Live Scan for California schools and PTAs
A guide for the coordinator — the administrator, PTA president, or athletic director responsible for getting a cohort of volunteers, coaches, or chaperones cleared before an activity. Two paths, one clean funnel for each.
Path A — on-site group session
For three or more volunteers cleared before the same event or season. A mobile provider comes to the school and rolls prints for the whole cohort in one session. Cheaper per person, everyone cleared on the same day, no scheduling logistics for individual volunteers.
Set up an on-site scanPath B — refer individuals
When volunteers trickle in over the year rather than all at once. Point them at the storefront directory and let each pick the location that suits their schedule. Give them the school volunteer resource page below to send home.
Volunteer resource pageWhat to send home in the volunteer packet
- The Request for Live Scan Service form with the district's agency codes filled in at the top.
- A one-line note: “Please bring this form and valid photo ID to a Live Scan location. See livescanmap.netfor locations.”
- Your policy on who pays what — the district covers the DOJ portion, the volunteer pays the rolling fee, or the district reimburses on receipt.
- A deadline that gives volunteers a week of slack before your event — Live Scan results usually clear in 1-3 business days but can take longer when the FBI is involved.
Frequently asked questions
How do we clear a whole cohort of volunteers at once?
A mobile Live Scan provider comes to campus (or a PTA meeting, or a coaching clinic) and rolls prints for the whole group in a single session — usually a few hours end-to-end. Per-person cost is typically lower than sending everyone to a storefront on their own time. Submit the group details on the intake form and we'll match you with a provider that serves your county.
What does the district need to provide?
The Request for Live Scan Service form for each volunteer, pre-filled with your agency codes at the top. Every volunteer brings that form and a valid photo ID; the mobile operator handles the rest. Some districts also cover the DOJ portion ($32 per person); that's a district-side policy choice, not a system requirement.
Can we send volunteers to a storefront instead?
Yes — this site's directory has every DOJ-approved location in California, filterable by city or ZIP. Most storefront locations can handle school-volunteer checks; you'd hand each volunteer their Request for Live Scan Service form and let them find a location on their own time.
How long do results take to reach the district?
Usually one to three business days for DOJ-only checks, up to a week when the FBI is involved. Results go to whichever agency the codes on the request form specify — the district administrator, not the volunteer. If a result hasn't arrived after a week, the ATI number on the volunteer's receipt lets you follow up with the DOJ directly.
Do coaches and field-trip chaperones need Live Scan too?
California law requires background checks for volunteers who work directly with students in specific settings — regular classroom help, coaching, overnight trips. Your district counsel is the authority on which of your roles trigger the requirement. Whenever it's triggered, Live Scan is the mechanism.
Is this a state service? Do you charge schools anything?
LiveScanMap is an independent directory, not affiliated with the California Department of Justice or any school district. Listing information and the group-intake form are free. The mobile provider we match you with sets their own price and bills you directly — we don't take a cut of that transaction.
General guidance for California schools and PTAs. District counsel is the authority on which roles trigger a background-check requirement, which portions the district covers, and what your volunteer-clearance policy should say. LiveScanMap is an independent directory, not affiliated with the California Department of Justice or any district.