Most California notaries offering LiveScan services require you to book an appointment in advance
LiveScan fingerprinting in California is not a walk-in service at most notary offices. When a notary advertises LiveScan services, they almost always mean by appointment only. This protects their schedule and ensures they have the right equipment and trained staff ready when you arrive. You cannot show up without calling or booking first.
The appointment-only model exists because LiveScan requires specific hardware — a digital fingerprint scanner — and trained operators who know how to capture prints correctly for California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) submission. A bad scan means rejected prints and a wasted trip back.
Notaries in California who offer LiveScan typically serve people needing fingerprints for background checks, employment, licensing, or court orders. The service is faster and more reliable than ink-based fingerprinting because the scanner catches poor-quality prints when ready and lets you re-scan on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Call or use the notary's online booking system to schedule your LiveScan appointment; do not arrive without one.
- Have your identification ready and know which agency requested your fingerprints (DOJ, FBI, or a specific employer or court).
- Bring any paperwork the requesting agency sent you, as the notary will need it to complete the LiveScan form correctly.
- Most appointments take 10 to 20 minutes, and you receive a receipt on the spot, though official results come from the DOJ or FBI later.
How to book a LiveScan appointment
Start by searching for notaries in your area that specifically list LiveScan services. A straightforward search like "LiveScan notary near me" or "LiveScan fingerprinting [your city]" will show which offices offer it. Not all notaries do — it requires equipment and certification, so availability varies by location.
Once you find a notary, call their phone number or check their website for an online booking system. Some use scheduling software like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling; others require a phone call. Ask what days and times they have open, and whether they have same-day or next-day slots available. Many notaries keep a few same-day appointments open for urgent requests.
When you book, tell them which agency requested your fingerprints. This matters because the notary needs to know whether to submit to the California DOJ, the FBI, or both. Different agencies have different form requirements, and the notary must select the correct submission type in their LiveScan system.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before scanning your fingerprints. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway along with a second form of ID; notaries can often work with this combination.
Bring any paperwork the requesting agency sent you. If your employer, a licensing board, or a court ordered the fingerprints, they usually send a form or letter explaining what is needed. The notary uses this to fill out the LiveScan submission form correctly. If you do not have it, the notary can usually look up the requirements by agency name, but having the paperwork speeds things up.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. The notary enters it into the LiveScan system as part of your record. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the notary when you book — some agencies have different procedures for non-citizens.
What happens during the appointment
The notary will verify your identity, review the paperwork from the requesting agency, and enter your information into the LiveScan system. This takes a few minutes. Then you place your fingers on the scanner — usually one hand at a time — and the machine captures your prints digitally.
The notary checks the scan quality on their screen when ready. If any prints are too light, smudged, or incomplete, you rescan that finger or hand right away. This is the main advantage of LiveScan over ink: you know before you leave whether the prints are good. Once all prints pass quality checks, the notary submits them electronically to the requesting agency.
You receive a receipt showing that your prints were submitted. This receipt is proof you completed the fingerprinting. The actual results — whether you passed the background check — come from the DOJ or FBI directly, usually within one to three weeks, depending on the agency's workload.
Timing and costs
Most LiveScan appointments take 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. The actual scanning is fast; most of the time goes to identity verification and form completion. Plan to arrive five minutes early to account for check-in.
Notary fees for LiveScan vary by location and notary. Expect to pay between $20 and $75 for the service. Some notaries charge a flat rate; others charge per scan or per agency submission. Ask the fee when you book so there are no surprises. The fee goes to the notary; the DOJ and FBI do not charge for processing.
If the notary finds that your prints are too poor to submit — which is rare with digital scanning — they may offer a free rescan or charge a reduced fee for a second attempt. Ask about their policy on this when you book.
What to do if you cannot find an appointment
If local notaries are fully booked, try searching in nearby cities or towns. LiveScan services are available in most California counties, but availability depends on how many notaries in your area offer it. Expanding your search radius by 10 or 15 miles often opens up options.
Some California counties run their own LiveScan services through the sheriff's office or a county facility. Call your county sheriff's office or visit the county website to ask whether they offer public LiveScan appointments. These are often cheaper than notary services and may have more availability, though they may not accept walk-ins either.
If you need fingerprints urgently, call notaries directly rather than using online booking systems. A staff member may be able to fit you in the same day or next morning if you explain the urgency. Many notaries keep a few slots open for this reason.
Common reasons appointments get cancelled or rejected
The most common reason for a cancelled appointment is missing or incorrect paperwork. If the requesting agency sent you a specific form and you do not bring it, the notary may not be able to proceed. Always bring whatever paperwork came with your fingerprint request.
Appointments can also be cancelled if you do not have valid ID. Bring your ID even if it is expired, and bring a second form of ID if your primary one is very old. The notary needs to verify you are who you say you are before submitting prints to a government agency.
After submission, the DOJ or FBI may reject your prints if the quality is too poor, though this is uncommon with digital LiveScan. If this happens, the agency will contact you and ask you to get rescanned. Contact the notary again to book a second appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a LiveScan appointment the same day I call?
Many notaries keep same-day or next-day slots open, especially if you call early in the morning. Call directly rather than using online booking — a staff member can tell you when ready whether they have availability. If your local notary is fully booked, try nearby towns or your county sheriff's office.
What if I do not have the paperwork the requesting agency sent?
Tell the notary when you book. They can usually look up the requirements by the name of the agency that requested your fingerprints. However, if you have the paperwork, bring it — it ensures the notary submits to the correct agency and form type.
How long does it take to get results after my appointment?
The notary submits your prints electronically the same day or next business day. The DOJ or FBI then processes them, which typically takes one to three weeks depending on their workload. You do not hear from the notary again unless there is a problem; results come directly from the government agency.
What if my fingerprints are rejected after I submit them?
The requesting agency will contact you and ask you to get rescanned. Book another appointment with the notary and bring the rejection notice. The notary will rescan you, and most charge a reduced fee or no fee for rescans caused by quality issues.
Do I need an appointment if I go to the county sheriff's office instead of a notary?
Most county sheriff's offices that offer LiveScan also require appointments, though some may accept walk-ins during certain hours. Call your county sheriff's office to ask about their policy and availability.