Records Check – Out of Country

What is it?

If you live out of the country and need confirmation that you have no criminal record in Canada you may obtain a copy of your Canadian criminal record (if any) by reporting to your local police department and requesting to have your fingerprints taken. Have the person taking your prints certify in writing on the fingerprint form that the prints belong to you. Ensure your date of birth, height, weight, eye and hair colour are indicated on the form. Also, please indicate the reason for the fingerprints (i.e., visa application, police clearance, immigration, employment, etc.). You should be prepared to present proper identification to the police and pay any fees that might be charged for this service.

The fingerprint form should then be forwarded by mail to:

Commissioner
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
P.O. Box 8885
Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
K1G 3M8
Attn: Civil Section

Include a short note with the form stating that you require a police clearance based on fingerprints for the reason as indicated on the fingerprint form. You must also clearly state the address to which the R.C.M.P. is to mail the documentation. Also include a CERTIFIED CHEQUE or MONEY ORDER in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) in Canadian funds payable to 'THE RECEIVER GENERAL OF CANADA'. The R.C.M.P. will not process the request unless the fee is included. DO NOT SEND CASH.

The R.C.M.P. will forward the results of the fingerprint check directly to you at the address you provide. The documentation will indicate whether or not you have any criminal convictions recorded against you in the 'National Repository for Criminal Records' in Ottawa . If no convictions are recorded the document will serve as your police clearance. If any convictions are recorded, the documents will state what they are and the corresponding disposition.

This procedure is necessary, as positive identification MUST be made of a person applying for a copy of their record or a police clearance certificate. The R.C.M.P. will not release this information even to a person's legal counsel without fingerprint evidence. The R.C.M.P. advise applicants will receive documentation within six (6) months.

Please visit the RCMP Website for detailed instructions. 

How much?

$25.00

How Long?

Within six (6) months