Nothing’s more frustrating than waiting weeks for your background check, only to get a rejection notice saying your fingerprints were unreadable. Now you have to start the entire process over—more time, more money, more waiting.
As a mobile fingerprinting technician in Ohio, I’ve seen it all. The good news? Most fingerprint rejections are completely avoidable. Here are the five most common reasons fingerprints get rejected and exactly how to prevent them.
1. Your Hands Are Too Dry
The Problem: Dry hands are the number one cause of rejected fingerprints in Ohio. When your skin lacks moisture, the ridges don’t make proper contact with the ink or scanner, resulting in faint, incomplete prints that BCI and FBI systems can’t read.
How to Avoid It:
- Apply lotion to your hands 2-3 hours before your appointment (not right before—that causes smudging)
- Drink plenty of water the day of your appointment
- Avoid washing your hands with harsh soap right before fingerprinting
2. Your Hands Are Too Wet or Sweaty
The Problem: Excessive moisture causes the ink to smudge and blur the ridge detail. Nervous sweating during the appointment is a common culprit.
How to Avoid It:
- Wash and thoroughly dry your hands before the appointment
- Avoid applying lotion immediately before fingerprinting
- Take deep breaths if you’re nervous—relaxed hands produce better prints
3. Worn or Damaged Fingerprints
The Problem: Years of manual labor, certain jobs (construction, mechanics, cleaning), or medical conditions can wear down your fingerprint ridges. Some people naturally have very light ridge patterns.
How to Avoid It:
- Schedule your fingerprinting appointment when you haven’t been doing heavy manual work
- Give your hands a few days to heal if you have cuts or abrasions
- Moisturize regularly in the weeks leading up to your appointment
- Let your technician know about your work or skin conditions—experienced professionals know how to adapt
4. Too Much Movement During the Process
The Problem: Moving, pulling, or twisting your fingers while being printed causes smudges and blurred images. Even slight movement can ruin a print.
How to Avoid It:
- Relax your hand completely and let the technician guide your fingers
- Don’t “help” by pressing down—let the technician apply the right pressure
- Trust the process and stay still
- If you need to adjust, tell the technician rather than moving on your own
5. Poor Technique by the Technician
The Problem: Not all fingerprinting services are created equal. Inexperienced technicians may use too much or too little ink, apply uneven pressure, or rush through the process.
How to Avoid It:
- Choose an Ohio Attorney General mobile fingerprinting agency
- Ask about the technician’s experience and rejection rate
- Read reviews and testimonials
- Work with someone who takes the time to do it right the first time
What Happens If Your Fingerprints Are Rejected?
If your fingerprints are rejected by BCI or FBI, you’ll receive a notice in the mail. You’ll need to be re-fingerprinted and pay the processing fees again. The entire background check timeline starts over—which could mean another 5-7 days to 2 months of waiting.
That’s why getting it right the first time is so important.
My Guarantee to You
When you schedule mobile fingerprinting services with Cleveland Heights Mobile Fingerprinting Services, I take the time to ensure your prints are clear and complete. I stand behind my work.
A refund will be processed if your background check was not received due to an error on my end.
A refund will be processed for INK fingerprinting if your fingerprints were rejected due to an error on my end. Proof will be needed to receive a refund within 60 days.
Schedule your mobile fingerprinting appointment in Cleveland Heights and surrounding areas today.
Call or text Kelly at 216-220-1897
I’ll come to your home, office, or preferred location and ensure your fingerprints are captured correctly.
—Kelly T Boyd
Founder, Cleveland Heights Mobile Fingerprinting Services
Ohio Attorney General Mobile Fingerprinting Agency