Why Fingerprints Can Be Rejected and How to Avoid It
If you’re applying for a professional license, employment, immigration, adoption, or a background check, your fingerprints play a critical role in the process. Unfortunately, not every fingerprint submission is accepted. Fingerprints can be rejected due to poor quality, causing delays, additional fees, and the inconvenience of having to be fingerprinted again.
The good news is that most rejections are preventable. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does It Mean When Fingerprints Are Rejected?
A fingerprint rejection means the fingerprints submitted to the agency or the FBI could not be processed because the image quality was not good enough for identification. This can happen with both Live Scan electronic fingerprints and traditional ink fingerprint cards.
When fingerprints are rejected, you’ll usually receive a notification requesting a new fingerprint submission before your application can move forward.
Common Reasons Fingerprints Are Rejected
1. Worn or Faded Fingerprints
Some people naturally have faint fingerprints due to age or years of working with their hands. This is common among:
- Healthcare professionals
- Construction workers
- Mechanics
- Hair stylists
- Cleaners
- Farmers
- Seniors
Daily wear can make fingerprint ridges difficult for scanners to capture.
2. Dry Skin
Dry or cracked skin can create incomplete fingerprint images. This is especially common during winter months or for individuals who frequently wash their hands.
3. Hands That Are Too Moist
Excess moisture can also reduce fingerprint quality by causing smudging or blurred ridge detail.
4. Poor Finger Placement
Incorrect finger positioning, moving during the scan, or inconsistent pressure may result in incomplete or distorted prints.
5. Low-Quality Equipment or Inexperienced Technicians
Not all fingerprinting providers use the same equipment or follow the same quality control procedures. Experienced technicians know how to adjust scanning techniques based on each client’s fingerprints.
How to Reduce the Chance of Rejection
Moisturize Before Your Appointment
Apply a fragrance-free hand lotion several days before your appointment if your hands are very dry. Avoid applying excessive lotion immediately before fingerprinting unless instructed by the technician.
Stay Hydrated
Healthy, hydrated skin generally produces clearer fingerprint images.
Avoid Cuts and Injuries
If possible, schedule your appointment after cuts, burns, or skin damage have healed.
Relax During the Process
Let the technician guide your hand. Avoid pressing too hard or pulling away during the scan.
Choose an Experienced Fingerprinting Provider
An experienced technician will inspect your fingerprints before submission and rescan them if necessary to ensure the highest possible quality.
Are Fingerprint Rejections Common?
While modern Live Scan technology has significantly reduced rejection rates, rejections can still occur—especially for individuals with naturally worn fingerprints.
Professional fingerprinting providers perform quality checks before submitting prints, helping minimize the likelihood of rejection.
What Happens If Your Prints Are Rejected?
If your fingerprints are rejected, don’t panic. Most agencies simply ask you to submit a new set of fingerprints. Depending on the agency’s requirements, you may need to:
- Schedule another fingerprint appointment.
- Bring the rejection notice with you.
- Submit a new fingerprint card or Live Scan transaction.
Some agencies may have specific procedures for applicants whose fingerprints are repeatedly rejected.
Why Professional Fingerprinting Matters
Choosing a professional fingerprinting service can save you time, money, and unnecessary delays. Experienced technicians understand how to capture high-quality fingerprints, even for clients with difficult-to-read prints.
At our office, we use professional-grade equipment, verify image quality before submission, and work carefully with every client to help reduce the risk of fingerprint rejection.
Schedule Your Fingerprinting Appointment Today
Whether you need fingerprints for employment, licensing, immigration, healthcare, volunteer work, or a background check, we’re here to make the process quick, accurate, and stress-free.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and let our experienced team help ensure your fingerprints are captured correctly the first time.
