Live Scans

Due to the specialized training and therefore the specific assigning of the required personnel to perform the live scans they are generally done by advance appointment in the Downieville Office by contacting the Executive Assistant to the Sheriff. On rare occasions, it may be possible to call ahead to inquire if immediately available. 

Please fill out this Live Scan Form if you are applying for the following permit: Explosive Permit's, Peddler's Permit and an Initial CCW application. 

Fees: $25 + State fee of $32 and / or FBI fee of $17

What is Live Scan?

Live Scan is a standardized digital method of acquiring your fingerprints and information for background checking purposes in California.  Search for live scan locations in California. 

How does Live Scan work?

The fingerprints of an individual are acquired using an electronic fingerprint scanner and then, along with the individual personal information, submitted electronically to the California Department of Justice for processing. The results of the background check are then sent to the requesting agency (the institution, party or office who asked you to do the fingerprints) or directly to you depending on the type of Live Scan request you are doing.

Why do I need to do the Live Scan?

There are different purposes for the Live Scan process. In general terms there are two main reasons to do it:

1. BY REQUEST OF A REQUESTING AGENCY.

The requesting agency is the organization, company, institution, or office asking you to complete the Live Scan fingerprints process. These Requesting Agencies are authorized by the State of California to obtain the results of a background check performed to an individual. This is a common step for those applying for a:

  • Professional license (e.g. Medical License, Dental License, Attorney License, Massage Therapist license, Contractor’s license, Certified Public Accountant, Pharmacist License, etc.)
  • Permit or Certification (Petition for Adoption, Teacher Credential, Custodian of Records, Permit to carry a concealed weapon, Security Guard Permit, Finance Lender License, etc.)
  • Job Applications or Volunteer positions (Teaching positions, Credentialed School employees, volunteers working with children or the elderly, volunteering at a non-profit, etc.)

2. FOR PERSONAL PURPOSES OR FOR OBTAINING YOUR OWN PERSONAL BACKGROUND RECORDS.

A individual can request his/her own records to the California Department of Justice for his/her own personal use. This is commonly done for:

  • Visa Applications: For those who intend to travel, work, or study overseas and have been asked to show proof of good conduct or good behavior. *Always check with the consulate you are applying to and see if this type of background check is acceptable for them.
  • Personal review. If you want to know if there is a criminal record associated with your personal information and fingerprints. This is good for those who have been trying to clean their past records (e.g. expungement).
  • Recommendation of an attorney. Some attorneys recommend their clients to do a background check in order to work on their cases.
  • For Immigration Purposes or before submitting an immigration application.