Live Scan fingerprinting is known for its speed, accuracy, and efficiency—but that doesn’t mean every scan goes through without a hitch. In fact, rejections can and do happen, often delaying background checks and forcing applicants to redo the process. Fortunately, most of these issues are completely preventable if you know what to look out for.
In this post, we’ll cover the most common reasons Live Scan fingerprints get rejected and offer practical tips to help you avoid them, saving you time, money, and frustration.
Why Fingerprint Rejections Matter
When your Live Scan submission is rejected, it means the receiving agency (like the DOJ or FBI) was unable to process your fingerprints. This can delay job applications, license approvals, or volunteer clearance by several days—or even weeks.
Rejected fingerprints require resubmission, and in some cases, additional fees may apply. Understanding the causes of rejection ahead of time is key to making sure your Live Scan is accepted the first time.
1. Poor Fingerprint Quality
This is by far the most common reason for rejections. If the scanner fails to capture your fingerprints clearly, the agency won’t be able to match them in their database.
Causes of poor quality include:
- Dry or cracked skin
- Sweaty or oily fingers
- Aged or worn fingerprints (often seen in elderly individuals or manual laborers)
- Excessive hand lotion before scanning
How to avoid it:
- Moisturize your hands regularly in the days leading up to your appointment.
- Avoid applying lotion immediately before the scan.
- Let your technician know if you’ve had fingerprint issues before—they may use special techniques to improve the scan.
2. Improper Scanning Technique
Even the best equipment won’t work if it’s used incorrectly. A poorly trained or rushed technician may not capture your fingerprints accurately, resulting in blurred or incomplete images.
How to avoid it:
Always choose a provider with experienced, certified technicians who take the time to ensure each scan is done correctly. If your technician is struggling to get a clean image, speak up—they may be able to adjust pressure, finger placement, or moisture levels.
3. Damaged or Dirty Scanner
A dirty or malfunctioning scanner can lead to distorted fingerprints or unreadable scans.
How to avoid it:
Go to a reputable provider who maintains their equipment. Certified locations are required to regularly clean and calibrate their scanners.
4. Incorrect or Incomplete Information
Even if your fingerprints are perfect, your Live Scan can be rejected if the accompanying information is incorrect. This includes:
- Misspelled names
- Wrong date of birth
- Incorrect ORI or application type code
How to avoid it:
Double-check all personal information and ensure your Live Scan Request Form is fully completed before your appointment. Bring a valid photo ID, and make sure the information matches exactly.
5. Scanner Incompatibility
Not all fingerprint scanners meet the DOJ or FBI’s technical standards. If your prints are captured on outdated or uncertified equipment, they may be rejected before even being reviewed.
How to avoid it:
Only use a certified Live Scan provider approved by the California Department of Justice. They will have the correct hardware and software to transmit prints in the required format.
6. Previous Fingerprint Rejections
If you’ve had prints rejected in the past due to low ridge detail (common with elderly individuals), you may continue to face issues—even with clean scans.
How to avoid it:
Inform your technician before the scan. In some cases, the DOJ allows a “Name Check” process if multiple scans are rejected. Your provider can guide you through this if necessary.
Trust the Professionals in Newport Beach
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to work with a qualified, detail-oriented Live Scan provider. Newport Beach livescan services at Newport Beach Mailboxes & More are performed by experienced professionals who understand how to prevent rejections before they happen.
They’ll guide you through the process, help you prep your hands, verify your paperwork, and ensure your fingerprints are scanned clearly and correctly the first time.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Live Scan fingerprints rejected is frustrating—but it’s usually avoidable. By choosing the right provider and taking a few simple precautions, you can dramatically reduce your chances of delay.
Dry skin, bad scans, and incorrect forms are the usual culprits, but they’re all easy to fix when you know what to expect. Prepare ahead of time, communicate with your technician, and trust a provider who knows how to get it done right.
