Pardon Applications – Local Police Records Check

What is it?
If you have been free of criminal convictions for a period of time (see the National Parole Board Pardon Application Guide for details) you may apply to the National Parole Board for a pardon.

Everything you will need to know is included in a booklet put out by the National Parole Board, which is available, free of charge from the Records branch of any police agency.  You may also download the Pardon Application Guide and the Pardon Application from the National Parole Board web-site.

Although there are non-profit and private organizations who will offer assistance in obtaining a pardon for you (for a fee), the pardon application process is straightforward and designed to be easy enough for anyone to do.  Using a lawyer or other representative will not speed up the process of obtaining a pardon.   There are nine steps to apply for a pardon ONCE you obtain the pardon booklet:

STEP 1: Obtain your Criminal Record or a Certification of No Criminal Record from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).   To do this you need to obtain and submit fingerprints to the RCMP.  You can start this process by making an appointment with the Waterloo Regional Police Service to obtain your fingerprints by following the Print Day Instructions .

WAIT FOR A REPLY FROM THE RCMP BEFORE YOU CONTINUE 

STEP 2: If you have additional convictions that Do Not appear on your Criminal Record then you must obtain Proof of Convictions for these missing convictions.

STEP 3: Get your military conduct sheet (current and former members of the Canadian Forces only).

STEP 4: Obtain Local Police Records Checks for each address where you have resided in the past 5 years.  See below for more information.

STEP 5: Get proof of citizenship or immigration documents.

STEP 6: Get a copy of your document to support your identity.

STEP 7: Complete and Sign the Pardon Application Form.

STEP 8: Attach additional information if you are applying for a pardon and have been convicted of an indictable offence or a sexual offence (summary or indictable).

STEP 9: Complete the checklist in the Pardon Application Form before submitting the application.

How much?
The National Parole Board charges their own fee of $50 which you will submit directly to them with your application.  Additional fees may apply for the above steps from other organizations.  The Waterloo Regional Police Service charges:

Step 1 – Fingerprinting is $30.00
Step 4 – Local Police Records Check is $30.00

How Long?
Step 1 – Fingerprints take 2-3 months to come back from the RCMP directly to you.
Step 4 – Local Police Records Check is processed in approximately three weeks.

Where to apply?
This service is available at Police Headquarters at 200 Maple Grove Road , Cambridge. Get details.

If you live outside the Region of Waterloo you may apply for the Local Police Records Check by submitting a money order or certified cheque for $30.00 payable to the Waterloo Regional Police Service, as well as a legible photocopy of two pieces of acceptable identification.

Please make sure you include a return mailing address.   We do not provide fingerprinting service for people who live outside the Region. Consult with your local police service. Acceptable identification is required- Get details