What is Live Scan fingerprinting and what is it used for?
Live Scan fingerprinting is the process whereby fingerprints are scanned electronically and transmitted via a specialized computer terminal to the California Department of Justice; unlike the older process by applying inked fingerprint impressions onto a fingerprint card. The fingerprints, along with identifying information listed on the Request for Live Scan Service form are searched in the data files for matches that reveal whether there is criminal history on record for that individual, which in turn is used for identification, employment and licensing purposes.

What are the Live Scan Hours?
The Live Scan Hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30am to 11:00am and 2pm-4pm.  We are closed on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Live Scan services are available on a walk-in basis only, first-come, first-serve.  Please be aware we are limited to the number of applicants we are able to process during the live scan service hours.  Since applicant turnout can not be predicted, we may be unable to process everyone.  It is recommended to show up as early as possible.

What is a Request for Live Scan Service form and where do I get one?
The Request for Live Scan Service form is a government form in triplicate, identified at the top with REQUEST FOR LIVE SCAN SERVICE - Applicant Submission. It can also be identified with the code BCII 8016, which is located on the bottom left corner of the form. In order to be fingerprinted using Live Scan, you must obtain one of these forms first. If you do not have one and are wondering how you acquire one, contact the agency or person who is requesting you to be fingerprinted, as we do not supply the form.

What do I need to bring with me?

• A Request for Live Scan Service form, which should already be completd.

• A valid government-issued picture ID, such as a driver's license or passport.

• Payment for the Live Scan payable in the form of exact cash, check, Visa/Mastercard or Discover.

What is the cost for Live Scan?
The cost for Live Scan includes a rolling fee (which varies per Live Scan location), plus applicable State and Federal charges.  The rates are currently as follows; our rolling fee is $24, the DOJ (Department of Justice) charge is $32, and the FBI fee is $24.  All rates are subject to change. There might be additional charges depending on the type of application being processed.  You will be advised of the cost once you arrive for your Live Scan.

How long does it take to get the results back from DOJ and/or FBI?
In most cases, the results from DOJ come back within 72 hours. Please note, due to various reasons, results can be delayed. For any significant delay, DOJ will contact the requesting agency. The results from the Live Scan fingerprinting are either emailed or sent to the requesting agency listed on the Request for Live Scan Service form. Once the Live Scan process has been completed at our facility, please direct all inquiries to the agency handling your employment or licensing.

Where is the Public Safety Facility located?
Our address is 333 Olympic Drive, Santa Monica California 90401. We are located on the corner of 4th Street and Olympic Drive, between Pico Boulevard and Colorado Ave.

Where do I park?
There is metered parking along Olympic Drive and the 1600-1700 blocks of Main Street. The meters along Olympic Drive are 2 hours, the meters in 1700 block of Main Street in front of the court house are 2 hours. The meters in the 1600 block of Main Street in front of City Hall are only 36 minutes, these meters are not recommended as they would not allow you enough time to return in the allotted time. You also have the option of parking at the Civic Center parking lot located at the corner of Main Street and Pico Blvd.; however, you are responsible for paying the applicable fees as we do not validate.

Where do I go once I arrive at the Public Safety Facility?
The Live Scan processing area is located in the Lobby area next to the Records Section.  Please make sure to sign our sign-in sheet once you arrive.