Whats the difference between submitting LiveScan or fingerprint cards?
The impetus for livescan is that the FBI and DOD are no longer accepting fingerprint cards because the processing of cards is lengthy and rejection rate is much higher than that for electronically submitted cards. Still, most state DOJs do not allow private fingerprinting service providers to connect to their network for electronic submission, so cards are still accepted in most states. (California is one of the few states that allow private providers to connect electronically and the state has a well-organized certification program for this purpose.) These cards (FD-258) can be generated from livescan systems that provide print-to-card functionality. The DOJ will then take those cards and convert them to a digital record for submission to the FBI. Go figure…
There are considerable benefits to using livescan over ink printing – (1) significantly reduced rejection rate, (2) rescan until satisfied before printing to card, (3) roll once and print as many duplicate cards as the applicant needs.
LiveScan is the electronic process for taking and submitting fingerprints. Fingerprint cards are not electronic and must be processed by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) manually. Because it’s done electronically, LiveScan takes a shorter time to process. The DOJ only accepts fingerprint images via the LiveScan process for California residents. DOJ will accept fingerprint cards (FD258) only for teachers who reside outside of California provided the teacher’s home address is from another state or country. You may download a LiveScan form by clicking on this link [PDF] . You will need to print three copies of this form and submit them to the LiveScan operator when having your prints taken. Click here for a listing of LiveScan locations in your area.
