7 Expert Tips to Pass Your Live Scan Fingerprinting the First Time (And Avoid Costly Rejections)

7 Expert Tips to Pass Your Live Scan Fingerprinting the First Time

Approximately 2% of all Live Scan submissions are rejected due to poor fingerprint quality—and that number jumps significantly higher for certain professions and age groups. A rejection doesn't just mean a second trip to the office; it means delays in your licensing, employment start date, or volunteer clearance. We want you to get it right the first time.

While modern digital scanners are far superior to the old ink-and-card method, they still rely on the physical condition of your skin. Follow these expert tips to ensure your prints are capture-ready.

Why Do Live Scan Fingerprints Get Rejected?

• Poor fingerprint quality: Dry, cracked, or damaged skin makes ridges hard to read.
• Incorrect information: Typos on your form or mismatched ID data.
• Ridge deterioration: Common in seniors or those with years of manual labor.
• Technical issues: Outdated equipment or untrained technicians.

Tip #1 — Moisturize Your Hands Starting 3-5 Days Before

Dry skin is the #1 cause of poor fingerprint capture. When skin is dry, the ridges flatten out and don't make good contact with the glass.

• Start moisturizing 3-5 days before your appointment.
• Focus specifically on your fingertips.
• Use thick creams like Eucerin, CeraVe, or O'Keefe's Working Hands.
• Important: Do NOT apply lotion immediately before your appointment (within 2 hours), as it can cause your fingers to slide on the scanner.

Tip #2 — Avoid Activities That Damage Fingertips

In the 48 hours leading up to your scan, avoid:

• Gardening or rock climbing (abrades fingerprints)
• Heavy cleaning with harsh chemicals (dries skin)
• Excessive use of hand sanitizer (dries skin)
• Paperwork or handling cardboard boxes (can cause micro-cuts)

Tip #3 — Bring the Correct, Complete Form

You MUST have the Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016) provided by your requesting agency. We cannot create this form for you.

Ensure your form has:

• ORI Code: The unique ID of the agency requesting the check.
• Authorized Applicant Type: The job or license type.
• Mail Code: Where the results should be sent.

Tip #4 — Bring Valid, Unexpired Photo ID

We cannot process you without valid ID. Acceptable forms include:

• California Driver's License or ID
• U.S. Passport
• Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
• Military ID

Tip #5 — Relax Your Hands

Tense hands are harder to roll and capture. Let the technician do the work—don't try to "help" by pressing down or rolling your finger yourself. Keep your hand limp and let the technician guide it.

Tip #6 — Choose a DOJ-Certified Provider

Not all scanners are equal. We use state-of-the-art, DOJ-certified equipment that is calibrated for high-definition capture. This significantly reduces technical rejections compared to older machines.

Tip #7 — Schedule Strategically

Don't rush. Schedule your appointment for a time when you aren't stressed. If you have naturally difficult prints, mid-morning is often better than late afternoon when hands are swollen or tired.

What If I Get Rejected?

Don't panic. If your prints are rejected for quality, you will receive a notification letter. Bring that letter back to us, and the resubmission is typically free (you only pay if the agency requires a new rolling fee, which is rare). If you are rejected twice, you may qualify for a name-based background check.

Ready to get fingerprinted? Book your Live Scan appointment with us today for a professional, stress-free experience.