Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from people who run this equipment. If your question is not here, ask us directly.
Certifications
What do Appendix F, PIV, and FAP levels actually mean?
They are FBI image quality certification programs. Appendix F is the stricter specification used for livescan and applicant fingerprinting. PIV is a single-finger specification used in credentialing. FAP levels (10 through 60) describe the capture area and how many fingers a scanner captures at once: FAP 10/20/30 are single-finger, FAP 45 is two-finger with rolls, FAP 50/60 are full ten-print scanners. We name the exact program on every listing and only claim certification for models on the FBI Certified Products List.
Is a certified scanner enough for a compliant fingerprinting setup?
No. The scanner is one piece; a compliant transmission setup also needs licensed capture software and an approved channel to the state or FBI. Buying used hardware alone does not make you an authorized submitter. Tell us your state and workflow and we will tell you what else you need.
Is this scanner approved in my state (CA DOJ, FDLE, TX DPS)?
State programs keep their own approved equipment and vendor lists, separate from FBI certification. A scanner that is FBI certified is usually eligible, but approval attaches to the whole system and often to the servicing vendor. Ask us about your state before buying and we will give you a straight answer instead of a blanket "FBI approved" claim.
Used hardware
Do used fingerprint scanners store fingerprint data?
Generally no. Livescan fingerprint scanners are capture devices: images go to the connected computer, and the scanner itself has no user-accessible storage of prints. We still wipe and reset every unit as part of our checklist, and any device that could hold configuration data is cleared before shipping.
Does the capture software or license come with a used scanner?
No. Software licenses, SDK seats, and transmission accounts do not transfer with used hardware. Used units are sold as hardware only, and every used listing says so. You will need your own licensed software; if you do not have one, ask us and we will point you at options for your workflow.
What does the grade on a used unit mean?
Grades follow our published rubric: Certified Refurbished, Grade A (Like New), Grade B (Good), Grade C (Fair), and As-Is / For Parts. Every graded unit passes the same test checklist and ships with actual-unit photos, a platen note, firmware version, and a warranty. Read the full rubric on the grading page.
Ordering
Do you ship internationally?
Not through the cart. Fingerprint identification equipment is export controlled (ECCN 3A981) and most destinations require an export license. International interest goes through a quote request with a manual export review. Details are in our shipping and export policy.
Why do some products say "Request a quote" instead of a price?
High-ticket and configurable items (turnkey livescan systems, volume orders, special-order models) are priced per project. Quotes come back fast with a real number, and quote pricing is often better than list on volume.
Can we pay by purchase order, ACH, or wire?
Yes. Government agencies and approved accounts can buy on PO with net-30 terms via the quote flow, and we take ACH or wire on larger orders. Card checkout on the site is coming online shortly.
What warranty do I get?
New hardware: full manufacturer warranty, with optional extended coverage on eligible Thales models. Certified Refurbished and Grades A/B: 90 days. Grade C: 30 days. As-Is: none, clearly labeled. Everything except As-Is has 30-day returns. Full terms in the warranty and returns policy.