If you’ve ever had your Live Scan fingerprinting rejected, you’re not alone. Even with today’s advanced technology, fingerprint rejections happen more often than you might think. At A1 LiveScan & Notary Services, we’ve been in business since 2007 and have helped thousands of people in Los Angeles and across the country complete their fingerprinting successfully. Based on nearly two decades of experience, here are the most common reasons for rejection — and what you can do about them.

1. Faded or Unreadable Fingerprint Ridges

The #1 reason fingerprints are rejected is simple: the ridges on your fingers can’t be read. Over time, or through constant exposure to chemicals, cleaning agents, or even just natural wear, your fingerprint ridges may fade. If the scanner cannot capture enough ridge detail to compare against a database, the fingerprints are automatically rejected.

2. Operator or Technical Error

Sometimes rejection is caused by human error. For example, if the wrong finger is scanned under the wrong label, or if the scanner has difficulty aligning the print properly, the result may be rejected. While this is far less common, it does happen, and a skilled Live Scan operator can usually identify and correct it right away.

3. What Are Your Options if Your Live Scan Is Rejected?

• Redo the fingerprints (at no extra charge): At A1 LiveScan & Notary Services, we allow you to come back and redo your fingerprints at no cost. If the issue was technical or operator-related, a second attempt usually clears it up.
• Use special techniques to improve print quality: Our technicians are experienced in helping clients with difficult fingerprints. We may use certain solutions or adjustments to improve the clarity of your ridges for the scanner.
• Fingerprint-based name check (after multiple rejections): If your fingerprints are rejected at least three times due to unreadable ridges, you may qualify for a name-based background check. This allows the agency to verify your identity using your name and other personal information, instead of fingerprints.

4. How A1 LiveScan Can Help

• Experienced technicians with 18+ years in business
• No-charge reprints if your fingerprints are rejected
• Solutions for hard-to-capture fingerprints
• Trusted by judges, lawyers, and government agencies throughout Los Angeles

Final Thoughts

Fingerprint rejection doesn’t mean you did anything wrong — it’s usually just a technical issue. At A1 LiveScan & Notary Services, we work with you every step of the way, making sure your prints have the best chance of being accepted the first time. And if they aren’t, we’ll guide you through the next steps so your application process doesn’t stall.

Visit us in Downtown Los Angeles — Walk-ins welcome before 5:15 PM weekdays, or make a Saturday appointment.

Short FAQ Version

If your Live Scan fingerprinting was rejected, don’t panic — it happens more often than you think.

The Most Common Reason

The #1 reason for rejection is unreadable fingerprint ridges. Over time, or with frequent exposure to chemicals, your fingerprint ridges can fade. If the scanner can’t capture enough ridge detail, the system rejects the prints.

Other Reasons

• Operator error (wrong finger scanned or mismatched labeling).
• Technical issues with the scanner.

What Are Your Options?

• Free reprint at A1 LiveScan: If your prints are rejected, we’ll redo them at no charge.
• Techniques to improve clarity: Our experienced team can sometimes enhance faint prints.
• Name-based background check: If your prints are rejected three times, you may qualify for a fingerprint-based name check.

Why Choose A1 LiveScan?

• 18+ years in business
• Trusted by judges, lawyers, and agencies in Los Angeles
• Walk-ins welcome before 5:15 PM weekdays (Saturday by appointment)

📍 Downtown Los Angeles | Fast, reliable, and affordable fingerprinting & notary services.