The Live Scan fingerprinting process can cause anxiety for some, but it’s important to remember that it’s routine and designed to protect all involved. If you require a Live Scan fingerprint, it is available at many Pak Mail locations. Let’s take a look at how you can submit your fingerprints and why Live Scan fingerprinting is the safest and most efficient fingerprinting technology.
Live Scan fingerprinting is a digital technology process that scans, records, and shares fingerprint data. Live Scan fingerprint data is shared with U.S. law enforcement agencies, which perform criminal background checks by comparing the fingerprint data against their database. The process was developed by the Department of Justice in 1997 as part of legislation to improve the speed, quality, and price of background checks.
Why is Live Scan fingerprinting required?
Requests for fingerprints from potential employers, adoption agencies, firearms dealers, and more, can feel intrusive and surprise many people. But fingerprint data is the most accurate way of quickly identifying a person with a criminal conviction. A background check can quickly eliminate a pool of applicants from consideration.
Safety is at the center of most fingerprinting requests. Employers, especially businesses or agencies that deal with vulnerable populations, must ensure the safety of customers and clients. Positions or occupations that commonly require fingerprint submissions include teachers, care providers, doctors, foster parents, security guards, volunteers, and lawyers, among many others.
Live Scan vs. Ink Fingerprinting
Both methods of fingerprinting are available and accurate when properly executed. Live Scan, however, was developed as an alternative to ink due to its efficiency and digital properties. Ink fingerprinting can suffer from smearing as well as applying too much or too little ink to the finger. Live Scan uses no ink and instead electronically records your fingerprints, allowing them to be shared instantly with federal databases.
How Does The Live Scan Process Work?
The first step in submitting fingerprints through the Live Scan process is acquiring a “Request for Live Scan Service” form from the employer or organization. Without this form, you will not be able to submit your fingerprints. You will also need to provide a government-issued ID at the time of the scan.
Live Scan fingerprinting is a sensitive process and requires the full attention of a trained and certified professional. Our professionals at Pak Mail are there to make sure you get it done right. We ask that you schedule an appointment before arriving at one of our locations. Here’s what you can expect when you arrive.
The scan takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Your finger is rolled over a silicon pad and electronically recorded into our system. Your prints are then sent to the appropriate agency for review. It’s as simple as that.
If requested, ink fingerprinting services are also available at select Pak Mail locations. If you have any questions about Live Scan fingerprinting, ink fingerprinting, or background checks, contact or find a Pak Mail in your area.