If you have ever needed a background check for a new job, a teaching license, or a firearms permit, you probably remember the old way: messy black ink, rolling your fingers on a card, and crossing your fingers that the prints wouldn’t smudge. There is a better way now.
At Dunnellon Pharmacy, we have replaced the ink pads with National Livescan Fingerprinting technology. It is cleaner, faster, and far more accurate. Whether you are a nurse renewing your license in Florida or a new real estate agent needing a state background check, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Exactly is National Livescan Fingerprinting?
Let’s break down the jargon. “Livescan” simply means digital. Instead of pressing your finger onto an ink pad and rolling it onto a paper card, a technician rolls each finger across a glass scanner. An electronic image is captured instantly.
The “National” part refers to the databases your prints are checked against. In many cases, prints are sent to the FBI (national level) and the FDLE (state level). That is why you often need National Livescan Fingerprinting for federal jobs, adoption proceedings, or security clearances.
The Science of Clean Fingers
Here is a real-world example: Last month, a teacher came into our Dunnellon pharmacy frustrated. She had done an old-school ink card for a new county position, but the state rejected it because the prints were too light in one corner. She lost two weeks of processing time. With Livescan, if a print is too light, the machine tells us immediately. We scan that finger again right then. You do not leave our store wondering if it worked.
Why Choose Digital Over the Old Ink Method?
You might be thinking, “Does it really matter how they take my prints?” The short answer is yes. The rejection rate for ink cards is surprisingly high (around 10-15%), mainly due to smudges, dryness, or incorrect pressure.
When you use National Livescan Fingerprinting, you get three major advantages:
1. Speed (Same-Day Submissions)
Ink cards have to be mailed. Depending on the postal service, that can take 3-5 days just to arrive at the processing center. Livescan transmits your prints electronically in seconds. Most state and federal agencies receive your data within 24 hours.
2. Instant Quality Checking
The scanner reads the quality of your ridges in real-time. I have personally scanned construction workers with rough, calloused hands and young adults with very fine ridges. The Livescan unit automatically adjusts the contrast. An ink card cannot do that.
3. Less Mess, Less Stress
No more washing ink off your hands for twenty minutes. No more stained clothes. You walk in, sit down, place your fingers on the glass, and walk out.
Who Actually Needs This Service in Dunnellon?
We get a lot of variety at our pharmacy counter. People often assume Livescan is just for police officers or federal employees. That is not true anymore.
Here are five common situations where you will need National Livescan Fingerprinting:
- Healthcare Workers: Nurses, doctors, pharmacists (like us), and CNAs moving between states.
- Educators: Teachers and school staff in Marion County and surrounding areas.
- Real Estate & Mortgage: New agents applying for licensure.
- Volunteers: Those working with children or the elderly.
- Firearms: Some concealed carry permits now require electronic prints.
A Note on “National” vs. “State-Only”
Sometimes a job only requires a Florida state check (FDLE). Other times, if you have lived in multiple states, the employer wants an FBI-level check. National Livescan Fingerprinting covers both. When you book an appointment with us, just bring the agency’s specific ORI number (that’s the code that tells the system where to send the results). If you don’t have it, call your employer. We cannot send the prints without it.
How to Prepare for Your Livescan Appointment
You would be surprised how many people show up with lotion-soaked hands or fresh manicures. Do not worry—we can work with most situations—but a little prep helps.
Do These Three Things:
- Hydrate (The Night Before): Dry skin is the enemy of fingerprinting. Drink plenty of water the day before. It sounds strange, but hydrated skin has more elasticity and prints better.
- Skip the Lotion (The Day Of): While lotion seems helpful, it actually creates a greasy film on the scanner glass. Wash your hands with soap and water, dry them thoroughly, and avoid lotion for an hour prior.
- Bring Valid ID: You must present a government-issued photo ID (Driver’s license, Passport, or Military ID).
What about Bandages or Wounds?
If you have a cut or a bandage on a finger, we simply note that finger on the form. You can usually come back to scan just that one finger once it heals. You do not need to re-do all ten.
The Dunnellon Pharmacy Difference: Local & Convenient
You can drive 30 minutes to a big box store or a government office, wait in a long line, and pay a premium. Or, you can come to Dunnellon Pharmacy on your way home from work.
We designed this service with our neighbors in mind. Our pharmacy has been serving this community since 2012. We know that your time is valuable. We are not a massive processing center—we are your local pharmacy that happens to have FBI-certified Livescan equipment.
Real Human Benefit: When you call us at 352-489-4960 to schedule, you are talking to a local staff member. We can answer questions like, “My hands are sweaty, will that matter?” or “I lost my ORI number, can I still come in?” (The answer to the first is no, we have wipes; the second is yes, but we will hold your prints until you provide the number).
Common Myths About Fingerprinting (Busted)
Let’s clear up some confusion that causes people to put off their background checks.
Myth #1: Fingerprinting stores my prints in a database forever.
Reality: For most employment checks, the prints are used only for that specific search. They are not stored in a criminal database unless you are in a regulated field like childcare or law enforcement. The results (pass/fail) are sent to the agency, not a photo of your fingerprint.
Myth #2: It hurts.
Reality: This is the most common question I hear. It does not hurt. You are not being pricked. You are simply rolling your finger on a flat glass surface. There is no needle, no shock, no heat.
Myth #3: If I have bad prints, I’m out of luck.
Reality: As mentioned earlier, the machine adjusts. For construction workers or artists with worn prints, we use a special lotion made for Livescan that temporarily plumps up the ridges. We rarely have a complete failure.
Step-by-Step: What Happens at Your Appointment
To make you feel comfortable, here is the exact flow of a National Livescan Fingerprinting session at our Dunnellon pharmacy:
- Check-in: You arrive at the pharmacy (look for the prescription counter). We verify your ID and the ORI number for your agency.
- The Scan: You sit at the Livescan terminal. The technician guides each finger. You start with your thumbs, then index, middle, ring, and pinky. We scan “slaps” (four fingers at once) and then individual rolls.
- The Review: The software shows a green checkmark for quality prints. If a finger fails, we scan it again immediately.
- Submission: You sign a digital attestation that you are who you say you are. We hit “Send.” The prints fly electronically to the state or FBI.
- You’re done: You pay the service fee and leave. Total time: Usually 10 to 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need an appointment for National Livescan Fingerprinting?
A: Walk-ins are welcome based on staff availability, but we strongly recommend calling 352-489-4960 to schedule. This ensures the Livescan machine is ready and a certified technician is available to help you without a wait.
Q: How much does Livescan fingerprinting cost?
A: Fees vary based on whether you need a state (FDLE) check, a national (FBI) check, or both. Please call us directly for the most current pricing. We do not list prices online because state fees change, but we promise to be transparent on the phone.
Q: Can you fingerprint a child for a passport or adoption?
A: Yes, we can. However, children’s fingerprints are more delicate. We usually recommend calling ahead so we can set aside extra time. The child must be calm and willing to place their hand on the scanner (a parent can assist).
Q: Where do I get the application forms?
A: You will need to bring the LiveScan form provided by your employer or licensing board. It has the barcode and ORI number. If you don’t have one, check your agency’s website. We do not generate the forms at the pharmacy; we only capture and transmit the prints.
Q: How will I know if my prints were rejected?
A: You won’t be the one who gets the rejection. The agency requesting your background check (your employer or licensing board) will be notified. If that happens, simply come back to us. We usually offer a discounted re-scan for technical failures because we want to get it right.
Q: Is this the same as “FDLE” fingerprinting?
A: Yes and no. National Livescan Fingerprinting includes the FDLE check (Florida) plus the FBI check (National). Many jobs require both. Check your paperwork to see if it asks for “Level 2” background screening—that usually means national.
Ready to Get It Done?
Do not let the fear of messy ink or confusing forms delay your job, license, or volunteer opportunity. We have made National Livescan Fingerprinting easy, clean, and fast right here in Dunnellon.
Stop by Dunnellon Pharmacy:
11150 N Williams St, Ste 101-B, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Call to schedule: 352-489-4960
Pro tip: Look for our sign on the main road. We are the local pharmacy with the friendly faces. Ask for the Livescan technician at the front counter.
We look forward to helping you pass that background check—without the black ink under your fingernails.