How to reduce the risk your fingerprints will be rejected (2024)

GoodFingerprints

Let’s begin by illustrating what a GOOD FINGERPRINT lookslike. It is important that the center ofthe loop (circles) and the deltas (triangles) are legible.

Bad Fingerprints

Look below for fingerprints that would be rejected (unsuitable for conducting a criminal record background check). Reasons, why fingerprints are rejected, include:

• Pressed too lightly. (1)
• Pressed too hard. (2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9)
• Too much ink (may not be an issue if you don’tpress too hard). (2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9)
• Not enough ink covering entire fingertip (3, 7)
• Fingertip to warm/sweaty. (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
• Fingertip too dry. (7)
• Center loop and/or Deltas not legible. (All ofthem)

FrequentlyAsked Questions:

Question: Does each fingerprint need to be legible when requesting a background check in Canada?

Answer: No.However, to reduce the risk of rejection, it is useful if over half ofall fingerprints are legible.

Question: What do I do if my fingerprints are unclassified (i.e. it is impossible to obtain fingerprints that are legible)?

Answer: Check the following blog: Unclassified Fingerprints

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

Thereare many reasons why your fingerprints may be of poor quality or unclassified. They include:

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

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

• If you have lotsof wrinkles, worn ridges or dry hands, moisturize a lot before yourappointment.
• You can evenapply a generous amount of moisturizing cream to your hands before bed andsleep with gloves on to allow the moisturizer to absorb throughout thenight.
• Mix sugar withmoisturizing cream to add a bit of texture and massage your fingerprintsgently.
• If your hands aresweaty, wipe them frequently while being fingerprinted. You can even cool them down in cold water orhold onto an icepack before being fingerprinted. But, be sure your hands arenot wet when being fingerprinted.
• If your hands aresweaty, use a rag to dry your fingertips frequently while you are beingfingerprinted.
• If you are tense,try and relax your fingers and wrist when being fingerprinted. Be sure to letthe technician do all the work. If youare having a hard time relaxing, practice taking fingerprints a few timesbefore you start having your fingerprints placed on the fingerprint form.
• If yourfingerprints are hard to take, be sure to ask for a senior fingerprinttechnician.

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