How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate in Canada

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), through its Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS), manages the national database of criminal records in Canada. This system allows local police services and accredited agencies to verify fingerprints against the National Repository of Criminal Records when processing applications for a Police Clearance Certificate (also called a Certificate of Good Conduct or Criminal Record Check).

This guide explains how to apply both inside and outside Canada, the documents required, fees, eligibility, and other essential details.

Application Procedure

1. Applying in Canada

If you are applying from within Canada:

Visit your local police service to have your fingerprints taken and to submit your application.
In some areas, the police may refer you to a private fingerprinting company accredited by the RCMP.
These accredited companies take your fingerprints for civil purposes and submit them electronically to CCRTIS.
Applicants must pay both local service fees and a federal processing fee (see fees section).
Processing times vary depending on volume and whether additional manual review is required.

Processing Timeline:

No match to a criminal record: Results are usually processed within 3 business days.
Possible match/manual processing: Can take up to 120 business days.

The results are mailed to the applicant’s provided address, so additional time should be considered for delivery through Canada Post.

2. Applying from Outside Canada

If you are applying from abroad, the process requires two key steps:

Step 1: Obtain Fingerprints

Visit an authorized agency such as a police service, embassy/consulate, government department, notary public, or a private fingerprinting company recognized through agreements with Canadian authorities.
Ensure your fingerprint form includes:
- Rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingers (black ink only).
- Name and address of the agency.
- Signature and details of the official who took your prints.

Step 2: Submit Fingerprints Electronically

Contact an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company in Canada.
They will convert your paper fingerprints into an electronic format and forward them to CCRTIS for processing.
Pay the applicable local and federal processing fees.

Processing Timeline:

No match: About 3 business days.
Possible match/manual review: Up to 120 business days.

Important Note: Paper fingerprint submissions sent directly to the RCMP will not be accepted. Only accredited companies in Canada can convert paper submissions into electronic transactions for CCRTIS.

Required Documents

For Residents (inside Canada)

Full set of electronic fingerprints (Form C-216) from police or accredited company.
Completed application form (downloadable from RCMP website).
Reason for the request.
Personal details: full name, date of birth, gender, mailing address, phone number.
Applicable fees.

For Non-Residents (outside Canada)

Paper fingerprint form with all ten fingers (rolled and flat impressions in black ink).
Full name, date of birth, and gender.
Name and address of police or agency.
Signature of the official taking fingerprints.
Completed application form.
Reason for the request.
Mailing address and contact details.
Applicable fees.

Office Contacts

RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS)
RCMP National Headquarters, Headquarters Building
73 Leikin Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R2
Phone (General Inquiries): 613-993-7267
TTY: 613-825-1391
Fax: 613-993-0260

Accredited fingerprinting companies can be located via the official RCMP website.

Eligibility

The Police Clearance Certificate may be issued to:

Canadian citizens and permanent residents (inside or outside Canada).
Foreign nationals residing in Canada.
Foreign citizens abroad requiring Canadian clearance.

Applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Minors under 18 must present their birth certificate (original and copy).

Fees

Local Fees:

Set by the police service or accredited fingerprinting company taking your fingerprints.

Federal Processing Fee:

Standard fee: CAD $25 per record check.
Collected by the agency taking fingerprints.
This fee is waived in certain cases (e.g., citizenship application, immigration, federal government job, volunteering).

Situations where federal fees apply include:

Adoption (Canada or overseas).
Travel visas, U.S. Entry Waivers, or border crossing permits.
Employment in private sector or provincial/territorial government.
Record suspension applications.
Student placements or name changes.
Sponsoring a family member.

Validity

The Police Clearance Certificate does not have a fixed expiry date. Its validity depends on the requesting organization.

Many employers require certificates dated within 1–3 years.
Some institutions may require certificates no older than 6 months.

Why This Certificate Is Important

The Police Clearance Certificate, also called a Certificate of Good Conduct, proves that an individual:

Has no criminal record (or has disclosed relevant convictions).
Is considered law-abiding and fit for employment, immigration, or education.

It is often required for:

Job applications in Canada and abroad.
Immigration or citizenship applications.
Student and academic placements.
Visa and travel applications.
Adoption procedures.
Volunteering or sensitive sector roles.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in Canada involves fingerprinting, application submission, and verification by the RCMP’s CCRTIS system. While timelines can vary depending on complexity, being prepared with the correct documents and using accredited channels ensures a smoother process.

Always verify requirements with the organization requesting your certificate to ensure compliance.