Getting Your Fingerprints Taken
Many people need to get their fingerprints taken. Fingerprints are needed when obtaining a criminal record check for the purposes of employment, adoption, a US Entry Waiver application, volunteer work, citizenship, name change, student placement or to obtain a Record Suspension (formerly called a pardon). The RCMP website notes that "Fingerprint-based Criminal Record checks greatly reduce the risks of people being wrongly associated to a Criminal Record for someone with a similar name. It also reduces risks of error by ensuring accuracy of Criminal Record checks." The fingerprints are used by the RCMP to confirm a person's identity. After completion of the service they are being used for, the fingerprints are destroyed.
Electronic Fingerprint Submissions
As of July 1, 2014, the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services instituted a policy whereby they only accept electronic fingerprint submissions for civil purposes. The benefits of electronic submissions are that Criminal Record checks are more accurate and the time it takes to complete the check is faster.
Importance of Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting is an important step in preparing an application for a pardon or a waiver. Fingerprints are required to obtain a copy of your certified criminal record. We employ an international network of organizations that provide digital scans of your fingerprints. Digital fingerprinting ensures that your records are processed more quickly and reliably. We will arrange for your fingerprints to be scanned electronically at a convenient location to you and submitted directly to RCMP Ottawa (CPIC) for expedited results. Alternatively, you can have your fingerprints taken at your local police station and forward them to us.
What to Bring for Your Appointment
Applicants must bring 2 pieces of valid government-issued identification and one must be a photo ID.
Acceptable Identification
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Birth certificate
- Canadian citizenship card
- Permanent resident card
- Certificate of Indian status
- Immigration documents such as work or study permits
- Military ID card
- Record of Landing for Citizenship
- Certificate of live birth
Booking an Appointment
If you would like to book an appointment with one of our fingerprinting experts, call 1-866-972-7366 or complete the form below.
