FBI fingerprints are usually rejected because the ridge detail is too faint, smudged or incomplete for the system to read. The most common causes are dry or worn skin, poor rolling technique, and errors on the fingerprint card itself. A rejection means starting over with a new set of prints, which can delay a job offer, a professional license, a visa or an adoption by weeks.
Here is why rejections happen, how to prepare, and what to do if it has already happened to you.
Why do fingerprints get rejected?
Rejections fall into two groups: image quality and paperwork.
Image quality problems
- Dry or cracked skin. Dry ridges do not transfer cleanly to ink or a scanner.
- Worn ridges. Nurses, cleaners, construction workers, hairstylists and anyone who washes their hands constantly often have flattened ridges. Ridges also thin with age.
- Too much or too little pressure, which smears the print or leaves it faint.
- Incomplete rolls. Each finger must be rolled from one edge of the nail to the other.
- Cuts, scars or blisters on the fingertips.
Card and paperwork problems
- Fingers recorded in the wrong boxes or out of sequence.
- Missing name, date of birth, signature or other required fields.
- A missing or injured finger that is not noted on the card.
- A non-standard, folded or damaged card.
Who is most likely to get a rejection?
People who work with their hands, people who use hand sanitizer or chemicals all day, and older adults are rejected most often. If you fall into one of these groups, tell your technician at the start of the appointment. An experienced technician can adjust pressure, use ridge-enhancing preparation, and take extra sets.
How do I prepare my hands for fingerprinting?
Start a few days ahead:
- Moisturize daily for several days before the appointment, but not in the hour right before it. Greasy hands smear.
- Drink plenty of water in the days leading up.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, heavy cleaning and rough manual work for a day or two if you can.
- Let cuts heal before you book, when your deadline allows.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly just before your prints are taken.
- Warm your hands if they are cold. Warm skin shows better ridge contrast.
What should I do if my fingerprints were rejected?
Read the rejection notice first. It tells you whether the problem was print quality or missing information, and the fix is different for each.
For an FBI Identity History Summary request, the FBI requires a new, current fingerprint card. It will not reuse the old one. The FBI also advises people whose prints are repeatedly rejected to have multiple sets taken, preferably by a fingerprinting technician, and to send all the cards together with the request (FBI Identity History Summary Checks FAQ).
Three things to know:
- The FBI does not expedite requests. Build extra time into any deadline.
- Individuals cannot get a name-based check instead. The FBI states it does not provide name checks for Identity History Summary requests. Some employers and licensing agencies can request a name-based check after repeated rejections, so ask your agency what its policy is.
- Use a trained technician. Prints rolled by someone without training are the most common source of repeat rejections.
Is Live Scan or an ink card better?
Live Scan captures your prints digitally, so the technician sees image quality on screen and can retake a weak finger on the spot. Ink on an FD-258 card depends more on technique, but it is still required by many out-of-state agencies and for mailed submissions. Which one you need is set by the agency asking for your prints, so check their instructions before you book.
How much does an FBI background check cost?
The FBI charges $18 for an Identity History Summary. Fingerprinting and submission fees are separate and vary by provider. At AI Fingerprinting, ink FD-258 fingerprinting is $45 and a complete FBI background check is $135. See the pricing page for current rates.
Related guides
- Live Scan vs. Ink Fingerprinting: Which One Do You Need?
- FD-258 Fingerprint Card guide
- WA Nursing License Fingerprinting
- Documents Needed for Fingerprinting
Frequently asked questions
Why do fingerprints get rejected by the FBI?
FBI fingerprints are usually rejected because the ridge detail is too faint, smudged or incomplete to read. Common causes are dry or worn skin, poor rolling technique, cuts or scars, and errors or missing information on the fingerprint card.
How do I prepare my hands for fingerprinting?
Moisturize daily for several days beforehand but not in the hour before the appointment, drink plenty of water, avoid harsh chemicals and rough manual work, then wash, dry and warm your hands just before your prints are taken.
What should I do if my FBI fingerprints were rejected?
Read the rejection notice to see whether the issue was print quality or missing information, then have new prints taken. The FBI requires a current fingerprint card and advises people with repeated rejections to submit multiple sets taken by a fingerprinting technician.
Can I get a name check instead of fingerprints from the FBI?
Not as an individual. The FBI does not provide name checks for Identity History Summary requests. Some employers and licensing agencies can request a name-based check after repeated rejections.
How much does an FBI background check cost?
The FBI charges $18 for an Identity History Summary. Fingerprinting and submission fees are separate. At AI Fingerprinting in Vancouver, WA, a complete FBI background check is $135.
Get fingerprints taken in Vancouver, WA
AI Fingerprinting offers Live Scan fingerprinting and FD-258 ink card fingerprinting in Vancouver, WA, along with FBI background checks and FBI apostille services for documents going abroad. If your prints have been rejected before, let us know when you book so we can allow extra time.
Book an appointment or call (360) 998-7302. We serve Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Clark County and Portland.