Fingerprint/Live Scan

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office offers both Live Scan and ink fingerprints. Live Scan is the process used to digitally obtain and transmit fingerprints. Given the quality and efficiency of the Live Scan process, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) stopped accepting ink cards as of June 2005.

Once fingerprints are digitally obtained, they are transmitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as needed. The DOJ and FBI will evaluate the prints and transmit the results to the requesting agency within 3 to 14 days. If after 14 days the requesting agency has not received results, please contact the Department of Justice at (916) 227-3835.

The requesting agency should provide either the ink card(s) or the triplicate Live Scan Request form (or three copies) to each applicant. The requesting agency is responsible for completing the section relating to agency information. The applicant should bring the completed Live Scan Request forms, a valid United States issued photo Identification card, and payment (cash, check, or agency billing number) to their scheduled appointment.

To ensure the safety of everyone and the efficiency of the Fingerprint/Live Scan services we ask for compliance on the following:

  • Be on time. Late appointments will be asked to reschedule.
  • We can not print individuals with open wounds on their fingers, reschedule when healed.
  • Perfume, lotion, or oil based products should not be worn the day of the appointment.
  • All cell phones and non-medical related electronic devices should be turned off prior to entering our facilities.
  • Pets and nonessential individuals should not attend an applicant’s appointment.

Fees & Payments

Live Scan fees are comprised of our $30 (effective July 1, 2023) rolling fee and  DOJ/FBI service fees ranging from $20 - $100. The level of service fees are determined by the DOJ and FBI. In most situations, we will collect and distribute the DOJ and FBI payments at the time the service is performed. Accepted forms of payment are cash and check only.

Record Review Process

Criminal History records include arrests and convictions on a State or Federal level. All individuals legally residing in the United States have the right to request a copy of their own criminal history record. An individual requesting to review their own records cannot use the information provided to fulfill the requirements for employment, entry into an educational program/institution, or for obtaining a license/certification. The typical reasons these records are requested is for immigration, international adoption or travel, or to confirm the information is accurate and complete.

If you are unsure of the level and/or type of background check you need, please refer to the appropriate government agency or requesting entity.

Information on the California Record Review process can be found on the Attorney General’s web site. Or you may call the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Record Review department at (916) 227-3832. 

All California background checks are conducted using the Live Scan service. The fee for this service is $55. This fee includes both the California DOJ fees and our $30 rolling fee. In order for us to provide you with this service, you must download the Record Review Live Scan Request form from the California Attorney General’s website.

Contact

We offer Fingerprint/Live Scan services at Marin County, our Main Office in San Rafael. The  Main Office is by appointment only.  

To schedule an appointment at our Main Office location in San Rafael only, please click the following link:  Live Scan Appointment

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