Live Scan fingerprinting has become essential for various professions and legal processes. Whether you are applying for a state-issued license, a new job, or a background check, Live Scan fingerprinting offers an efficient and secure way to submit fingerprints. However, a common question is, “How much does Live Scan fingerprinting cost?” Understanding the pricing structure for this service can help individuals better prepare for the process, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.
Live Scan, the digital alternative to traditional ink-based fingerprinting, offers several benefits, including faster results, higher accuracy, and minimal errors. These advantages come with a cost, but the overall fee can vary based on several factors. Let’s explore the costs associated with Live Scan fingerprinting and what you need to know about the pricing.
What Affects the Cost of Live Scan Fingerprinting?
There are a few key factors that influence the cost of live scan fingerprinting:
- Agency Fees: The cost of Live Scan fingerprinting depends largely on the agency or service provider offering the service. Private fingerprinting agencies like National Live Scan Fingerprinting, with locations in North Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Port Saint Lucie and Delray Beach, offer competitive pricing based on their location, services offered, and overhead costs.
- Submission and Processing Fees: Besides the basic fingerprinting fee, there are often additional charges for processing and submission. The fingerprint data is usually submitted to state or federal agencies, such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or the FBI, which charge separate fees for processing the information. These fees can range from $30 to $65, depending on the nature of the background check or the agency involved.
- Type of Background Check: The complexity of the background check can also influence the overall cost. For example, fingerprinting for a simple employment check may cost less than fingerprinting required for a government security clearance or professional licensing. At National Live Scan Fingerprinting, we cater to various background checks, including those required for healthcare professionals, teachers, and security personnel.
- Location: The price for Live Scan fingerprinting is the same at all of our locations, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County.
- Bundled Services: Some fingerprinting agencies, such as National Live Scan Fingerprinting, offer bundled services that include not just fingerprint capture but also drug testing, background checks, or other compliance services. Depending on the services included, these packages can increase or reduce costs.
Average Costs of Live Scan Fingerprinting
On average, the cost for Live Scan fingerprinting services typically ranges between $68 and $95. This price can be broken down as follows:
- Basic Fingerprint Capture Fee: The base cost for capturing digital fingerprints typically ranges from $30 to $40, depending on the provider.
- Processing Fees: Besides the capture fee, there is a processing fee for submitting fingerprints to the relevant agencies. The FDLE charges approximately $24, while the FBI charges around $18 for processing.
- Additional Fees: In some cases, additional fees may be charged for mobile fingerprinting services, or additional copies of fingerprint cards. National Live Scan Fingerprinting offers transparent pricing and high-quality services, ensuring clients receive accurate and timely results at competitive rates.
It is important to note that the total cost for Live Scan fingerprinting can vary based on the requirements of your specific application. Some professions or legal matters may require multiple background checks or submissions to different agencies, which can increase the overall cost.
Examples of live scan fingerprinting costs in Florida
In Florida, the cost of Live Scan fingerprinting can differ depending on the agency providing the service and the purpose of the fingerprint submission. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs associated with common fingerprinting needs:
- Florida Department of Education (Teacher Certification): Live Scan fingerprinting costs approximately $78 for those applying for a teaching license. This includes the fingerprinting and processing fees charged by the FDLE.
- Healthcare Workers (AHCA): Individuals applying for jobs in healthcare or with the Agency for HealthCare Administration (AHCA) can expect to pay between $95 to $110 for fingerprinting, depending on the agency used.
- Real Estate Licensing: The cost for real estate professionals to submit fingerprints for a background check through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is typically around $78.
- Legal Name Change: If you seek a legal name change in Florida, Live Scan fingerprinting costs $78. National Live Scan Fingerprinting offers comprehensive services for legal name changes, ensuring fast and accurate results.
Where to Get Live Scan Fingerprinting in Florida?
There are several approved providers of live scan fingerprinting in Florida. These include both private companies and government-authorized locations. For instance, National Live Scan Fingerprinting offers convenient and reliable services throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Saint Lucie and Palm Beach counties. With locations in North Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Port Saint Lucie and Delray Beach, they provide fast, accurate, and affordable live scan fingerprinting.
When choosing a provider, you must ensure that the relevant state or federal agencies approve them to submit fingerprints for your specific needs. National Live Scan Fingerprinting is approved by the FDLE to provide Level II background checks, making it a trusted choice for professionals in various industries.
Why Choose Live Scan Over Ink-Based Fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting has become the preferred method of capturing fingerprints for background checks due to its many advantages over traditional ink-based methods. Some of the key benefits of Live Scan include:
- Speed: With Live Scan, fingerprints are captured and submitted electronically, reducing the turnaround time for results. In many cases, results can be available within hours, compared to several weeks with ink cards. National Live Scan Fingerprinting offers fast and efficient services, with results often delivered within 24 to 72 hours.
- Accuracy: Live Scan fingerprinting produces high-quality, consistent fingerprint images, reducing the likelihood of errors or rejected prints.
- Convenience: Many Live Scan providers, including National Live Scan Fingerprinting, offer flexible appointment times, mobile fingerprinting services, and digital submission, making the process more convenient for busy professionals.
- Cleaner Process: Unlike ink-based fingerprinting, which can be messy and require physical cards, Live Scan is an inkless, digital process, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient experience.
FAQs
- How long does it take to get results from live scan fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting results can be available in at least 24 to 72 hours, depending on the agency processing the fingerprints. National Live Scan Fingerprinting prides itself on offering fast turnaround times.
- Are Live Scan fingerprinting costs tax-deductible?
In some cases, Live Scan fingerprinting costs may be tax-deductible if they are required for employment. For specific advice, it’s best to consult with a tax professional.
- Can I get live scan fingerprinting for multiple purposes at once?
Yes, in some cases, you can submit your fingerprints for multiple background checks or agencies simultaneously, but it requires a new set of fingerprints and additional fees. National Live Scan Fingerprinting provides a range of services, making it easier to bundle various needs.
- Do I need an appointment for live scan fingerprinting?
While some locations accept walk-ins, making an appointment for live scan fingerprinting is generally recommended to avoid long wait times. National Live Scan Fingerprinting offers convenient online booking for all its locations.
- What documents do I need for Live Scan fingerprinting?
You will need a valid government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) and the ORI number or agency code for the specific background check for which you submit fingerprints.
- Is live-scan fingerprinting required for all professions in Florida?
No, but many professions, such as healthcare workers, teachers, and real estate agents, require Live Scan fingerprinting as part of the background check process. National Live Scan Fingerprinting provides services for a wide range of professions.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of Live Scan fingerprinting is crucial for anyone required to undergo this process for employment, licensing, or legal purposes. While the fees may vary based on the provider, agency, and location, National Live Scan Fingerprinting offers fast, accurate, and FDLE-approved fingerprinting services at competitive rates. With convenient locations in North Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, and Port Saint Lucie we ensure the fingerprinting process is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
