How Long Does Live Scan Fingerprinting Take in Newport Beach?

Live Scan fingerprinting is a fast and secure way to submit your fingerprints for background checks required by employers, licensing agencies, or government bodies. But if you’ve never had Live Scan done before, one of the first questions you might have is: how long does the process take—from the moment you walk in to when your results are delivered?

In this post, we’ll break down the timeline for Live Scan fingerprinting in Newport Beach, including the in-person appointment, how long it takes to get results, and what can cause delays.

The Appointment Itself: 10–15 Minutes

Most Live Scan appointments are very quick. Once you arrive and check in, the actual fingerprinting process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Here’s what happens during that time:

Check-in and ID verification – The technician will review your photo ID and your “Request for Live Scan Service” form to make sure everything is in order.
Entering your information – Your personal details and agency information are entered into the system.
Fingerprint capture – Each of your fingers is scanned using a digital scanner. The technician may repeat some scans to get high-quality prints.
Confirmation and receipt – Once complete, you’ll receive a copy of your form with an ATI number, which allows you to track your submission status online.

If you’ve scheduled an appointment and bring all your documents, you’ll likely be in and out in under 20 minutes.

Wait Times at the Location

The total time you spend at the Live Scan location can vary depending on:

Whether you have an appointment or are a walk-in
Time of day and day of the week
Number of people ahead of you

Appointments generally move faster. Walk-in services are convenient but can mean longer wait times—especially during peak hours (mid-morning or late afternoon) or busy seasons (such as the start of the school year or licensing renewals in early spring).

How Long Do Results Take?

After your fingerprints are submitted, the results are sent directly to the requesting agency (not to you personally). The time it takes for those results to be processed depends on the level of background check and which agencies are involved:

1. California Department of Justice (DOJ) only

Processing time: 2–3 business days (in most cases)
Delivery: Sent electronically to the agency that requested your background check.

2. DOJ + FBI background check

Processing time: 3–7 business days
Delivery: Sent electronically to the requesting agency, unless otherwise specified.

3. Delays due to manual processing or record hits

If your fingerprints trigger a “record hit” (meaning the DOJ or FBI finds a criminal record to review), processing may take longer—up to 30 days or more in rare cases.

How to Check Your Live Scan Status

You can track the status of your submission using the ATI number found on your Live Scan receipt. Go to the California DOJ’s Applicant Background Check Status page and enter your ATI number along with your birthdate.

Keep in mind:

Status updates are usually available within 24–72 hours.
The DOJ cannot release results directly to you—they go only to the agency listed on your Live Scan form.

What Can Cause Delays?

While most Live Scan results are processed quickly, a few common issues can slow things down:

Incorrect or missing information on the request form
Poor fingerprint quality, which may require re-submission
Common names that result in additional review
Criminal history hits, which require manual assessment
Payment or billing issues if your agency requires pre-authorization

To avoid delays, always double-check your form before your appointment, bring a valid ID, and make sure your hands are clean and dry before scanning.

How to Speed Things Up

If you’re on a tight deadline, here are some tips to make sure your Live Scan process is as fast and smooth as possible:

Schedule an appointment rather than walking in
Bring your completed Live Scan form with all required fields filled in
Use a clean, readable ID with your current name and address
Avoid lotions or oils on your hands before fingerprinting
Track your ATI number and follow up with the requesting agency if results are delayed

Final Thoughts

In Newport Beach, Live Scan fingerprinting is a quick and efficient process. The in-person appointment takes less than 20 minutes, and most results are processed in just a few days. As long as you come prepared and your prints are clear, you should have no trouble meeting deadlines for your job, license, or background check.

If you’re unsure about the process or have a tight turnaround, it’s always a good idea to contact the Live Scan provider ahead of time and confirm what you need to bring, how long processing will take, and whether expedited services are available. We recommend Newport Beach Livescan.