diff --git a/code/game/atom_procs.dm b/code/game/atom_procs.dm
index d9e42c1beac..3b72ed6d9d0 100644
--- a/code/game/atom_procs.dm
+++ b/code/game/atom_procs.dm
@@ -127,6 +127,8 @@
 		if(src.fingerprintslast != H.key)
 			src.fingerprintshidden += text("Real name: [], Key: []",H.real_name, H.key)
 			src.fingerprintslast = H.key
+		if(!fingerprints)
+			fingerprints = list()
 		var/new_prints = 0
 		var/prints
 		for(var/i = 1, i <= src.fingerprints.len, i++)