Live Scan Fingerprinting

Live Scan Information

Live Scan is the electronic version of capturing your fingerprints directly into an inkless, digital format producing consistent, high quality fingerprint images. Your fingerprint images get electronically sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a criminal background check.

The requesting agency (entity that is requesting the background check) will provide the live scan form or ink card. These forms contain information that is unique to each agency and this information must be provided before arriving to have your prints taken.

Even if you have been fingerprinted in the past, you must be fingerprinted again for the following reasons:

1. Per DOJ policy, sharing of criminal history is not permitted.
2. For identification purposes.
3. Each job/license/permit application can require a different level of service, i.e., some require DOJ, some require both DOJ and FBI, in addition to other checks.

In most cases, the results from DOJ come back within 72 hours. However, due to various reasons, results can be delayed. Results are either emailed or sent to the requesting agency listed on the Request for Live Scan form. Once the Live Scan process has been completed at our facility, please direct all inquiries to the agency handling your employment or licensing. If the requesting agency has not received the results may contact the Applicant Processing Program at 916-227-3823.

For additional fingerprint information go to the Department of Justice website: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/applicants

Appointments

• Services are by appointment only.
• Schedule an appointment here: Calendly.
• The following items MUST be brought with you to your appointment:
  • Completed "Request for Live Scan Service" form or Ink Card(s)
  • Valid U.S. Government Issued ID
• Payment may be due at time of service.

Arrive at the Public Safety Reception Center for your scheduled appointment.

After your appointment, you can check your scan status using the DOJ website at https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov/.

Location and Contact Information

The Cal Poly Police Department is pleased to offer Live Scan digital and ink fingerprinting services:

Cal Poly Public Safety Reception Center
Police Department, Bldg. 36
805-756-6654
livescan@calpoly.edu

Cost

Cal Poly Public Safety Rolling Fee is $25.

Additionally, fees for fingerprinting service range approximately from $15 - $89 depending on the job you are applying for and the level of service required for your background check. Some jobs require more extensive background checks. The level of service is to be predetermined by the agency that wants you printed. If you are unsure of the level of service needed, you must contact the agency that wants you printed so they can fill the form out for you.

Example of fee structure

Directions to the Cal Poly Public Safety

From US 101 North:

• Exit at Grand Ave / Cal Poly
• Turn Left onto Grand Ave.
• Turn Right onto North Perimeter
• Turn Right onto Safety Way East - Metered Parking is located on this street

From US 101 South:

• Exit at Monterey St/Cal Poly Exit & make an immediate Right
• Turn Left onto Loomis
• Turn Right onto Grand Ave
• Turn Right onto North Perimeter
• Turn Right onto Safety Way East - Metered Parking is located on this street

From Santa Rosa / Highway 1:

• Turn into the Cal Poly entrance at Highland Dr .
• Turn Right onto University Drive
• Turn Left onto North Perimeter
• Turn Left onto Safety Way East - Metered Parking is located on this street

For additional information call 805-756-6654 or email us at livescan@calpoly.edu