Canadian Police Check From USA: Private Fingerprinting Company in Canada

When you book a fingerprinting appointment at our Ottawa office, our accredited technicians follow strict RCMP procedures to ensure compliance with national standards. This process involves giving your biometrics data through secure, certified equipment.

During your session, you’ll present two valid government-issued IDs (one with a photo). We then capture your fingerprints using certified biometric scanners. If you are residing outside of Canada, we can digitize ink fingerprints from your local police service or authorized fingerprint provider and securely submit them to the RCMP.

Each submission generates a 20-digit Document Control Number (DCN) that links your transaction to your background or security screening request. All data is transmitted securely through encrypted channels to the RCMP’s Criminal Real Time Identification Services.

Results are returned as a certified criminal record check or criminal background report. These reports may include findings of guilt, court disclosure, or a record suspension if applicable. When no criminal convictions exist, processing typically takes three business days. If someone has been convicted of an offence, the results will reflect the RCMP’s current record holdings.

Our staff ensures that your file references—such as employer, immigration, or police service request details—are included to facilitate accurate processing and the delivery of record check results.

Ink fingerprints, which use black ink rolled on paper, are still used by some overseas police agencies, although they are slower and less efficient for Canadian criminal record checks.

The RCMP-accredited Legalization Service Centre can convert ink fingerprints acquired abroad and transmit them electronically for faster processing.

Digital fingerprinting, on the other hand, uses certified scanners to collect prints and submit them promptly to the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). It provides more accuracy, security, and speed while reducing the chance of record mismatches.

Both methods establish identity verification and criminal history, but digital fingerprinting is a faster and more reliable way to check criminal records.

Fingerprints are often required for security screening, vulnerable sector checks, and police record checks associated with:

• Immigration or citizenship applications (CIC file number needed), where applicants may also need to get a police certificate 
• Employment or contracts with provincial or municipal government authorities 
• Volunteer roles or professional licensing (health care, education, childcare), especially when the role involves vulnerable persons
• Visa, adoption, or permanent residency applications 
• Screening under Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Contract Security Program, including cases where a sexual offence record must be ruled out

The Legalization Service Centre supports applicants in meeting these requirements accurately and without delay. As an RCMP-authorized fingerprinting service, we ensure all digital submissions meet national and local standards.

We also assist applicants abroad by converting and submitting ink fingerprints so they can get a Canadian police clearance without travelling to Canada.

Processing times depend on factors such as fingerprint quality, data accuracy, and whether your prints match an existing record in the National Repository of Criminal Records or related police databases connected through the Canadian Police Information Centre.

When no record is found, digital fingerprint submissions are typically completed within three business days. If your application includes references from an employer, immigration officer, or licensing authority, additional verification may extend processing time, especially if a warrant or other outstanding matter must be ruled out.

Delays can occur if your DCN, ORI number, or date of birth are entered incorrectly, or if discrepancies exist between your personal information and government databases. Our technical support team liaises directly with the RCMP and relevant police agencies to resolve such issues and streamline your application.

If your Document Control Number has expired (after 12 months) or you need to resubmit fingerprints, our team will help you book a new appointment promptly.

From start to finish, the Legalization Service Centre provides secure, reliable, and fully compliant fingerprinting services, ensuring your criminal record check application is processed quickly—whether for employment, immigration, or security clearance purposes.