Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain...

• a certified criminal record check? (fingerprint based)
• a Canadian police certificate (record check by name and date of birth only)?

How can I report...

• a crime?
• online child pornography?
• a fraudulent e-mail?

How can I obtain a certified criminal record check? (fingerprint based)

The RCMP Civil Fingerprint Screening Services (CFSS) in Ottawa provide fingerprint-based criminal record searches for non-criminal purposes. To conduct a certified criminal record check, CFSS require a full set of fingerprints, including both rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingers.

Fingerprinting Services

In the Montréal area, please contact your local police service or any private company offering this service in your area. These firms can be located in local yellow pages and internet searches using the term 'fingerprinting services canada.’

In the Québec City area, please contact the Canadian Corps of Commissioners located at 3405 Wilfrid Hamel Blvd., Suite 310, Québec City, Quebec G1P 2J3, Tel.: 418 681-0609, ext. 60. Please phone before going as an appointment is required. You may also contact your local police service.

Quebec residents living outside the Montréal and Québec City area may go to the nearest RCMP office. Please phone before going to a detachment as an appointment may be required.

Additional Information

• To obtain a certified criminal record check outside Canada
• Processing time
• Processing fee
• To verify the status of your application
• To contact Civil Fingerprint Screening Services by e-mail

How can I obtain a Canadian police certificate (record check by name and date of birth only, not fingerprint based)?

In the Montréal area, please contact your local police service or any private company offering this service in your area. These firms can be located in local yellow pages and internet searches using the term "'police clearance", "police check" or "fingerprinting services canada".

In the Québec City area, please contact the Canadian Corps of Commissioners located at 3405 Wilfrid Hamel Blvd., Suite 330, Québec City, Quebec G1P 2J3, Tel.: 418 681-0609, ext. 0. You may also contact your local police service.

Quebec residents living outside the Montréal and Québec City area may go to the nearest RCMP office. Please phone before going to a detachment because an appointment may be required. You may also contact your local police service.

If you are currently outside Canada, you must submit fingerprints to conduct a certified criminal record check. You must be present in Canada in order to obtain a name-based check.

Additionnal Information

• Contact your nearest RCMP office or your local police service.

How can I report a crime?

In case of emergency, if you require police assistance or wish to report a crime, please call 911 or your local police department.

If you reside outside Canada and assistance is required in Canada, your local police can request it from the appropriate Canadian agency. Should a law enforcement agency request our assistance on your behalf through Interpol, we wish to assure you of our complete cooperation with them.

The purpose of our Web site is to keep the public informed on the type of duties performed by RCMP police officers and investigators. You are kindly requested to contact us by e-mail only for all your non-urgent inquiries that do not require immediate action. In most cases, we will issue an acknowledgement of receipt or a reply within three business days following receipt of your inquiry.

Our offices

How can I report online child pornography?

Please contact Cybertip.ca (toll free line 1-866-658-9022) if you have information regarding incidents of child pornography, luring, child sex-tourism, or child prostitution.

How can I report a fraudulent e-mail?

Please contact Phonebusters - 1 888 495-8501. You are a victim? Contact your local police departement and Phonebusters.