Double Up on your Fingerprint Submission

I do a lot of fingerprinting. Actually, I’m quite good at it having been taught the skill by one of New York City’s retired detectives. However, l ‘m not perfect – fingerprinting is not an exact science. There is always the possibility that the technician reviewing the card will find fault with it. Your best strategy is to always submit two cards, even when asked for one. Fingerprinting is a major service component at Kenneth A. Edelstein – along with notary related functions. My “kit” of fingerprinting supplies enables me to successfully process the “tough ones” with acceptance in 98% of my efforts.

My “redo or refund” guarantee is possibly unique in the field. Many offer a “redo” – with the requirement for you to travel to their distant office. It’s easy for them – time consuming and difficult for you. To reduce the possibility of rejection to the greatest extent possible; it is my practice to always prepare 2 cards for each target destination. As long as the equipment is “set up” and your fingers are inked – it’s a relatively quick procedure to process the additional card. There is another reason for the second card. You get better at being fingerprinted with the practice from doing the first card. In my experience the second card almost always has better “friction ridge” definition.

As a New York Mobile Notary Public – having fingerprinted thousands of persons; I know the importance of first time acceptance. Your license, immigration processing, or other need – is not something that you want delayed by a fingerprint card rejection. Always take the few moments necessary for the preparation of an additional card and submit both at the same time. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can “hold onto” the extra card for later use. The cards are dated when prepared and go “stale” based on various policies of the recipient of the cards.

The images are placed with great care after proper finger preparation. However, it is your responsibility to properly complete the card. Fingerprint cards must be completed using black ink and the name area requires the full middle name (if any) not just an initial. I can guarantee the quality of the actual fingerprints; but cannot be responsible for illegible handwriting used when filling in the detailed information required. Neat, clear, block letters is what works best – something that many are not used to doing. If they cannot read a portion of the card with certainty – it will surely be rejected for illegible handwriting. Lastly, many recipients send out cards with some preprinting or bar coding. An extra card (supplied by me) can always be bar coded, or stamped by the receiving agency; if that is the card they prefer to process.

NYC Notary Fingerprinting vs. Police Department?

I fingerprint dozens of people each month in New York City. However, sometimes I must decline. It’s not that I would not do a high quality job; it’s that in some very rare circumstances I am not qualified. The recipient of the fingerprint cards “sets the rules” and there are some that mandate fingerprinting must be done “by a law enforcement officer”. I am a certified, insured, and highly experienced fingerprinting technician, but I am not a law enforcement officer. As a New York Mobile Notary Public, I ask that you carefully read the instructions you received from the agency requesting the fingerprint cards. They set the rules. Fortunately, this requirement is very rare.

Obtaining Police Department fingerprinting can be quite a frustrating experience. They rarely are willing to make appointments. When an appointment is secured, it is common for the fingerprint officer to be “on police business” and no one knows when they will be returning. Some larger police stations will have an entry line with metal detectors; require you to remove your shoes, etc. It is common that cameras and communications equipment must be “checked” at the door – and are returned upon departure. Some Police Departments only do “live scan” and will not give you a set of inked prints. Often there are no chairs, and a long wait….

That is not how Kenneth A. Edelstein operates. The main difference is that I go to you at a time of your convenience; bringing all necessary equipment. On my web site there are several helpful suggestions to facilitate successful fingerprinting. The key ones are having the room slightly cool, good lighting, and a counter height midway between your waist and shoulder (more or less – it’s not that critical). However, fingerprinting at an ankle height cocktail table is impossible. Equally impossible is obtaining good prints in a hot and humid kitchen where food is being boiled amid billowing clouds of steam!

Unlike the “in a hurry” Police personnel, I take the time for proper finger preparation. I will ask you to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Next, I will apply a pre-fingerprinting finger preparation wipe of alcohol that removes any remaining moisture. I take the time to explain how you can assist me in obtaining the clearest prints possible. Lastly, my fingerprint cleaning wipes will remove all traces of ink and leave your hands spotless. I am one of the very few (I know of no other), but hesitate to say “the only one”; who fully guarantees acceptance of the cards. My guarantee gives you the choice of receiving a full immediate refund, or having me redo the job. Fingerprinting can be both convenient and a pleasant experience, call 917-864-3564 for more information.