Fingerprinting Rejections

Tips on How to Reduce the Risk Your Fingerprints will be Rejected

There are many reasons why your fingerprints may be of poor quality or unclassified. 

PHYSICAL REASONS:

• You have lots of wrinkles;
• Your fingerprint ridges are worn due to the type of work that you do;
• Your fingerprints are illegible due to medical condition;
• Your hands are very sweaty and cause your fingerprints to smudge easily;
• Your hands are very dry; 
• Due to deformity, it was difficult to take clear fingerprints; or
• You have scars or missing fingers.

TECHNICAL REASONS:

• Not enough pressure was applied (fingerprint too light);
• Too much pressure was applied (causing smudging);
• The fingerprint agent only took partial fingerprints (e.g. did not roll enough left to right); or
• Not enough ink was placed on the fingertips (fingerprint too light).
• Too much ink was placed on the fingertips (fingerprint too dark).

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

• If you have lots of wrinkles, worn ridges or dry hands, moisturize a lot before your appointment.
• You can even apply a generous amount of moisturizing cream to your hands before bed and sleep with gloves on to allow the moisturizer to absorb throughout the night. 
• Mix sugar with moisturizing cream to add a bit of texture and massage your fingerprints gently.
• If your hands are sweaty, wipe them frequently while being fingerprinted. You can even cool them down in cold water or hold onto an icepack before being fingerprinted. But, be sure your hands are not wet when being fingerprinted.
• If your hands are sweaty, use a rag to dry your fingertips frequently while you are being fingerprinted.
• If you are tense, try and relax your fingers and wrist when being fingerprinted. Be sure to let the technician do all the work. If you are having a hard time relaxing, practice taking fingerprints a few times before you start having your fingerprints placed on the fingerprint form.

Individuals who may be difficult to fingerprint include those with:

• Shallow or faint fingerprints: Some people naturally have less pronounced fingerprint ridges, making them harder to capture.
• Thick or calloused skin: Activities that cause calluses on the fingertips, such as manual labor, playing musical instruments like guitar, or rock climbing, can smooth the skin and obscure the fingerprint ridges.
• Dry or cracked skin: Extreme dryness or conditions like eczema can make it difficult to get a clear print.
• Frequent hand washing or use of sanitizers: This can remove natural oils and cause wear on the fingerprints.
• Exposure to harsh chemicals: Substances like bleach or chlorine can affect skin quality and make fingerprinting difficult.
• Older age: Skin tends to become smoother with age, leading to fainter fingerprints.
• Certain medical conditions: Conditions like psoriasis or eczema can affect the skin's surface and make it harder to get a good print.
• Some genetic disorders: Certain conditions can lead to abnormal fingerprint patterns or even the absence of fingerprints, a rare condition known as adermatoglyphia.
• Frequent handling of paper or typing: Some types of office work can lead to calluses or worn fingerprints.
• Genetic or hereditary factors: Some individuals may simply have naturally fine or smooth skin due to genetic predispositions, making their fingerprints harder to capture.