Getting fingerprinted for a job, license, or background check sounds simple — until you show up and get turned away because your ID didn’t meet the requirements. It happens more often than you’d think, and it costs people a wasted trip and a delayed application.
Here’s how to make sure that’s not you.
What you actually need
Every Live Scan appointment requires one thing above all else: a valid, government-issued photo ID. That means a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The name on that ID has to match the name on your fingerprinting request exactly — so if you’ve recently changed your name and haven’t updated your ID yet, take care of that first.
What won’t work
A few forms of ID that people assume are fine, but aren’t:
- Expired IDs of any kind
- Student IDs or employee badges
- Social Security cards (no photo, so they don’t count as primary ID)
- Photos of your ID on your phone
If there’s any doubt about whether your ID qualifies, it’s worth a quick call before you drive over.
Know your requesting agency before you arrive
Fingerprinting isn’t one-size-fits-all — different employers, licensing boards, and background check programs use different tracking numbers (like an ORI number) to route your results to the right place. Have your paperwork or appointment confirmation with you so the technician can enter the correct information the first time.
Walk-ins vs. appointments
While some locations accommodate walk-ins, booking ahead means less waiting and guarantees a technician is ready for you. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about what your specific request requires before you’re standing at the counter.
The bottom line
A five-minute appointment can turn into a wasted afternoon if you show up with the wrong ID or missing information. Double-check your documents, confirm your appointment details, and you’ll be in and out the door with your fingerprinting complete and one step closer to whatever it is you’re working toward — a new job, a license, or peace of mind.
Have questions about what your specific fingerprinting request requires? Reach out and we’ll walk you through it before you book.