I received a Partner Validation Error, why did this happen? How can I correct it?

Overview

A Partner Validation error occurs when the information provided on the card does not match the information that FINRA has in their system. There are ways to remedy this issue without having to resubmit the fingerprints. 

What is a Partner Validation Error?

A Partner Validation error occurs when the SSN, DOB, or Ind. CRD Number submitted on fingerprint card does not match what FINRA has in their system (webCRD/FinPro), the firm will need to check demographics in the CRD portal and resubmit the cards. We can re submit the card if we are within the 30-day requirement per FBI regulation. You will receive this error when an order is canceled.

What to do to correct a Partner Validation error.

Since the error is so erroneous, there is a few things that we can do to try and correct this. The first thing is to ensure that all the information on the card matches what is listed in their FINPRO account. After they have checked that all the information on the card in fact matches the portal, and there has not been any recent changes to the account. The firm can request the hard card team to call and go over the card, line by line to ensure it was not an issue with handwriting/input. On most occasions that will fix the discrepancy and the card will go through.

If there is something that is incorrect on the portal, that will need to be corrected and it will take a few business days for that change to reflect. If a change must be made on the account, advise the firm to make that change and let us know when that change is made. After a few business days we can try to run the card again to see that that fixed the error.

If the partner validation error is still being received, and all the information is correct on our end and in the FINPRO portal, we advise the firm to reach out to FINRA and explain that all the information is correct and we are still getting the error and they will provide further help with this matter.

In some cases they will request the cards be sent back to them, we will advise them of the following, “Once Sterling becomes the custodian of a fingerprint card, we are required by the FBI to maintain that custody until the card is destroyed.”