agency that requested it, using your BCIA 8016 form. An FBI Identity History Summary is your own federal record, released to you, for personal use.
What can I use an FBI Identity History Summary for?
Reviewing your own record, foreign travel, work, or study, adoption, public housing applications, and challenging or expunging a record or handling immigration matters while working with an attorney.
Can I use it for a job in the U.S.?
Generally no. This type of check is intended for personal review and the purposes above. If a U.S. employer needs a background check, they will issue you a Request for Live Scan Service form instead. Bring that to us and we will handle it.
How much and how fast?
$120 standalone in Zone 1 ($130 Zone 2, $140 Zone 3), or $100 when added to a Live Scan appointment. As an FBI-approved Channeler we submit directly to the FBI, so results usually arrive the same day, compared with weeks for a mail-in request.
How do I get my results?
You will receive an email with a secure pickup link and password, plus a verification code by phone or text. Results are released only to you or your authorized attorney. We never receive or store them.
FD-258 Cards
Do you use ink?
No. We print FD-258 cards digitally on FBI-certified equipment. Cleaner prints, fewer rejections, and nothing on your hands.
When would I need a card instead of a Live Scan?
When the agency requesting your check is outside California, or is a federal agency that does not accept California Live Scan. Common for out-of-state professional licensing, federal firearms licensing, and some immigration filings.
VIN Verification
What is mobile VIN verification?
We come to your vehicle and verify the Vehicle Identification Number as a DMV-licensed Vehicle Verifier. Required for out-of-state vehicle registration in California, assembled vehicles, kit cars, and certain other situations. Zone 1 $85, Zone 2 $100, Zone 3 $115, travel included.
Do I need to bring the vehicle somewhere?
No, we come to you.
Groups and Employers
Do you serve businesses?
Yes, and it is a large part of what we do. We bring the full station to your location so your team never leaves the building.
What is the group rate?
$50 per person for 5 or more at one location, $45 per person for 15 or more, travel included. Government fees still apply per person.
Can you set up a recurring schedule?
Yes. For businesses with regular hiring, we schedule standing monthly or quarterly on-site visits. Ask about account pricing.
Do you invoice?
Yes. Corporate billing is available, we invoice, and we accept company checks. Contact us to discuss account setup.
About Us
Are you licensed?
Yes. California DOJ approved Private Service Provider, certified fingerprint roller, FBI-approved Channeler, and DMV licensed Vehicle Verifier. Bonded.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry general liability, professional liability, and cyber liability coverage. We also hold a surety bond as required for our DMV vehicle verifier license. Certificates of insurance are available on request for group and corporate bookings.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Full service in English and Spanish.
How do you protect my information?
We follow Privacy Act and CJIS security standards for handling personally identifiable information. Your data goes only where it is supposed to go.
Stratum Live Scan & Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice regarding immigration or any other legal matter.
Stratum Live Scan & Services no es un bufete de abogados y no brinda asesoría legal sobre inmigración ni ningún otro asunto legal.
Still stuck?
Text us a photo of your paperwork. We will tell you which service you need and what it costs, free, before you book anything.