If you’ve completed your Live Scan fingerprinting, you’re probably wondering: How long will it take to get the results? Whether you’re waiting on a job offer, license approval, or background clearance, knowing what to expect can help you plan your next steps and reduce stress.
In this post, we’ll explain how long Live Scan results typically take, what factors can cause delays, and how you can check the status of your submission.
How Long Does It Take to Get Live Scan Results?
In most cases, Live Scan results are processed quickly—especially when sent electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and/or the FBI.
Here’s a general timeline:
| Type of Background Check | Estimated Time |
| DOJ only | 1–3 business days |
| DOJ + FBI | 3–7 business days |
| With additional reviews | 7–14+ business days |
Important: These are typical timelines, but results can take longer depending on the agency, workload, or if the applicant has a criminal history or prior arrests.
Where Do the Results Go?
Live Scan results are not sent to you, the applicant. Instead, they are sent directly to the agency listed on your Live Scan request form—such as:
- An employer
- A licensing board
- A school district
- A volunteer organization
Only that agency will be able to confirm when they receive your background check results.
Can I Check the Status Myself?
Yes, if your fingerprints were sent to the California DOJ, you can check the status online.
✅ Here’s how:
- Go to the California DOJ Applicant Background Check Status page:
https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov - Enter your:
- ATI number (located on your copy of the Live Scan request form)
- Date of birth
- Click “Check Status”
This tool will show whether your background check has been processed, is still pending, or has been completed and sent to the requesting agency.
Note: This tool is only for Live Scan requests processed by the California DOJ.
What Is an ATI Number?
The ATI number stands for Applicant Tracking Identifier. It’s a unique number given at the time of your Live Scan submission, and it allows you (and the agency) to track your submission’s progress.
A typical ATI number looks like this: 123456-ABC
You can find your ATI number on the bottom of the Live Scan form copy you received during your appointment.
What Causes Delays in Live Scan Results?
While most results are processed within a few days, some factors can slow things down:
- Incomplete or unclear fingerprints – May require resubmission
- Criminal history hits – Require manual review by DOJ or FBI staff
- High volume of submissions – Especially common during peak seasons (e.g., back to school, license renewals)
- Incorrect or missing info on your Live Scan form
- Network issues during transmission
If your results are taking longer than expected, check your status using your ATI number, and contact the requesting agency if needed.
What to Do If Your Results Are Delayed
If it’s been more than 14 business days, and the requesting agency hasn’t received your results:
- Use the DOJ status tool to check for updates.
- Contact the agency that requested the Live Scan—they may already have your results but haven’t notified you.
- If there’s no status update and you suspect a technical error, contact the Live Scan provider you visited. They can verify if your submission went through successfully.
In rare cases, you may be asked to resubmit your fingerprints, especially if the first scan was rejected due to poor quality.
Final Thoughts
Live Scan fingerprinting is fast and reliable, but knowing how the process works helps manage your expectations and avoid unnecessary worry. Most applicants receive their results within a few days, and tracking them online is easy with your ATI number. We recommend newport beach livescan.
