Los Angeles Mobile Fingerprints provides mobile Live Scan fingerprinting services throughout Los Angeles for employers, schools, healthcare organizations, transportation companies, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Proudly operated and administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan, our team conducts mobile fingerprinting events ranging from small groups to large-scale corporate onboarding programs.
How to Prepare for a Successful Mobile Live Scan Fingerprinting Event
When organizations schedule a mobile Live Scan fingerprinting event, many assume the process simply involves setting up a scanner and fingerprinting applicants.
In reality, successful mobile fingerprinting events require preparation, coordination, quality control, and accurate information gathering.
Whether your organization is fingerprinting five applicants or hundreds of applicants, proper preparation can help reduce delays, prevent rejections, and keep the event running efficiently.
Is Your Agency Registered With the California DOJ?
The first question we usually ask is whether the requesting organization is already registered with the California Department of Justice and has an ORI number.
If the agency has an ORI number and is authorized to request Live Scan submissions, the process is generally straightforward.
The agency prepares Request for Live Scan Service forms for the applicants, and we process the submissions using the information provided.
If the organization is not an agency of record with the DOJ, the process may be different.
In some situations, applicants may instead require a California Record Review, an FBI Identity History Summary request, or both.
Preparing Request for Live Scan Forms
One of the most important steps is ensuring that Request for Live Scan Service forms are prepared before the event.
Applicants should receive the forms in advance whenever possible.
For larger events, it is extremely helpful to have:
- Pens available
- Clipboards available
- A designated coordinator
- A check-in area
- Completed forms before applicants reach the fingerprint technician
This significantly improves efficiency and reduces bottlenecks.
Organizations can learn more about Live Scan forms here:
Request for Live Scan Service Form Guide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfUHfFE9hwQ
Common Form Mistakes Applicants Make
Many applicants are unfamiliar with the terminology used on Live Scan forms.
Some common areas of confusion include:
- SOC = Social Security Number
- POB = Place of Birth
- LIC = Driver License Number
- Misc. = Passport Number or other identifying information
- Alias = Former names used by the applicant
For Place of Birth, we generally need at least the state. The city is also helpful when available.
Applicants also frequently make mistakes involving Applicant Type selections.
Organizations may find this resource helpful:
Understanding Applicant Type on Live Scan Forms
Acceptable Identification Documents
Applicants must present valid, current identification.
Acceptable identification generally includes:
- California Driver License
- California Identification Card
- Out-of-State Driver License
- Valid Passport
One question we hear frequently is whether a photo of an identification document is acceptable.
The answer is generally no.
The applicant must present the actual identification document.
Expired identification can also create problems and should be addressed before the event.
Why Applicants Should Complete Forms Before Seeing the Technician
Mobile fingerprinting events move much more efficiently when applicants arrive with completed forms.
If applicants begin filling out forms while standing in line for fingerprinting, the process slows dramatically.
For larger events, having a staff member available to answer form questions can be extremely helpful.
This allows fingerprint technicians to focus on identity verification, fingerprint quality, and submission accuracy.
Preparing the Fingerprinting Area
The physical setup of the fingerprinting area can significantly affect both efficiency and fingerprint quality.
Whenever possible, we recommend:
- Access to an electrical outlet
- A stable work surface
- A comfortable waiting area
- Good lighting
- A temperature-controlled environment
For larger events involving more than ten applicants, access to power becomes especially important.
An outlet also allows us to operate fans when necessary.
Why Weather and Environmental Conditions Matter
Mobile fingerprinting events can often be conducted outdoors, but environmental conditions play an important role in both equipment performance and fingerprint quality.
Direct sunlight is generally one of the biggest challenges.
Our equipment includes a laptop computer, fingerprint scanner, and identification scanner. Direct sun exposure can make screens difficult to read, cause equipment to overheat, reduce performance, and in extreme situations trigger shutdowns.
Direct sunlight can also affect applicants.
As applicants become warm, their hands often become moist. Excess moisture can reduce fingerprint image quality and increase the likelihood of capture difficulties or rejections.
In extreme cases, moisture can blur ridge detail and cause fingerprint images to fail California DOJ quality standards, resulting in a rejection and resubmission.
Rain presents obvious challenges as well. Water and sensitive electronic equipment do not mix.
For these reasons, outdoor events should generally provide one of the following:
- A canopy or pop-up tent
- A covered patio
- A garage or covered work area
- An indoor staging area
- Another location protected from direct sun and weather
In warmer environments, additional equipment may sometimes be used to improve fingerprint quality.
Depending on conditions, we may bring a small fan or use cool airflow to help applicants reduce moisture on their hands before fingerprint capture.
Fortunately, the equipment footprint for a mobile Live Scan event is relatively small. In most situations, we simply need space for a laptop, fingerprint scanner, identification scanner, and a suitable work surface.
With proper shade, weather protection, and workspace setup, outdoor fingerprinting events can operate just as smoothly as indoor events.
Why Fingerprint Quality Matters
Fingerprint quality is one of the most important parts of any Live Scan event.
The California Department of Justice requires fingerprint images to meet minimum quality standards before they can be accepted.
Excess moisture, extremely dry skin, poor ridge detail, improper pressure, or poor technique can affect image quality.
If fingerprint quality is inadequate, the submission may later be rejected.
A rejection typically requires the applicant to return and be fingerprinted again.
For this reason, our technicians focus heavily on fingerprint quality before submission.
Why Workstation Height Matters
Many people are surprised to learn that workstation height can affect fingerprint capture.
Ideally, the scanner should be positioned approximately at belly-button or kitchen-counter height.
This allows applicants to comfortably place their fingers on the scanner platen while maintaining proper contact with the scanner frame.
If the available table is too low, we can often elevate the scanner to create a more ergonomic setup.
Even simple adjustments can improve image quality and applicant comfort.
Managing Large Mobile Fingerprinting Events Efficiently
Large events require balancing speed with quality.
When we encounter applicants whose fingerprints require additional work, we may temporarily move those applicants aside while continuing to process others.
This prevents a single difficult submission from delaying an entire group.
After the line has moved forward, we can devote additional time to obtaining acceptable fingerprint quality.
The goal is not simply speed.
The goal is obtaining quality fingerprints while maintaining efficient throughput.
Verifying Information Before Submission
Before any submission is transmitted, several important quality-control steps occur.
We verify:
- Fingerprint quality is acceptable.
- Applicant information matches the Live Scan form.
- Names are entered correctly.
- Date of birth information is correct.
- ATI numbers match the correct applicant.
Only after these checks have been completed do we prepare the forms for final review.
Understanding ATI Numbers
The ATI number is one of the most important pieces of information generated during a Live Scan submission.
Applicants use the ATI number to track the status of their submission.
For many agencies, the ATI number serves as proof that the applicant completed the Live Scan process and allows the submission to be tracked through the DOJ system.
For this reason, we carefully verify that each ATI number matches the correct applicant before documents are returned.
Applicants can learn more here:
Why We Wait Before Transmitting Records
Many applicants assume fingerprint records are immediately transmitted.
In reality, we often perform a final verification step before transmission.
We confirm:
- The applicant information is correct.
- The ATI number is correct.
- The fingerprint images are acceptable.
- A stable and secure internet connection is available.
Only after these checks are completed are records transmitted to the appropriate agencies.
Payment and Recordkeeping
Payment arrangements are typically agreed upon before the event.
For many events, payment is collected electronically using a secure credit card processing system.
Applicants generally receive receipts by email.
If an organization requires additional documentation, detailed receipts or invoices can usually be provided separately.
What Happens If Fingerprints Are Rejected?
Despite everyone’s best efforts, fingerprint rejections occasionally occur.
When a rejection is issued, the applicant or agency generally receives notification from the California Department of Justice.
The applicant may then need to return for resubmission.
In many cases, the resubmission can be handled at our office.
This is one reason fingerprint quality is emphasized so heavily during the initial appointment.
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:
- Mobile Live Scan for Groups
- Request for Live Scan Service Forms
- Applicant Type Guide
- ATI Number Guide
- Record Review Information
- Custodian of Record Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How many applicants can be fingerprinted during a mobile Live Scan event?
The number depends on the event setup, available space, and complexity of the submissions. Mobile events can accommodate both small and large groups.
Does my agency need an ORI number?
If the organization is requesting Live Scan submissions directly through the California DOJ, an ORI number is generally required.
Can applicants use a photo of their driver’s license?
No. Applicants should bring their actual, current identification document.
What forms of identification are acceptable?
Acceptable identification generally includes driver’s licenses, state identification cards, passports, and other approved government-issued identification.
What is an ATI number?
The ATI number is a tracking number associated with the Live Scan submission and is often used to monitor processing status.
Can mobile fingerprinting events be held outdoors?
Yes, provided appropriate power, workspace, weather protection, and fingerprint quality conditions can be maintained.
Why do fingerprints sometimes get rejected?
Rejections typically occur because the fingerprint images do not meet quality standards required by the California Department of Justice.
Can organizations schedule recurring fingerprinting events?
Yes. Many organizations schedule recurring fingerprinting events for onboarding, licensing, compliance, or volunteer screening programs.