Frequently Asked Questions

Level 2 Background Checks, also known as Live Scan or Electronic Fingerprinting, is the process of capturing a person’s fingerprints and electronically send those fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which submit the fingerprint results to the requesting agencies or entities. 

Once a person applies for a state license or employment, the state agency or employer will request a live scan to gain special clearance before the person can be licensed or employed in Florida. Among those who need live scans are physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, day care workers, restauranteurs, car dealers, teachers, real estate brokers, security officers, construction workers, and guardians. 

All applicants need to fill out the Live Scan Form online or at the office, bring a valid form of identification to the office, provide an ORI number and a valid form of payment. In addition to an ORI number, some applicants need to provide an OCA number or VECHS. 

The Originating Agency Identifier Number or ORI number is a 9-digit code that indicates where FDLE should send your fingerprint results. Usually, the ORI number starts with the letter E, followed by the agency’s abbreviation and 2-5 numbers, and ends with Z. For instance, the ORI number for the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) is EAHCA020Z. The ORI number for the Department of Children and Families (General) is EDCFGN10Z. Each state agency or local entity has its own ORI number. If an applicant provides an incorrect ORI number, the fingerprint results will be sent to the wrong agency. Therefore, the applicant will have to pay for another live scan service. 

Depending on your profession, you may also have to provide an OCA number to your live scan provider in addition to your ORI number.

OCA stands for Originating Agency Case Number. This number is typically used in conjunction with your ORI number. An OCA number tells FDLE which specific company or agency should receive access to the final fingerprint results. Not every company or agency will have an OCA number but every agency/company that requires Level 2 Background checks will have an ORI number. 

VECHS numbers are specifically for the VECHS program. Typically used by schools and daycares, VECHS numbers send the results directly to the company from FDLE. These numbers always start with an “E” or a “V.” VECHS numbers starting with a “V” are for applicants who will be a volunteer at the company while numbers starting with a “E” are used for employees.

We provide out-of-state hard card scanning service. First, book an appointment for Hard Card Scanning or Card Conversion Service. Choose the date you will need your fingerprints to be submitted to FDLE. Second, go to the nearest police station to take your fingerprints and mail us the cards to 8469 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351, along with a copy of your identification. Lastly, once we receive your cards, we will process your fingerprints and send you a receipt. If you do not have FD-258 fingerprint cards, let us know so we can mail you two cards. 

Our Ink-Card Service is designed for Florida residents who are applying for  out-of-state employment or licensing. 

Applicants who do not have a social security may apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the IRS and use the TIN in lieu of SSN. 

The FBI Channeling Service is designed for applicants who want to live, work, teach, or travel in a foreign country; those who want to challenge information on their record or make sure it is up to date can also book an appointment to get an FBI report. 

Applicants for FBI report or FBI Channeling Service usually need Apostille services. ACT Biometrics provides Apostille service. 

Typically, it takes about 24-72 hours for your live scan fingerprints to be processed. However, there are some instances where it may take longer.

 

1. Make an appointment online or walk-in
2. Fill out the fingerprint form, pay for the Live Scan Service, and provide your Identification (please find below the types of ID accepted). 
3. A Live Scan Tech electronically takes your fingerprints and picture, if necessary, then sends them to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
4. FDLE reviews your fingerprints and sends the results to the requesting agency.  

The following is a non-exhaustive list of agencies that require Live Scan Fingerprint: 

• APD Agency for Persons with Disabilities
• DCF Department of Children and Families
• DOEA Department of Elderly Affairs
• DHSMV Florida Dept. of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
• DBPR Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulations
• DOH Dept. of Health (LPN, MD, DO, RN, PA, ARNP, CNA)
• DOACS Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• VECHS Volunteer & Employee background screening

Applicant for Live Scan must bring one non-expired primary identification, or one secondary identification and two supplemental ID if either of the primary ID is unavailable.

 Primary Identification (bring one)

• State or Federal Issued Driver's License
• State or Federal Identification Card

  Or

Secondary documents (bring one)

• State government issued Certificate of Birth
• U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military Identification Card (000 10-2)
• U.S. Passport
• Federal government Personal Identity Verification Card (PIV)
• Department of Defense Common Access Card
• U.S. Tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs Identification Card
• Social Security Card
• Court Order for Name Change/Gender Change/Adoption/Divorce
• Marriage Certificate (Government issued certificate)
• U.S. Government issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Foreign Passport with appropriate immigration document(s)
• Certificate of Citizenship (N560)
• Certificate of Naturalization (N550)
• INS I-551 Resident Alien Card issued since 1997
• INS 1-688 Temporary Resident Identification Card
• INS I-688B, I-766 Employment Authorization Card

     And

Supplemental Documents (bring TWO of the following):

• Utility bill (with matching address)
• Jurisdictional voter registration card
• Vehicle registration card/title
• Paycheck stub with name/address
• Spouse/parent affidavit
• Cancelled check or bank statement
• Mortgage documents  

Booking online can help applicants save time, but walk-in is always welcome at ACT Biometrics.  

Typically, our live scan fees for livescan include state fees and $30 rolling fee. We charge a flat fee for some services, such as mobile service. 

Bring a valid form of identification, such as state ID, passport; if neither one is available, bring utility bills and other documents under your name.

We will need the ORI number, as well as the OCA, if necessary. 

If you are applying for licensing or employment in Florida, and you actually live in Florida, you need electronic fingerprint service or live scan; out-of-state applicants need ink-card service, whether you are non-Florida residents or live in Florida. 

If you applying for expungement in Florida, you need ink-card service.