The federal fee for RCMP fingerprint processing is strictly regulated at $25 CAD. However, to get fingerprinted for a Record Suspension, you must visit an accredited private agency. These businesses charge their own service fees, meaning your total cost will typically range from $75 to $125 CAD depending on the agency’s location and services.
When you decide to apply for a Record Suspension (pardon) in Canada, step one is always the same: obtaining a certified criminal record check from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Because the RCMP no longer rolls ink fingerprints for the public in most local detachments, you are required to use an accredited private fingerprinting agency.
Many applicants are confused when they learn the federal processing fee is only $25 CAD, yet they are charged triple that amount at the counter. Understanding the breakdown between mandatory government fees and private administrative costs will help you budget properly and avoid overpaying when starting your journey toward a clean slate.
Step-by-Step Process for Fingerprinting in Canada
Step 1: Locate an RCMP-Accredited Agency
Not just any business can take your fingerprints. You must use an agency that has been vetted, secured, and accredited by the federal government to connect directly to the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) database. 🔍
Whether you are in downtown Edmonton, rural Saskatchewan, or Montreal, you can find a list of approved agencies on the official RCMP website. Choosing a reputable location ensures your data is handled securely and transmitted without error.
Step 2: Prepare the Correct Identification
When you arrive for your appointment, the agency will require two pieces of valid, government-issued identification. At least one must be a primary ID with a photo, such as a provincial driver’s licence or a Canadian passport. 📁
Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards and credit cards are generally not accepted as primary ID. Make sure your IDs are not expired; otherwise, the agency is legally required to turn you away, which delays your Record Suspension application.
Step 3: Complete the Electronic Fingerprinting
The process itself is fast and clean. The technician will use a digital livescan machine to capture your fingerprints electronically. There is no messy ink involved. They will also input your application details, specifying that the check is specifically for a Record Suspension / Pardon. 🖱
This distinction is critical. If the agency selects the wrong reason for the check (for example, choosing “Employment” instead of “Record Suspension”), the Parole Board of Canada will not accept the final document, and you will have to pay for the process all over again.
Step 4: Await Your Results from Ottawa
Once the digital scan is submitted, the agency’s job is done. Your file is sent instantly to the RCMP headquarters in Ottawa. The agency does not view your criminal record, nor do they print the results. The official certified criminal record will be mailed directly to your home address via Canada Post. 📬
Cost Breakdown: Federal Fee vs. Agency Service Charges
Let’s look at exactly where your money goes when you swipe your debit or credit card at the fingerprinting agency.
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Who Gets the Money? |
|---|---|---|
| Federal RCMP Processing Fee | $25.00 | The Receiver General for Canada. This is mandatory for all Record Suspension checks. |
| Private Agency Service Fee | $50.00 – $100.00 | The private business. This covers their rent, staff wages, and equipment maintenance. |
| Provincial Taxes (HST/GST/PST) | Varies by Province | Provincial and Federal tax authorities. Applied only to the agency’s service fee. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $75.00 – $130.00 | Paid upfront at the agency counter. |
Why Do Private Agencies Charge Different Amounts?
Because these agencies are private businesses, the government does not cap their service fees. An agency located in the heart of downtown Toronto pays significantly higher commercial rent than a small office in Moncton, New Brunswick. They pass these overhead costs onto the consumer.
Additionally, some agencies charge premium rates for walk-in services, expedited booking times, or mobile fingerprinting (where the technician travels to your location). We highly suggest calling two or three local accredited agencies to compare their service fees before booking an appointment.
How Long Does RCMP Fingerprinting Take?
While the physical fingerprinting appointment only takes about 15 minutes, the wait for your results requires patience. As of May 2026, the standard processing times are:
- No Criminal Record: If your record is clean, results are usually processed and mailed within 3 to 5 business days.
- With a Criminal Record: Because you are applying for a Record Suspension, you inherently have a record. Processing times for files requiring manual verification of convictions take up to 120 days.
- Mailing Time: Allow an additional 1 to 2 weeks for Canada Post to deliver the heavy, certified document to your mailbox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I go to my local police station to get fingerprinted?
In most major Canadian cities, local police detachments no longer process civil fingerprints for Record Suspensions. They will redirect you to a private, RCMP-accredited agency. Some rural RCMP detachments may still provide this service, but it is becoming rare.
Do I have to pay the $25 federal fee again if my fingerprints are rejected?
Occasionally, fingerprints are rejected due to poor ridge detail (common among manual labourers). If the RCMP rejects your scan, most private agencies will re-roll your prints for free or at a reduced cost, and the RCMP generally waives the $25 fee for the second attempt.
Will the private agency see my criminal history?
No. The private agency only captures your fingerprints and demographic data. The actual criminal record check is performed in Ottawa by the RCMP, and the sensitive results are mailed directly to your secure home address.
Should I use an agency recommended by my lawyer?
Many criminal defence and pardon lawyers have established relationships with specific trusted fingerprinting agencies. While you are free to choose any accredited location, using an agency recommended by your lawyer can sometimes ensure a smoother, faster process.
Leave a Reply