When applying for a job, professional license, or government clearance, you may be required to complete a Live Scan fingerprinting process or a background check. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
Live Scan fingerprinting and background checks serve different purposes, use different processes, and may be required for different reasons. If you’re unsure whether you need fingerprinting, a background check, or both, this guide will break down the key differences, how each process works, and when you might need them.
What is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting is a digital fingerprinting process that captures your fingerprints electronically and transmits them to government agencies, such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for identity verification and background screening.
Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, Live Scan uses a digital scanner to capture high-resolution images of your fingerprints, making the process faster, cleaner, and more accurate.
How Live Scan Works
- You schedule an appointment at a certified Live Scan provider.
- Your fingerprints are scanned digitally—no ink is involved.
- Your fingerprints are transmitted electronically to law enforcement or background check agencies.
- Your fingerprints are compared against government databases to verify your identity and check for any criminal records.
What Does Live Scan Check?
- Your fingerprints are compared to criminal databases to confirm your identity and detect any past offenses.
- The check is performed by state and federal law enforcement agencies to determine if you have any record in their system.
- The results are only sent to the authorized requesting agency, such as an employer, licensing board, or law enforcement office.
What is a Background Check?
A background check is a broader investigation into an individual’s history, which may include:
- Criminal records
- Employment history
- Credit history
- Education verification
- Driving records
Unlike Live Scan, a background check does not necessarily include fingerprinting. Many background checks are conducted using your name, Social Security number, and date of birth to search through public records and private databases.
How Background Checks Work
- An employer, landlord, or agency requests a background check from a third-party screening service.
- The background check company gathers data from various sources, such as criminal databases, credit reports, and employment records.
- The information is compiled into a report and sent to the requesting organization for review.
What Does a Background Check Include?
- Criminal history (local, state, and federal records)
- Sex offender registry search
- Employment verification
- Education verification
- Credit report check (for financial or government-related jobs)
- Driving records (for jobs requiring a commercial driver’s license)
Key Differences Between Live Scan and Background Checks
| Feature | Live Scan Fingerprinting | Background Check |
| Purpose | Verifies identity and checks fingerprints against criminal databases. | Provides a broader review of an individual’s history. |
| Process | Digital fingerprint scanning and submission to law enforcement. | Searches databases based on name, Social Security number, or other personal information. |
| Includes Fingerprinting? | Yes, fingerprints are required. | No, most background checks do not require fingerprinting. |
| Checks Against? | FBI, DOJ, and state criminal databases. | Public records, employment history, financial records, and criminal databases. |
| Who Conducts It? | Live Scan providers and law enforcement agencies. | Third-party background check companies. |
| Who Receives the Results? | Only the requesting agency (e.g., employer, licensing board, law enforcement). | The employer, landlord, or organization requesting the report. |
| Processing Time | Typically 24 to 72 hours. | Varies from same-day results to a few weeks, depending on the depth of the check. |
When Do You Need Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting is required when a criminal background check must be performed based on official fingerprint records. You may need Live Scan if you are:
- Applying for a job in law enforcement, education, or healthcare.
- Obtaining a professional license (security guard, real estate, legal, medical).
- Applying for immigration, visas, or citizenship.
- Seeking a firearm permit or concealed carry license.
- Completing adoption or foster care background checks.
- Applying for a government security clearance.
When Do You Need a Background Check?
A background check may be required for:
- Employment screenings (corporate jobs, retail, management, finance, and more).
- Tenant screenings when applying for an apartment or rental home.
- Loan applications, where credit history is evaluated.
- Volunteer positions, such as working with children or vulnerable populations.
- Security clearances, especially for financial and government jobs.
While some industries require Live Scan and a background check, others may only request one or the other. If you’re unsure which one is required, check with your employer or the organization requesting the screening.
Do Live Scan Fingerprints Show Up on a Background Check?
Live Scan fingerprinting and background checks are separate processes, but there is some overlap.
- If you only complete Live Scan fingerprinting, the results will be sent directly to the requesting agency (not included in general background check databases).
- If you have a background check performed, it may not include fingerprint-based identity verification unless specifically required.
- Some background checks pull criminal record information from Live Scan databases, but they do not provide fingerprint verification.
Employers and agencies will determine which method is required based on their industry, security requirements, and local regulations.
Final Thoughts: Which One Do You Need?
Understanding the difference between Live Scan fingerprinting and a background check is essential for knowing what is required for your job, license, or security clearance.
- Choose Live Scan Fingerprinting If:
- Your employer or agency requires fingerprint-based criminal record verification.
- You need a state or federal background check using fingerprints.
- You are applying for a job in law enforcement, healthcare, or government work.
- Choose a Background Check If:
- You need employment, tenant, or financial screening.
- Your employer or landlord is looking at criminal history, employment history, and credit reports.
- You are applying for a loan, apartment, or non-law enforcement job.
If you are unsure which process you need, check with the organization requesting the screening.
For those who require Live Scan fingerprinting services, visit a licensed provider in your area to ensure your fingerprints are processed quickly and accurately. If you need a full background check, work with a trusted screening company to obtain a comprehensive report.
Would you like to schedule a Live Scan appointment or need assistance with a background check? Contact a fingerprinting and screening service near you today to ensure compliance with all legal and professional requirements. We recommend newport beach livescan.
