If someone told you they had to get LiveScan fingerprinted, your first reaction might be, “Why?” The truth is, LiveScan fingerprinting has become a standard requirement for a wide range of professions, licenses, and legal procedures across the U.S., especially in states like New Jersey.
Whether you’re changing jobs, pursuing a license, or volunteering, you might find yourself needing LiveScan fingerprinting sooner than you think. Let’s break down the top 10 most common reasons you may need to schedule a LiveScan appointment this year.
1. Applying for a Job That Requires a Background Check
Many employers—especially those in sensitive industries—use LiveScan fingerprinting to conduct criminal background checks. This is particularly common in:
- Healthcare
- Government agencies
- Education
- Childcare
- Financial services
Employers want to ensure candidates have a clean record and meet regulatory requirements, and LiveScan provides quick, accurate verification through state and federal databases.
2. Getting a Professional License
In New Jersey and many other states, LiveScan is mandatory for professional licensing. This includes:
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Nurses, CNAs, and other healthcare professionals
- Private security personnel
- Insurance agents
- Cosmetologists and barbers
LiveScan ensures that license applicants are thoroughly vetted and meet all state eligibility criteria before being approved to work.
3. Becoming a Volunteer
LiveScan isn’t just for paid professionals—volunteers working with vulnerable populations often need it too. This includes:
- Youth sports coaches
- School volunteers
- Nonprofit workers
- Church and community outreach helpers
Even if the role is unpaid, organizations often require a fingerprint-based background check to ensure a safe environment for children, seniors, and others in their care.
4. Working in Education
Whether you’re applying to be a teacher, administrator, or even a substitute, LiveScan is typically required. Many school districts mandate fingerprinting before someone is allowed to work in or near a classroom.
LiveScan helps schools comply with state regulations and keep students safe by ensuring all employees pass criminal background checks through both state and federal channels.
5. Applying for Immigration or Citizenship
Certain immigration processes—including naturalization and adjustment of status—require biometric data, including fingerprints. While USCIS often handles this internally, some applicants may be referred to authorized LiveScan providers for fingerprinting.
If you’re working with an attorney on an immigration case, they may direct you to get LiveScan prints done as part of your documentation process.
6. Obtaining or Renewing a Firearm Permit
In New Jersey, individuals applying for a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card or a Permit to Carry must undergo a fingerprint-based background check, which is completed through LiveScan.
This requirement helps law enforcement evaluate applicants’ eligibility and ensures firearms are not issued to individuals with disqualifying records.
7. Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent
The foster care and adoption process includes a thorough background check, and that means LiveScan fingerprinting. It’s one way child welfare agencies protect children by screening potential foster or adoptive families.
Both individuals and couples applying to foster or adopt will typically need to get fingerprinted early in the process.
8. Working in Healthcare or Assisted Living
If you’re planning to work in a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation center, or even in home health care, chances are you’ll need LiveScan fingerprinting. Background checks are required for roles involving:
- Direct patient care
- Medication management
- Access to private medical information
LiveScan ensures healthcare providers meet state and federal standards for patient safety and privacy.
9. Starting a Job in Government or Law Enforcement
Jobs in law enforcement, corrections, or public safety almost always require LiveScan. Even administrative roles in government agencies may require a fingerprint background check due to access to sensitive information.
For anyone entering public service, LiveScan is typically one of the first steps in the hiring process.
10. Court-Ordered or Legal Requirements
Sometimes a court or judge may require LiveScan as part of a legal process. This can include:
- Name changes
- Custody or adoption cases
- Sealing or expunging records
- Probation conditions
In these cases, LiveScan helps provide the court with accurate background information to support its decisions.
Final Thoughts
LiveScan fingerprinting has become a part of everyday life for millions of people each year. It’s fast, secure, and far more efficient than traditional ink fingerprinting—and it’s required for everything from professional licensing to volunteer work and legal filings.
If you fall into any of the categories above, don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your appointment. Getting fingerprinted is quick and easy when you choose a certified, experienced provider. We recommend newport beach livescan.
