If your application has taken longer than the RCMPs Processing times (see FAQ #1) and you require an update on the status of your application, please email: CCRTIS-SCICTR@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and provide the following information:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• The type of application you submitted – (Criminal Record check)
• The date your application was submitted to the RCMP
• A phone number where you can be reached on weekdays during the day
• The Document Control Number (DCN)

Please note:

• Contact the RCMP only if processing times are longer than indicated (See FAQ #1)
• Allow extra time for delivery by Canada Post
• Requests are completed in the order received
• The results of a certified criminal record check are mailed to the address that was provided by the applicant when they applied.
• Do not expect an immediate email response from the RCMP

The quality of the fingerprint image is affected by the condition of your skin. Dry, damaged skin may produce inferior and sometimes unusable fingerprints.  Poor skin quality can be caused by many factors, such as climate, employment, and age. Thankfully, with a bit of time and effort, fingerprint quality can be improved. It is recommended to use plenty of hand lotion for up to seven days prior to being fingerprinted to ensure you receive the best quality fingerprints possible – especially during the winter months.

If your fingerprints were rejected due to low quality, please ensure you take the recommended time to improve your skin condition before coming back in. This means using plenty of hand lotion, avoiding hand sanitizer, harsh chemicals, cleaning supplies, and over-washing.

Click here for Tips on Improving Fingerprint Quality.

Two pieces of identification must be produced. One piece of identification must be a valid government issued identification containing a photo. Examples include:

• Drivers License or Identification Card
• Passport
• Nexus Card
• Permanent Residence Card
• Indian/Metis Status Card

The second piece of identification can be any identification that includes your full name.

Please Note:

• The Police Information Check Section reserves the right to accept or refuse any forms of identification.
• Expired identification cannot be accepted.

It depends on the requirements of the country where the prints are being sent to. Our office can provide applicants with the RCMP C216 and FBI FD-258 fingerprint forms. It is recommended that you contact the embassy or consulate of the country the fingerprints are being sent prior to attending our office to establish what form is required for your specific purpose. If a form other than the RCMP C216 or FBI FD-258 is required, then you will have to bring the form with you. Please note that some forms may require a photo, if this is the case please ensure you bring one with you. 

Click here for information on how to get a Police Clearance from another Country.

• 2 pieces of identification see FAQ #4
• Any ink fingerprints forms other than the Canadian C-216C or US FBI FD-258. (If applicable) see FAQ #5. Please check with the county’s embassy or consulate if you are unsure.
• Any Photo(s) required for foreign ink fingerprint form(s). (If applicable) Please check with the county’s embassy or consulate if you are unsure.
• Any letters/emails requesting the fingerprints. This will help our staff to understand the type of fingerprints that have been instructed to get.
• A method to pay for the fingerprint fees.

Digital fingerprints are taken by scanning the fingers and thumbs using our Livescan. The digital fingerprint images are then electronically sent to the RCMP for processing. The RCMP will conduct a fingerprint-based search against the Canadian National Repository of Criminal Records and mail the results to the address specified in the submission. If no record is located, the certificate will indicate there was no match. If a record does exist, it will be listed in the results.

Ink fingerprints are taken on physical fingerprint forms using ink which washes away quite easily with soap and water. You will leave with the completed fingerprint forms same day. Typically, they are required for individuals applying for a fingerprint-based police certificate from a country outside of Canada. It is up to the applicant to send the forms off for processing.

Yes, it is not uncommon for there to be a reason why every fingerprint is not captured. So long as the fingerprint technician provides a reason and approximate date, the prints should be accepted for processing. Let the fingerprint technician know prior to starting if you have any injuries or physical limitation that will prevent the fingerprint from being taken. If you have an open cut on your hand, please cover it with a bandage for hygiene purposes. Scars are not an issue.

No, we offer a walk-in, first come, first served service at this time.

While not everyone is required to submit fingerprints for the Vulnerable Sector Screening, it is a very common step in the process. For more information on the Vulnerable Sector Check please see the RCMP’s website at: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/types-criminal-background-checks

Please see the RCMP’s website for information on how to apply outside of Canada: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/where-do-get-a-criminal-record-check

No, our office only takes fingerprints for civil purposes. Fingerprints submitted to the RCMP for civil screening are only searched against the database and are never added. Once the search has been completed the fingerprints are destroyed.