Digital vs. Ink Fingerprinting: Which One Do You Need?

The Definitive Guide for Applicants in Surrey & Vancouver.

Comparison of digital fingerprint scanner versus traditional ink and paper card
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Choosing between digital and ink fingerprinting isn’t usually a matter of preference—it depends entirely on who is asking for your fingerprints (the requesting agency). Submitting the wrong type can lead to instant rejection and weeks of delay.

1. Digital (LiveScan)

✓ BEST FOR: Canadian Applications

This is the modern standard. Your hands are scanned electronically on a glass plate. The file is digitized immediately and sent securely to the RCMP via a private network (CCRTIS).

  • • Citizenship & Immigration (PR/Citizenship)
  • • Federal Government Employment
  • • Vulnerable Sector Checks (in Canada)
  • • Pardons / Record Suspensions

2. Ink & Paper

✓ BEST FOR: International Applications

The traditional method using black ink on a standard C-216C form (or FBI FD-258 card). You receive the physical card to mail to the foreign country yourself.

  • • FBI Background Checks (USA)
  • • Foreign Police Certificates (Mexico, Philippines, etc.)
  • • Foreign Work or Travel Visas
  • • Security clearance for other countries

Quick Comparison

Feature Digital (LiveScan) Ink & Paper
Processing Time 72 Hours – 120 Days (RCMP) Varies (Depends on Foreign Police)
Submission Electronic / Instant Physical Mail / Courier
Result Sent To You or Third Party (in Canada) Mailed to You
Messiness Clean (No Ink) Ink on hands (We provide cleanup)

The “Hybrid” Option: Digitizing Ink Cards

Are you currently outside Canada? If you need an RCMP check but are living abroad, you can get ink fingerprints taken locally and mail the physical card to us. We can “digitize” that ink card and submit it electronically to the RCMP on your behalf. Contact us for details on this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get digital or ink fingerprinting?

Use Digital (LiveScan) for Canadian applications like Employment, Citizenship, or Record Suspensions. Use Ink & Paper for foreign applications like FBI checks, foreign work visas, or Foreign Police Certificates.

Is digital fingerprinting faster?

Yes, digital submissions are received by the RCMP instantly. Ink cards must be mailed physically, which adds shipping time and manual processing time.

Can you convert ink fingerprints to digital?

Yes. If you are outside Canada, you can mail us your ink fingerprint card. We can scan it and submit it digitally to the RCMP on your behalf.

Still Unsure?

Bring your request letter to Surrey Fingerprint Company. Our experts will read the requirements and ensure you get the exact service you need.

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Documents Required for Fingerprinting in Canada

Don’t get turned away at the door. Here is the complete checklist of acceptable ID.

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To process your fingerprints for the RCMP, FBI, or international agencies, we are legally required to verify your identity strictly. Arriving without the correct documents is the #1 reason for appointment delays.

⚠️ The Golden Rules of ID

  • Originals Only: We cannot accept photocopies, scans, or photos on your phone.
  • Must be Valid: Expired documents (even by one day) are not accepted.
  • Government Issued: No gym memberships, Costco cards, or library cards.

1. You Need TWO Pieces of ID

You must bring at least two pieces of valid identification. At least one of them must be a “Primary” ID containing your photo and date of birth.

List A: Primary ID (Photo)

Must be government-issued with photo & birth date.

  • ✓ Driver’s License (BC or Foreign)
  • ✓ Passport (Canadian or Foreign)
  • ✓ Permanent Resident (PR) Card
  • ✓ BC Services Card (with Photo)
  • ✓ Nexus Card
  • ✓ Firearms License (PAL)
  • ✓ Canadian Citizenship Card
  • ✓ Indigenous Status Card

List B: Secondary ID

Can be without a photo, but must display your name.

  • ✓ Birth Certificate
  • ✓ Care Card (Non-photo)
  • ✓ Marriage Certificate
  • ✓ Immigration Papers (Refugee, Work Permit)
  • ✓ Student ID Card
  • ✓ Valid Government Employee ID

❌ Documents We CANNOT Accept

  • ❌ SIN Cards (Social Insurance)
  • ❌ Debit/Credit Cards
  • ❌ Costco / Gym Cards
  • ❌ Health Cards (No Photo)

2. The “Request Letter” or File Number

Unless you are applying for a personal record check (Privacy Act), you likely need a specific reason for fingerprinting. If you were given a form, email, or letter by an employer, immigration, or licensing body, you must bring it.

Why is this vital? This letter contains “ORI Codes” (Originating Agency Identifier). These codes tell the RCMP exactly where to send your results. Without them, we cannot submit your file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my ID?

No. We are legally required to scan or inspect original, physical identification documents only. Digital copies on phones are not accepted.

My ID expired last week. Can I still use it?

No. All identification must be current and valid. If you are waiting for a renewal, you must bring the temporary paper license along with the expired card.

Do you accept foreign passports?

Yes, we accept valid foreign passports as Primary ID. However, your Secondary ID must still be valid and support your identity.

What if my name changed (Marriage/Divorce)?

If the name on your Primary ID does not match your Secondary ID (e.g., maiden name vs. married name), you MUST bring your original Marriage Certificate or Legal Name Change Certificate to link the two documents.

Do you accept SIN cards?

No. Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards are strictly for tax purposes and are not accepted as valid ID for background checks.

Ready to Visit?

We accept Walk-Ins! Visit us at 112 – 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC.

Why RCMP Accreditation Matters

Speed, Security, and Direct Digital Submission.

Surrey Fingerprint Company technician submitting secure digital fingerprints to RCMP

When searching for fingerprinting services in Surrey, you will see the term “RCMP Accredited” often. But is it just a fancy label, or does it actually matter? The answer is: it is the most important factor in choosing a provider.

Surrey Fingerprint Company is fully accredited. Here is what that means for you.

1. Direct Digital Connection (CCRTIS)

Accredited agencies have a secure, direct digital link to the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) in Ottawa. Non-accredited locations cannot submit files digitally; they would have to mail ink cards, taking weeks instead of minutes.

2. Data Security & Privacy

To gain accreditation, an agency undergoes rigorous security screenings by the federal government. Our software, server connections, and physical office layout are inspected to ensure your private biometric data is handled with the highest level of security.

3. Lower Rejection Rates

Our technicians are trained and certified to RCMP standards. We know exactly how to capture clear, usable prints. This drastically reduces the chance of your submission being rejected due to poor image quality.

The Risks of Non-Accredited Services

Using a non-accredited provider often means they are acting as a “middleman,” mailing your prints to a third party. This increases the risk of lost documents, delays, and privacy breaches.

Always ask: “Do you submit directly to the RCMP?”

Trust your data with Surrey’s accredited experts.

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Fingerprinting for Canadian Immigration

Applying for Permanent Residency or Citizenship? Read this first.

If you are applying for Permanent Residency (PR), Canadian Citizenship, or sometimes a Work Permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request a Criminal Record Check. This is distinct from the biometrics you may have given at a Visa Application Centre.

The Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1

    Wait for the Request Letter

    Do not get fingerprinted until IRCC asks for it. They will send you a letter specifically requesting an RCMP Criminal Record Check. This letter contains your file number.

  2. 2

    Visit Surrey Fingerprint Company

    Bring the IRCC letter and two pieces of ID (one photo) to our office. You do not need an appointment, though it is recommended.

  3. 3

    Digital Submission

    We scan your fingerprints and enter the specific application type code for Immigration. This ensures the results go to the right department.

  4. 4

    Results Sent to IRCC

    The RCMP will process your check and, in most cases, mail the certificate directly to the address provided (or sometimes directly to the visa office, depending on current protocols).

Important Note on Privacy:

We cannot see your criminal record results. They are sealed by the RCMP and sent to the recipient. We only handle the secure transmission of your identity.

Vulnerable Sector Checks Explained

What is it, who needs it, and how do you get one?

The Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is the most thorough background check available in Canada. It is designed to protect vulnerable members of society—children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—from dangerous offenders.

Who Needs a VSC?

You will likely require a VSC if you are applying for a job or volunteer position where you will be in a position of trust or authority over vulnerable people. Common examples include:

  • Teachers and School Staff
  • Nurses and Care Aides
  • Coaches (Sports teams for minors)
  • Social Workers
  • Uber / Ride-Sharing Drivers (often required)

Why Do I Need Fingerprints for a VSC?

Not everyone needs fingerprints for a VSC. You typically start a VSC at your local police station.

However, if your name and date of birth match someone in the sex offender database (even if it is not you), the police cannot clear you based on name alone. They will require you to submit fingerprints to confirm your identity. This allows the RCMP to confirm that you are not the person in the database.

How We Help

If the police or your organization request fingerprints for a Vulnerable Sector Check, come to Surrey Fingerprint Company. You MUST bring the VSC request letter provided by the organization or the police. Without this specific letter, we cannot process a Vulnerable Sector submission.

Received a request for VSC fingerprints?

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Security Guard Licensing in BC: Fingerprinting Guide

The mandatory step for your Security Worker License.

Whether you are applying for a new Security Worker License in British Columbia or renewing an existing one, you will likely need to undergo a criminal record check. The Security Programs Division (SPD) requires this to ensure public safety.

When Do You Need Fingerprints?

Not every applicant needs fingerprints, but many do. You are required to submit fingerprints if:

  • You are a new applicant for a security license.
  • You are transferring your license from another province.
  • Your name and date of birth match a record in the criminal database (even if it isn't you).
  • The Registrar specifically requests it to verify your identity.

The Process at Surrey Fingerprint Company

Step 1: Bring the Request Letter (if applicable)

If the Security Programs Division sent you a letter requesting fingerprints, you must bring it. It contains your Application ID.

Step 2: Digital Scanning

We use LiveScan technology to capture your prints digitally. This is clean (no ink) and takes about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Direct Submission to SPD

We submit your results directly to the RCMP, who then forward the clearance to the Security Programs Division. You do not need to mail anything yourself.

Important for Students

Completing your Basic Security Training (BST)? We offer competitive rates for students. Get your fingerprints done as soon as you pass your exam to avoid licensing delays.

Ready to start your security career?

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Can I Do Fingerprinting Without an Appointment?

The Answer is YES. Here is Why Walk-Ins are Faster & Easier in Surrey.

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In a rush? We hear it every day: “I just got this letter, and I need my fingerprints done yesterday.”

Many applicants try to book with local police stations, only to find the next available appointment is weeks away. Police departments prioritize active investigations, meaning civil fingerprinting (for jobs or visas) often falls to the bottom of the list.

At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we operate differently. We are a dedicated biometric facility, which means we have the capacity, staff, and technology to handle walk-in clients instantly.

Why We Welcome Walk-Ins

⚡ 15-Minute Turnaround

For 90% of our walk-in clients, the wait time is less than 15 minutes. Our advanced digital scanning stations allow us to process a client in approximately 10 minutes, keeping the line moving quickly.

📅 Flexible Schedule

Your schedule is unpredictable. Whether you are on your lunch break, just finished work, or have a sudden deadline, you can show up whenever our doors are open.

Which Services Accept Walk-Ins?

Unlike some clinics that restrict walk-ins to simple tasks, we offer our full range of services to walk-in clients:

  • ✓
    RCMP Digital Fingerprinting (Civil)
  • ✓
    Ink & Roll Fingerprinting (FBI / Foreign Police Checks)
  • ✓
    Vulnerable Sector Checks (with agency authorization)
  • ✓
    Name-Based Criminal Record Checks

💡 Insider Tip: Best Times to Visit

While walk-ins are always welcome, if you want zero wait time, we recommend avoiding the “Lunch Rush” (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM).

Quietest Hours: Mornings between 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, or mid-afternoons between 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

The Walk-In Checklist

To ensure your walk-in experience is seamless, please check these items before you leave your house. We cannot process your fingerprints without them.

  • Primary ID: Must be government-issued with a photo (Driver’s License, Passport, PR Card).
  • Secondary ID: Can be without a photo (Care Card, Birth Certificate, Credit Card with name).
  • Request Letter: If you were given a letter/file number by an employer or immigration, you MUST bring it.
  • Form of Payment: We accept Debit, Credit, and Cash.

Ready to Walk In?

No appointment needed. Visit us at 112 – 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC.

Fingerprint Rejection: Causes & How to Avoid It

Why prints get rejected by the RCMP/FBI and how our technology prevents it.

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Receiving a rejection letter from the RCMP or FBI is frustrating. It means delays in your application, lost fees, and often requires you to restart the entire process. The good news? Most rejections are preventable.

Common Causes of Poor Quality Prints

  • ⚠
    Dry or Worn Skin: Frequent hand washing, manual labor (construction/landscaping), or age can smooth out the ridge detail needed for a clear capture.
  • ⚠
    Skin Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, or peeling skin can obscure the ridges.
  • ⚠
    Sweat/Moisture: Excess moisture (hyperhidrosis) causes prints to appear “muddy” or black, losing the definition between ridges.

How We Prevent Rejections

At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we use advanced LiveScan Digital Technology. Unlike traditional ink pads, which are messy and permanent once on paper, digital scanners allow for real-time quality control.

1. Instant Quality Scoring

Our software analyzes your print instantly and gives it a “Quality Score.” If a finger scores low, we know immediately and can rescan it until it passes.

2. Specialized Enhancers

We use specialized ridge-enhancing lotions (like Ridge Builder) designed specifically to bring out detail in dry or worn fingers.

How You Can Prepare (Before Your Appointment)

If you know you have “difficult” hands, you can help ensure a good capture:

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day before. Hydrated skin provides better conductivity for the scanner.
  • Moisturize: Apply lotion to your hands regularly in the days leading up to your visit (but not immediately before).
  • Avoid Chemicals: Try to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals or heavy manual labor on the morning of your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do fingerprints get rejected?

The most common cause is poor image quality due to dry skin, worn ridges (from manual labor), or skin conditions like eczema. Rarely, it can be due to operator error if non-digital methods are used.

How do you prevent fingerprint rejection?

We use LiveScan digital scanners that provide real-time feedback. If a print is poor, the computer alerts us instantly so we can rescan it or apply specialized lotion to improve the ridge detail.

What happens if my prints are rejected?

If your prints are rejected by the RCMP despite our best efforts, bring the rejection letter to us. We will re-take your fingerprints.

Don’t Risk a Rejection

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How Long Does RCMP Fingerprinting Take?

Your guide to timelines for results in Surrey, BC.

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If you need a criminal record check for employment, immigration, or a visa, the first question is usually: “How long will this take?” At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we break this down into two parts: the appointment time and the RCMP processing time.

1. The Appointment (In Our Office)

The good news is that the fingerprinting process itself is incredibly fast. Whether you are doing digital or ink fingerprinting, appointments at our Surrey location typically take only 10 to 15 minutes.

2. RCMP Processing Time (Getting Results)

Once we submit your prints, the timeline depends entirely on the method used and the RCMP’s current volume in Ottawa.

Digital Fingerprinting

Estimated: 72 Hours – 2 Weeks

If you have no criminal record, results are often mailed out by the RCMP within 3 business days. This is the fastest option available.

Ink & Paper Fingerprinting

Estimated: Up to 120 Days

Manual processing takes significantly longer because physical cards must be mailed to Ottawa and manually digitized by RCMP staff.

What Causes Delays? (Manual Processing)

Sometimes, a file requires “manual processing.” This happens if your gender and date of birth match a record in the police database (even if that record is not you).

In these cases, the RCMP must manually verify the fingerprints to confirm identity. This process can take 120 days or more. Unfortunately, private agencies cannot speed up this specific RCMP internal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does digital fingerprinting take in Surrey?

The appointment itself takes only 10-15 minutes. RCMP processing for digital prints typically takes 72 hours to 2 weeks if no match is found.

Why is my background check taking longer than 3 days?

If a manual review is required (due to a date of birth match in the police database), processing can take 120 days or more.

Need Fast Results?

Book a digital fingerprinting appointment today to minimize wait times.

Call 604-825-8882

Job Security Clearance Fingerprinting

Essential for Employment. Expedited RCMP digital fingerprinting for all levels of job security screening in Surrey, BC.

Your Fast Track to Employment Clearance

Many sensitive roles—particularly within federal and provincial government, defence industries, and major financial institutions—require a detailed security clearance that starts with digital fingerprinting. We are an official **RCMP Accredited Agency**, meaning your fingerprints are submitted instantly and electronically to the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). This is the fastest, most reliable method to complete the mandatory step in your application process.

Common Security Clearances We Facilitate

If your job application requires one of the following, we have you covered.

★ Reliability Status

The most common clearance required for federal non-sensitive positions. Quick and essential for accessing government facilities and systems.

★ Secret & Top Secret

Required for roles dealing with classified information. Our rapid digital submission ensures this critical component is delivered without delay.

★ Licensing Bodies

We also assist with fingerprinting required by various provincial licensing bodies (e.g., finance, nursing, security, cannabis industry).

What You Need for Your Appointment

Two (2) Pieces of Valid ID: One must be government-issued photo ID (e.g., Passport, Driver's License, Permanent Resident Card).

Form/Request Letter: The official document from the organization or company requesting the clearance.

Payment: We accept cash, debit, and credit cards for our service fee (RCMP fee is separate).

Don't delay your job offer. Call Today for Rapid Clearance Fingerprinting.

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