Getting a notice that your Live Scan fingerprints were rejected can be frustrating—but don’t panic. You’re not alone, and in most cases, the issue can be quickly resolved. Whether you’re applying for a job, licensing, immigration clearance, or a California DOJ or FBI background check, it’s not uncommon for prints to be returned for correction.

At A1 Live Scan & Notary Services, we’ve seen it all—and we know exactly how to help you fix the issue and get your fingerprints accepted. Below are the most common reasons Live Scan fingerprint rejections happen and what to do next, especially if your FBI fingerprints were rejected.

Poor Fingerprint Quality

The most frequent cause of fingerprints being rejected by the FBI or DOJ is poor image quality. This happens when:

• Your fingers are too dry or cracked
• There’s too much moisture or lotion
• You have faded ridges or scars
• Your skin is naturally thin or worn down (especially common in elderly individuals)

Even a minor flaw in the print—such as a smudge or uneven pressure—can make it unreadable. If you’ve had your fingerprints rejected twice, this is often the reason.

At A1 Live Scan, we use high-quality scanning equipment and trained technicians to ensure your prints are clear and meet both DOJ and FBI standards.

Technical Errors During Submission

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your fingerprints—it’s with the equipment or file transmission. Live Scan fingerprint submissions can fail due to:

• Poor scanner calibration
• Data upload interruptions
• Incorrect formatting
• File corruption during transmission

If there was a technical error during your original appointment, your prints may have been rejected automatically. This can happen with both DOJ and FBI fingerprint submissions.

Incorrect or Mismatched Personal Information

Your Live Scan form must include accurate, consistent personal data. If there’s a discrepancy in your:

• Legal name
• Social Security number
• Date of birth

—it can lead to a Live Scan rejection, even if your fingerprints were fine. A single typo is enough to confuse the system and result in a denial. That’s why we always recommend double-checking your details before submission.

Fingerprints Rejected Twice? You May Need Ink Cards

If your fingerprints are rejected twice due to quality—not due to technical or data errors—you may be required to submit ink fingerprints on paper fingerprint cards (FD258) instead. This is especially common when the FBI rejects your fingerprints twice.

If you’ve received a notice stating your FBI fingerprint was rejected multiple times, it’s typically because the scanner couldn’t get a clear read from your unique skin type. At that point, the agency will request manual fingerprinting to ensure accuracy.

We can walk you through this step and help you complete the process quickly.

What to Do If Your Fingerprints Keep Getting Rejected

If you’ve received a fingerprint rejection notice from the California DOJ or FBI, don’t worry. Bring the rejection letter with you to A1 Live Scan, and we’ll:

• Review the reason for rejection
• Recapture and resubmit your fingerprints
• Help correct any errors in your personal information

If your original scan was done with us and it was a DOJ Live Scan, we’ll recapture and resend your prints at no extra cost.

My Fingerprints Keep Getting Rejected—What Can I Do?

If you feel like you’re stuck in a loop and keep asking, “Why do my fingerprints keep getting rejected?“—you’re not alone. Common solutions include:

• Applying moisturizing lotion regularly in the days before your appointment (skip it on the day of)
• Staying hydrated to improve skin elasticity
• Arriving early and relaxed so your hands aren’t sweaty or cold
• Let us know you’ve had issues in the past, and we’ll take extra steps to ensure high-quality prints.

A1 Live Scan Is Here to Help

At A1 Live Scan & Notary Services, we specialize in getting things right the first time. But if something goes wrong, and your Live Scan or FBI fingerprints are rejected, we’ll guide you through the process with professionalism and care.

Whether it’s a DOJ rejection, an FBI fingerprint rejected notice, or you’ve had your fingerprints rejected twice, we have the experience and tools to help resolve the issue—quickly and affordably.

Visit us today and get the clarity and support you need to move forward.

Call A1 at 213-489-4559 for questions or an appointment.