Los Angeles Mobile Fingerprints provides mobile Live Scan fingerprinting, FD-258 fingerprint cards, FBI fingerprint services, and mobile fingerprinting events throughout Los Angeles County.
Proudly operated and administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan, we frequently receive questions from applicants about why fingerprint technicians spend so much time reviewing identification documents before fingerprinting begins.
Why We Scan IDs During Mobile Fingerprinting Appointments
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Why do you need to see my ID? You’re not a notary.”
It’s a fair question.
Many people assume fingerprinting simply involves placing fingers on a scanner and transmitting the results.
In reality, identity verification is one of the most important parts of the fingerprinting process.
Whether we are performing a California Live Scan fingerprint submission, preparing FD-258 fingerprint cards, or assisting with out-of-state fingerprint submissions, verifying the identity of the applicant is a critical responsibility.
Fingerprinting Is About More Than Capturing Fingerprints
Many applicants are surprised to learn that fingerprinting appointments involve much more than simply capturing fingerprints.
Before fingerprints are submitted, we typically verify:
- The applicant’s identity.
- The applicant’s government-issued identification.
- The applicant’s personal information.
- The requesting agency’s information.
- The purpose of the fingerprint submission.
- The information appearing on the fingerprint forms.
Accuracy matters because fingerprint submissions often involve access to criminal history databases maintained by government agencies.
We also verify information such as names, dates of birth, applicant types, ORI numbers, and other identifying information because errors can delay or complicate the submission process.
Fingerprint Submissions Involve Sensitive Information
Many fingerprint submissions involve highly sensitive personal information.
Depending on the type of submission, this information may include:
- Social Security numbers.
- Dates of birth.
- Biometric fingerprint data.
- Criminal history information.
- Licensing information.
- Employment eligibility information.
This is not routine paperwork.
Government agencies take the protection of this information seriously, and California Live Scan providers are expected to do the same.
Identity Verification Protects Criminal History Information
Many applicants assume we review identification simply to confirm they are the correct person.
While that is certainly part of the process, the reason goes much deeper.
Fingerprint submissions often involve access to sensitive criminal history information maintained by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or both.
If the wrong person were allowed to submit fingerprints under another person’s identity, confidential criminal history information could potentially be disclosed to someone who is not entitled to receive it.
That would create serious privacy and confidentiality concerns.
Criminal history information can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, immigration benefits, security clearances, housing opportunities, and other important legal interests.
Because of the significant consequences that can result from inaccurate criminal history information, identity verification is a critical part of the fingerprinting process.
Imagine If Identity Verification Did Not Exist
The importance of identity verification becomes easier to understand when viewed from the opposite perspective.
Imagine waking up one day and discovering that a criminal arrest record had become associated with your identity because someone else successfully submitted fingerprints while pretending to be you.
Or imagine an unauthorized person obtaining access to your criminal history information.
Most people would agree that would be a serious problem.
Government agencies work hard to prevent those situations from occurring.
That is one reason identity verification remains such an important part of the fingerprinting process.
Out-Of-State Fingerprint Submissions Often Require Additional Verification
Applicants are often surprised to learn that some out-of-state fingerprint submissions require the fingerprint technician to complete an affidavit or certification identifying the type of identification used during the appointment.
For example, the fingerprint technician may be required to certify that the applicant was identified using a driver’s license, passport, military identification card, or other acceptable government-issued identification.
The purpose is straightforward.
The receiving state wants assurance that the fingerprints being submitted actually belong to the person named on the application.
In California, Live Scan providers operate within a system governed by the California Department of Justice. However, when fingerprints are being prepared for use by an out-of-state agency, that agency may require its own independent verification that the applicant’s identity was properly established before the fingerprints were taken.
This requirement reflects how seriously fingerprint-based criminal history searches are treated by government agencies throughout the United States.
California Live Scan Operators Must Follow DOJ Requirements
Many applicants assume fingerprint technicians simply follow instructions provided by the requesting agency.
That is not entirely correct.
In California, Live Scan operators participate in a system governed by requirements established by the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
As a result, California fingerprint providers have responsibilities that extend beyond simply collecting fingerprints.
Those responsibilities often include:
- Verifying the identity of the applicant.
- Capturing fingerprints that meet acceptable quality standards.
- Accurately entering applicant information.
- Protecting confidential personal information.
- Following DOJ submission procedures.
- Maintaining the security of fingerprint records and related data.
- Complying with applicable DOJ requirements governing fingerprint submissions.
In other words, fingerprinting is not simply a customer service transaction. It is part of a regulated process involving government agencies, biometric identifiers, and confidential criminal history information.
When a California Live Scan provider submits fingerprints, they are not merely acting as a data-entry clerk. They are participating in a regulated process designed to protect criminal history information, verify identities, and maintain the integrity of the DOJ’s criminal history system.
Because fingerprint providers play an important role in that process, they are expected to follow specific procedures designed to protect applicants, requesting agencies, and the integrity of the criminal history system itself.
This is one reason California Live Scan operators may occasionally refuse to proceed until identification issues, data-entry issues, consent issues, disclosure issues, or other compliance concerns have been resolved.
If required information is missing, identification is insufficient, or the submission appears inaccurate, the fingerprint operator may need to stop and resolve the issue before proceeding.
These responsibilities exist even when the fingerprinting appointment is being conducted at a large mobile fingerprinting event or corporate location.
Why Accurate Information Matters
Fingerprint submissions are used for important purposes, including:
- Employment screening.
- Professional licensing.
- Immigration applications.
- Volunteer clearances.
- Government clearances.
- Background investigations.
Errors involving names, dates of birth, applicant types, ORI numbers, or other identifying information can create delays and complications.
Verifying identification helps reduce those risks.
Applicants who want to better understand how fingerprint submissions are tracked can learn more about ATI numbers and Live Scan tracking.
Fingerprinting Is Not Just Administrative Paperwork
Fingerprint submissions involve biometric identifiers and information that may affect an applicant’s employment opportunities, professional licenses, immigration applications, privacy interests, and other important legal rights.
For that reason, identity verification is not simply an administrative formality.
It is one of the safeguards that helps ensure criminal history information remains associated with the correct individual and is disclosed only to authorized recipients.
Whether we are assisting a single applicant or coordinating a large mobile fingerprinting event, identity verification remains one of the most important parts of the process.
Operated By Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan
Los Angeles Mobile Fingerprints is proudly operated and administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan.
Additional resources include:
- Live Scan Fingerprinting Services
- FD-258 Fingerprint Cards
- Mobile Live Scan For Groups
- California Record Review Information
- ATI Number Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do fingerprint technicians ask for identification?
Fingerprint technicians verify identification to ensure the fingerprints belong to the correct individual and to protect confidential criminal history information.
Can I be fingerprinted without identification?
Many fingerprint submissions require acceptable government-issued identification before fingerprinting can proceed.
Why do some out-of-state submissions require an identification affidavit?
Some states require the fingerprint technician to certify how the applicant’s identity was verified before fingerprints are accepted.
Do California Live Scan operators have independent responsibilities?
Yes. California Live Scan providers must comply with DOJ requirements relating to identity verification, fingerprint quality, data accuracy, submission procedures, and protection of confidential information.
Why is identity verification important?
Identity verification helps protect applicants from errors, fraud, and unauthorized disclosure of confidential criminal history information.