What If the FBI Was Unable to Process Your Fingerprint?

Sometimes, the FBI is unable to process your fingerprint, creating unexpected delays for identity checks and background verifications. This can happen due to smudged prints, worn fingerprints, or technical issues during scanning, making it difficult for the FBI to capture a clear image. While rare, this situation can be frustrating for applicants who rely on FBI checks for employment, licensing, or security clearances. Understanding why fingerprint processing may fail and knowing that a formal rejection letter can serve as valid documentation helps navigate this uncommon but important challenge.

Fingerprints can become unclassifiable for several genuine reasons:

• Smudged or unclear prints that cannot be read.
• Incomplete or partial fingerprint impressions.
• Worn or damaged fingerprint ridges due to age, work, or injury.
• Excessively dry, oily, or dirty fingers affecting print quality.
• Incorrect or outdated fingerprint forms submitted.
• Use of non-standard ink colors (red or purple) if submitting ink prints.
• Technical issues with digital scanning or live-scan devices.
• Prints that do not meet FBI quality standards for clarity or detail.

If the FBI is unable to process your fingerprint on the first submission, they or the agency requesting your background check will notify you. In most cases, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your fingerprints. Applicants are advised to ensure that the second set of fingerprints is of the highest quality, taken by an experienced technician, using proper techniques, and either standard ink or a certified electronic live-scan device. The goal is to provide clear, readable fingerprint impressions that meet FBI standards for processing.

• If the FBI is unable to process your fingerprints on the first submission, the agency requesting the background check will notify you. You will typically be asked to resubmit your fingerprints. Depending on your first submission, the agency may suggest trying a different method such as submitting digitally if you initially used ink, or vice versa.

• When resubmitting, ensure proper capture by keeping your hands clean and dry and having an experienced technician take clear, readable impressions. In rare cases where fingerprinting continues to fail, the agency may use other personal identifiers, such as your name, date of birth, or social security number, to verify your identity.

• If your fingerprints are rejected the first time, applicants usually make a second attempt, taking all possible measures to ensure high-quality prints. This includes having an experienced technician capture the fingerprints, using proper ink or a certified electronic live-scan device, and preparing your fingers by cleaning them without making them overly dry or oily. The goal is to provide the FBI with clear, complete, and readable fingerprint impressions that meet processing standards.

• In rare cases, even after these precautions, the FBI may still be unable to process fingerprints. When this happens, a second fingerprint rejection letter is issued, stating that the fingerprints cannot be processed. The most common reasons for a second rejection are worn, damaged, or unscannable fingerprints. This official letter can be submitted to the requesting agency, employer, or organization as valid documentation, confirming that despite multiple attempts, fingerprint-based identity verification or background checks could not be completed. The rejection letter ensures that alternate methods of verification can be used, allowing the process to move forward without penalties.

While some fingerprints may naturally be faint or worn, taking a few precautions can improve the quality and reduce the chances of a second FBI fingerprint rejection:

• Hydrate your hands: Dry skin can reduce ridge visibility, so keep hands moisturized before fingerprinting.
• Avoid lotions immediately before printing: Excess oils or creams can smudge fingerprints and affect clarity.
• Warm your hands: Cold fingers may produce faint prints; warming them improves ridge contrast.
• Use a trained fingerprint technician: Experienced technicians are more likely to capture clear, readable prints.
• Ensure proper rolling technique: Rolled impressions of all ten fingers should be taken carefully to capture every ridge.
• Use a clean, unused FD-258/FD-1164 card or high-quality digital capture: Using the correct form or certified live-scan device ensures the FBI can process the prints efficiently.

Taking these steps helps ensure your fingerprints meet FBI standards for processing, minimizing delays in background checks or identity verification.

• Receiving an “unable to process” result from the FBI is not unusual, especially for seniors, individuals whose work wears down fingerprints, or those regularly handling chemicals or tools. Applicants are given a second opportunity to submit their fingerprints, and technicians take all measures to ensure the best possible quality. In rare cases where the second submission is still rejected, the FBI issues a formal rejection letter. 

• This letter serves as valid documentation, demonstrating that the applicant made every effort to comply with fingerprinting requirements. Most agencies and organizations accept this letter in place of an FBI background check, and individuals are not penalized. It is simply part of the fingerprinting process and reflects a procedural outcome rather than any issue with the applicant’s background.