Getting a letter that your fingerprints were rejected is frustrating, but it’s common and fixable. Most rejections are about print quality, not your record. Here is why it happens and exactly what to do next.
Need this done in the Portland area? PDX Fingerprinting offers Live Scan and ink fingerprinting at our Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego offices, plus mobile service across the Portland metro. Book an appointment online.
Why fingerprints get rejected
- Low quality: smudged, faint or partial prints the system can’t classify
- Worn ridges: common for nurses, mechanics, construction workers, older adults and people who use hand sanitizer often
- Card errors: prints in the wrong boxes, missing signature, folded or damaged cards
- Data errors: missing ORI number or reason code, or a name that doesn’t match
What to do after a rejection
- Read the rejection notice for the reason and any instructions.
- Get new prints taken; electronic Live Scan has a lower rejection rate because quality is checked on screen.
- Resubmit following the agency’s instructions, including any reference number from the notice.
- If prints are rejected again, ask the agency whether a name-based check is allowed. Many programs offer this after repeated quality rejections.
Tips for better prints
- Wash and dry hands; skip lotion the day of your appointment
- Drink water beforehand; very dry skin prints poorly
- Warm cold hands before the appointment
- Let the technician roll each finger slowly
- For worn ridges, ask the technician to take extra time
How we reduce rejections
We check every Live Scan image on screen and every ink card before you leave, and re-roll as needed. If you were rejected elsewhere, book an appointment and bring your rejection notice.
Skin and health conditions that affect prints
- Very dry or cracked skin, common in winter
- Worn ridges from manual work, cleaning, construction or frequent hand washing
- Age, since skin gets thinner and ridges flatten over time
- Some medications and skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
- Recent cuts, burns or blisters on the fingertips
If one of these applies to you, tell the technician. We can adjust pressure, moisturize the fingertips and retake individual prints until each one is clear.
After a second rejection
For some types of checks, if your prints are rejected twice because of quality, the requesting agency may be able to ask for a name-based check instead of a third set of prints. Ask the agency that requested your check whether this option applies to you, and keep both rejection notices.
Avoiding mistakes on the card itself
- Fill in every required box in black ink, and print clearly.
- Use the exact ORI number and “reason fingerprinted” wording from your instructions.
- Don’t fold, bend or staple the card.
- Sign in the signature box, and make sure the technician signs too.
Frequently asked questions
Does a rejection mean I have a criminal record?
No. A quality rejection means the prints couldn’t be read.
How long does a resubmission take?
About as long as the original submission. Electronic resubmissions are fastest. See how long results take.
