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Although losangelesfingerprint.com focuses on fingerprint education and consumer information, professional fingerprinting services, mobile fingerprinting, FD-258 fingerprint cards, FBI background checks, and related services are provided through Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan.
One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that a fingerprint provider can guarantee fingerprint acceptance.
We recently had an applicant become frustrated during an appointment and ask us to guarantee that their fingerprints would be accepted. We explained that while we can guarantee professionalism, proper equipment, and years of experience, we cannot guarantee what another agency’s computer system or fingerprint examiner will ultimately decide.
Applicants are often surprised to learn that fingerprint providers do not make the final determination regarding acceptability.
The Receiving Agency Makes The Final Decision
Whether fingerprints are submitted electronically or on FD-258 cards, the final decision belongs to the receiving agency.
This may include:
- The FBI
- The California Department of Justice
- State agencies
- Licensing agencies
- Federal agencies
- Other fingerprint processing systems
The fingerprint roller captures the prints, but the agency ultimately determines whether the quality meets its standards.
We recently addressed fingerprint quality issues in this short video:
Electronic Live Scan Systems Improve Quality But Cannot Guarantee Acceptance
Electronic fingerprint systems are extremely helpful because they provide quality feedback during the appointment.
During electronic Live Scan submissions, the scanner assigns quality scores to the captured images and alerts us when a finger should be retaken. Those quality scores greatly improve the odds of acceptance, but they are not the final decision.
If the system detects poor image quality, we can often:
- Adjust finger pressure
- Change rolling techniques
- Retake individual fingers
- Use moisture or drying techniques
- Improve the overall image
These tools dramatically improve the likelihood of acceptance.
However, even an electronically accepted submission can later be rejected by the DOJ or FBI.
The scanner itself does not make the final decision.
FD-258 Fingerprint Cards Introduce Additional Variables
Ink fingerprint cards involve even more uncertainty.
The card may pass through:
- State agencies
- The FBI
- Licensing boards
- Federal agencies
- Foreign governments
Until the card is actually processed, nobody can know with certainty how the receiving agency will evaluate the impressions.
Professional Technique Improves The Odds
Although acceptance can never be guaranteed, professional technique matters tremendously.
Experience helps us recognize:
- Dry fingerprints
- Excess moisture
- Smearing
- Checkerboarding
- Pressure problems
- Difficult ridge detail
- Age-related fingerprint issues
Good technique cannot override agency standards, but it can significantly improve the quality of the final impressions.
Why We Often Recommend Two FD-258 Cards
For many out-of-state submissions, we frequently recommend completing two fingerprint cards.
Applicants are often surprised by this recommendation.
Two cards provide a backup and can prevent unnecessary delays if one set encounters quality issues.
It is inexpensive insurance compared with repeating the entire process weeks later.
California Live Scan Rejections Usually End After Two Attempts
Many applicants worry that they could be trapped in endless fingerprint rejections.
Fortunately, that is generally not how the process works.
If a California Live Scan submission is rejected twice because of quality issues, agencies typically move forward using a name-based search.
This is why we reassure applicants that repeated rejections are uncommon.
What Professional Fingerprint Providers Can Promise
No honest fingerprint provider should guarantee acceptance.
What experienced professionals can promise is:
- Proper rolling techniques
- Professional equipment
- Patience
- Multiple attempts when necessary
- Knowledge of difficult fingerprints
- Attention to detail
- The best possible impressions under the circumstances
Fingerprinting is both a science and an art. The quality of the work matters, but the final determination always belongs to the agency receiving the prints.
Fingerprinting is both a science and a practical skill developed through experience. Professional fingerprint rollers learn how different skin types, pressure, moisture levels, age, and ridge detail affect the final impressions. While experience cannot guarantee acceptance, it often makes the difference between an average submission and the best possible submission.
Final Thoughts
Many people assume fingerprint providers control fingerprint acceptance. In reality, providers capture the impressions while agencies and computer systems determine whether those impressions meet their standards.
Professional fingerprinting dramatically improves the chances of success, but nobody can honestly guarantee acceptance.
Understanding that distinction helps set realistic expectations and explains why experience and proper technique remain so important.
For additional information regarding professional fingerprint cards and mobile fingerprinting services, visit:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a fingerprint provider guarantee acceptance?
No. The final determination belongs to the FBI, DOJ, or receiving agency.
Can electronic Live Scan submissions still be rejected?
Yes. Electronic quality checks improve the chances of acceptance but do not guarantee approval.
Why are two FD-258 fingerprint cards often recommended?
Two cards provide a backup and help avoid delays if one set encounters quality problems.
Do professional fingerprint rollers improve acceptance rates?
Yes. Experience and proper technique can significantly improve fingerprint quality, although they cannot guarantee acceptance.
Can fingerprints be rejected forever?
No. In California, after repeated quality rejections, agencies typically proceed using name-based searches.