What is Live Scan?
Live Scan is digital fingerprinting and transmission of the impression directly to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for processing. If you reside in North Carolina, use Live Scan to obtain and transmit your digital fingerprints electronically to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
How much does Live Scan cost?
The fee for Live Scan is $38.00. Law enforcement may charge an additional fee for taking your prints.
Where can I go to get my fingerprints taken by Live Scan?
Take both of your printed and signed Live Scan Application forms to your local Sheriff office. The law enforcement personnel will obtain and transmit your fingerprints via Live Scan directly to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Call your local Sheriff office in order to confirm they are able to complete the Live Scan process or if they are able to refer you to another location.
How will I know if my prints were received?
Live Scan results are usually received within 6 weeks and will be posted on the Nurse Portal.
I need to reprint my Background Check forms, how can I do this?
Access: Log in to Nurse Portal
- Scroll to the very bottom of the page where the light blue Criminal Background Check shows
- Click the button that says Get Forms
- Print and follow all instructions on the forms
What should I do if I have waited 6 weeks since being fingerprinted and my results are still not posted?
Results cannot be posted if you have not returned the signed and dated Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information form to the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
If you returned your form and results are still not posted, send email to Criminal Background Check using the Email Us Form.
Results also cannot be posted if your criminal background report reflects findings, or you answered YES to the question on our application regarding either Misdemeanor or Felony charges or convictions, and certified court documents have not been received at our office.
I was recently fingerprinted by another agency. Do I still need to be fingerprinted for the North Carolina Board of Nursing?
Yes, the fingerprints submitted to other agencies cannot be used by the North Carolina Board of Nursing to obtain criminal history records from the State and Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Why can’t I do Live Scan if I live in a state other than North Carolina?
At this time our State Bureau of Investigations is unable to receive electronic prints from a state other than North Carolina.
I didn’t pass the NCLEX exam. Do I need to complete the Live Scan process again for re-examination?
Your criminal background check is valid for one year from the date your results are received at the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Do I send a fingerprint card to the Board of Nursing?
When your prints are sent electronically to the State Bureau of Investigations, the law enforcement agency may also give you a copy of the fingerprint card. Do not send the card to the Board of Nursing but retain for your own file.
Can I challenge the results of a Criminal History Record Check?
Yes, North Carolina allows an individual to review and challenge the results of a Criminal History Records Check. Contact the Agencies as listed below:
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: (919) 582-8660
- Federal Bureau of Investigation: (304) 625-5590
- Contact the Clerk of Court in the arresting county