Preparing for Your Fingerprinting Appointment

Tips for Dry Skin, Worn Prints, and More

For most people, preparing for a fingerprinting appointment is simple—just show up with your ID and clean hands. But if you’ve had difficulty being fingerprinted in the past, or you work in an industry where your hands are frequently exposed to wear and tear, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring we get a clean, usable print.

Factors That Can Affect Your Fingerprints

Some people naturally have fingerprints that are harder to capture. This can be due to:

• Dry skin

• Frequent handwashing or use of sanitizers

• Manual labor or frequent friction (e.g., construction, cleaning, mechanics, cosmetology)

• Age-related thinning of skin

• Ethnicity-related skin characteristics

• Excessively sweaty palms

• Medical conditions or medications that affect skin texture

  If any of these apply to you, don’t worry—we’re experienced in helping clients with all types of fingerprinting challenges.

  If You Have Dry or Worn Fingerprints

  While most clients don’t need to do anything special, those with very dry or worn skin may benefit from a few simple steps:

  • Moisturize your hands in the days leading up to your appointment (especially overnight), but do not use lotion on the day of your appointment, as it can interfere with the ink.

  • Wash your hands before your appointment. A restroom is located just down the hall from our office for your convenience.

  • We’ll clean your hands again before fingerprinting using a hand sanitizing cloth to ensure the skin is free from oils, lotions, or debris.

  If your hands are especially dry or the ink isn’t absorbing well into your fingerprint ridges, don’t worry, Certified Fingerprinting MN has a specialized lubricant on hand that helps enhance the print quality. This product is designed specifically for fingerprinting and helps us capture clear, legible prints even from hard-to-read fingers.

• Final Reminder

  Whether your fingerprints are strong and visible or a little more faint, Certified Fingerprinting MN will work with you to ensure a smooth and professional experience. If you have questions about your skin or past fingerprinting issues, feel free to contact us at 612-760-2327 before your appointment—we’re happy to help.