Why Fingerprints Get Rejected and How to Avoid It

10-8Media.com2 min read

Quick answer: Fingerprints are most often rejected for low quality images caused by dry, worn or damaged skin, poor pressure or smudged ink. An experienced operator and a little preparation prevent most rejections.

Common Causes

Very dry or cracked skin, heavy lotion, cuts or bandages, worn ridges from manual work, and pressing too hard or too lightly can all lower print quality.

What You Can Do

Drink water the day before, skip heavy lotion the morning of your appointment, and keep your hands relaxed while the technician guides each finger.

LiveScan checks image quality before submission, which lowers rejection risk compared with ink cards.

Get Fingerprinted at Ohio Security & Investigations

Ohio Security & Investigations provides LiveScan fingerprinting through Ohio WebCheck for BCI and FBI background checks, plus FD-258 ink fingerprint cards, for residents and employers across Youngstown, the Mahoning Valley and Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my prints are rejected?

Your agency will usually tell you to be fingerprinted again. Ask about the resubmission process.

Do worn fingerprints always fail?

Not always. A skilled technician can often capture usable prints with careful positioning.

Background check requirements, fees and processing times are set by Ohio BCI, the FBI and the agency requesting your check. Always confirm details with your employer or licensing board.