Frequently Asked Questions

How can I...

obtain a certified criminal record check? (fingerprint based)
obtain a Canadian police certificate (record check by name and date of birth only)?
report a crime?
report online child pornography?
report a fraudulent e-mail?

How can I obtain a certified criminal record check?

To conduct a certified criminal record check, we 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. Look in your phone book for the names and phone numbers of such companies in your area.

Residents of Quebec living outside the Montréal area may go to the nearest RCMP office. Please phone before going to a detachment because an appointment may be required.

To obtain a certified criminal record check outside Canada, contact the nearest police force which offers fingerprinting services. Canadian embassies and consulates may not have adequate resources or facilities to provide this service.

Additional Information

Processing time of applications
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.

Outside the Montréal area, you 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.

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, or 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.

See also the adresses of our offices .

How can I report online child pornography?

Cybertip.ca handles tips from individuals reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. 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. The information you provide is made available to law enforcement for investigation and review.

How can I report a fraudulent e-mail?