What Happens If Your Fingerprints Are Rejected?

A fingerprint rejection can be frustrating, especially when a job, license, or other application depends on a background check. It does not necessarily mean that the applicant has a criminal record or that both state and federal checks failed. The next step depends on what was rejected, why it was rejected, and what the requesting organization needs.

In Ohio, the organization requesting the check determines the required check and its purpose. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) compares submitted fingerprints with criminal fingerprint records. Some requests also involve the FBI, while other situations call for fingerprint cards rather than an electronic submission. The Ohio Attorney General’s background check overview explains the state process and that requirements vary by purpose.

First, identify what the rejection actually says

Read the rejection notice and any instructions from the employer, licensing body, or other requesting organization. Confirm whether the issue concerns a BCI check, an FBI check, or both. A rejection for one identified check does not automatically mean the other check was rejected too.

Ask the requesting organization what result or submission it needs next. It can clarify the purpose of the check, the applicable reason, where results must be sent, and whether it needs a new fingerprint submission or other action. Do not guess at a reason code or redirect results based on a general online description.

Fingerprint resubmission is not the same as challenging a record

A submission problem and a disagreement with a criminal-history record are different issues. If the notice indicates a fingerprint quality or processing problem, follow the instructions for a new submission. If the report appears to contain information that does not belong to you or is otherwise inaccurate, ask the agency that issued the report how to challenge the record.

The Ohio Attorney General’s background-check FAQs explain that BCI cannot correct transaction information already submitted, and a new submission may be necessary. A record challenge is a separate process from sending fingerprints again. Follow the notice and the requesting organization’s directions rather than treating every rejection as a record dispute.

Check the purpose before scheduling another appointment

Not every fingerprint request follows the same route. The receiving organization determines whether it needs a state BCI check, an eligible FBI check, a combined check, or ink fingerprint cards. BCI processes FBI checks only for authorized Ohio employment purposes; personal-use FBI Identity History Summary and immigration requests follow FBI instructions instead.

Before arranging another appointment, confirm the required check and recipient with the organization that requested it. For a new submission, have the appropriate instructions and valid state-issued photo identification ready. The fingerprint provider can help with the mechanics of capturing fingerprints, but it cannot decide an employer’s or licensing agency’s requirements or guarantee acceptance of a submission.

Protect your personal information

Fingerprints and background-check documents are sensitive personal information. Do not post an identification document, Social Security number, fingerprint image, or criminal-history report in a public comment or send it through an unsecured channel. Use the requesting organization’s designated secure process for any documents it requires.

Fingerprinting help in Ohio

Ohio Security & Investigations advertises appointment-based WebCheck fingerprinting for BCI and eligible FBI purposes, as well as ink fingerprint cards. Its Youngstown office serves Ohio; the business does not represent this as a network of local branches. Readers should confirm current appointment options and bring the requesting organization’s forms, reason instructions, recipient details, and valid state-issued photo ID. The Ohio Attorney General also maintains an official WebCheck provider directory.

For help arranging a fingerprinting service, contact Ohio Security & Investigations at (888) 341-6960 or visit ohioinvestigators.com. The office is at 7087 West Blvd #8, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. See its Ohio fingerprinting services and confirm current appointment options before visiting.

This article provides general information, not legal advice. Follow the instructions from the organization requesting your check and the agency named in any rejection notice.