Techniques for efficient scanning for WLANs based on mobile device velocity are described. In one illustrative example, a mobile device identifies whether its velocity is less than or greater than a threshold value. While it is identified that the velocity of the mobile device is less than the threshold value, the mobile device scans to search for one or more WLANs identified in a first subset of WLAN profiles (e.g. “stationary” WLANs). While it is identified that the velocity of the mobile device is greater than the threshold value, the mobile device scans to search for the one or more WLANs identified in a second subset of WLAN profiles (e.g. “mobile” WLANs). Advantageously, a suitable WLAN may be more efficiently identified with use of a technique which reduces power consumption of the mobile device.