What happens if my fingerprints are rejected by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)?
If your fingerprints are rejected by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), it typically means that the prints were of poor quality and could not be processed accurately for a background check. When this happens, here’s what you can expect:
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- Notification of Rejection:
FDLE will notify the agency or organization requesting the background check that your fingerprints were rejected due to issues such as smudging, incomplete prints, or poor resolution. In many cases, you may also receive direct notification. - Free Reprint Submission:
If your fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality, FDLE allows you to resubmit your fingerprints at no additional cost. You will need to schedule another appointment with a certified Live Scan provider or law enforcement agency to have your fingerprints retaken and resubmitted. - Time to Resubmit:
You will typically have a certain period (usually 90 days) to resubmit your fingerprints. Be sure to act within this time frame to avoid delays in your background check processing. - Improving Fingerprint Quality:
When resubmitting fingerprints, it’s important to work with an experienced Live Scan technician who can ensure better quality prints. Here are some tips to help improve the quality of your fingerprints:- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before the scan.
- Avoid using lotions or oils, as they can interfere with the clarity of the prints.
- If you have dry skin, applying a small amount of lotion well before your appointment can help prevent cracks in the fingerprints.
- Possible FBI Rejection:
In some cases, if your fingerprints are rejected by the FDLE but passed on to the FBI, the FBI may also reject them. If this happens, you may be asked to submit fingerprints again. If rejected multiple times, alternative methods of background verification may be considered.
- Notification of Rejection:
If your fingerprints continue to be rejected after multiple attempts, the FDLE or the agency requesting the background check may use other methods to verify your identity. Be sure to check with the agency or your Live Scan provider for further instructions if this occurs.