🌍 International Service

RCMP Card Scan Service: Get Your Canadian Police Clearance Certificate From Anywhere in the World

📅 July 1, 2025 ✍️ Surrey Fingerprint Company ⏱️ 10 min read 🌐 International Clients

If you are living outside Canada and need an RCMP Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) or a Canadian Criminal Record Check for immigration, employment, or a visa application in another country — you can get it without travelling to Canada. Surrey Fingerprint Company offers a card scan service that accepts ink fingerprint cards mailed from anywhere in the world, digitizes them professionally, and submits them electronically to the RCMP on your behalf.

This guide covers which countries most commonly need this service, how to get your fingerprints taken in your home country, exactly what to mail to us, and what happens after we receive your card.

✅ RCMP Accredited Card Scan Service — Surrey, BC

Surrey Fingerprint Company is RCMP accredited and authorized to submit electronic fingerprints to the CCRTIS (Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services). We accept ink fingerprint cards from clients in any country. Email us at info@surreyfingerprint.com to start your application today.

What Is the RCMP Card Scan Service?

Electronic fingerprint submission to the RCMP is only available from within Canada. If you are outside Canada, you cannot submit your fingerprints digitally yourself — and the RCMP will not accept paper fingerprint cards sent directly from abroad either. The only legal pathway is:

  1. Get your ink fingerprints taken at a local police station or fingerprinting agency in your country
  2. Mail the original completed fingerprint card to an RCMP accredited agency in Canada
  3. The Canadian agency digitizes (scans) your ink card and submits it electronically to the RCMP
  4. The RCMP processes the submission and issues your Police Clearance Certificate

This is called card scan — and it is the service Surrey Fingerprint Company provides for international clients. We receive your original ink fingerprint card by courier, scan it on professional-grade equipment, and transmit it directly to the RCMP's CCRTIS database the same day we receive it.

⚠️ Important: Scanned copies, photos, or photocopies of fingerprint cards are not accepted by the RCMP. You must mail the original physical card with original ink impressions. Do not send photocopies — they will be rejected and returned.

Who Needs This Service? Countries We Serve

Anyone who has lived or worked in Canada and is now living abroad may need an RCMP Police Clearance Certificate for immigration, employment, or visa purposes in their country of residence or a third country. The following are the most common countries from which clients mail us fingerprint cards:

Countries We Currently Serve

🇮🇳 India 🇵🇭 Philippines 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇳🇬 Nigeria 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇦🇺 Australia 🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China 🇭🇰 Hong Kong 🇧🇩 Bangladesh 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka 🇰🇪 Kenya 🇿🇦 South Africa 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 🇦🇪 UAE 🇯🇵 Japan 🇰🇷 South Korea 🇲🇾 Malaysia 🇸🇬 Singapore 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇻🇳 Vietnam 🇹🇭 Thailand 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇧🇷 Brazil 🇨🇴 Colombia 🇫🇷 France 🇩🇪 Germany 🇮🇹 Italy 🇳🇴 Norway 🇪🇸 Spain 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇵🇱 Poland 🇬🇭 Ghana 🇪🇬 Egypt 🇶🇦 Qatar 🇮🇷 Iran 🇵🇪 Peru 🇨🇱 Chile 🌐 All Other Countries

If your country is not listed above, contact us — we accept fingerprint cards from any country in the world as long as the original card can be mailed to our office in Surrey, BC, Canada.

How to Get Your Fingerprints Taken — Country by Country

The process for getting ink fingerprints taken varies by country. Below is a guide for the most common countries. In all cases, the fingerprints must be in black ink, on the RCMP C-216C form (or a form with the same layout), and the card must be signed and officially stamped by the fingerprinting authority before mailing to us.

🇮🇳 India

  • Visit your nearest local police station (thana) and request ink fingerprinting for a Canadian RCMP check
  • Alternatively visit a notary public or private fingerprinting agency in major cities
  • Use black ink only — not red or blue
  • Bring your passport and one additional photo ID
  • Ensure the officer stamps and signs the card with their official seal
  • Mail the original card by DHL, FedEx, or Speed Post International
📍 Police station, notary, or fingerprinting agency

🇵🇭 Philippines

  • Visit your local Philippine National Police (PNP) station and request ink fingerprinting
  • The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila can also take fingerprints on a card format
  • Some private fingerprinting agencies in Metro Manila and Cebu offer this service
  • Ensure the card is stamped with the official PNP or NBI seal
  • Mail via LBC International, DHL, or FedEx courier service
📍 PNP station or NBI Manila

🇵🇰 Pakistan

  • Visit your local police station (thana) or a District Police Office
  • In larger cities, the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) Facilitation Centres also take fingerprints
  • Bring your CNIC (national ID card) and passport
  • Request fingerprints specifically for a Canadian immigration or RCMP purpose
  • Get the card stamped with the official police seal and the officer's signature
  • Mail via TCS International, DHL, or FedEx
📍 Police station or FIA office

🇳🇬 Nigeria

  • Visit the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in your state
  • Request an ink fingerprint card for Canadian RCMP submission
  • The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) can also assist
  • Bring your national ID and passport
  • Ensure the card carries the official CID stamp and officer's signature
  • Mail via DHL, FedEx, or NIPOST EMS International
📍 Police CID office

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

  • Visit your nearest police station or the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police in Dhaka
  • Bring your National ID (NID) card and passport
  • Request ink fingerprinting specifically for Canadian immigration or RCMP record check
  • Get the card signed and officially stamped
  • Mail via DHL, FedEx, or Sundarban Courier International
📍 Local police station or Special Branch

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

  • Visit the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Colombo, or your nearest police station
  • Bring your National Identity Card and passport
  • Request ink fingerprint form for Canadian RCMP submission
  • The card must be stamped and signed by the responsible police officer
  • Mail via DHL, FedEx, or Sri Lanka Post EMS International
📍 Police CID Colombo or local station

🇰🇪 Kenya

  • Visit the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi, or a regional DCI office
  • Bring your national ID and passport
  • Request fingerprinting specifically on a card for Canadian RCMP submission
  • Ensure official DCI stamp and officer signature on the card
  • Mail via DHL, FedEx, or G4S Kenya courier
📍 DCI headquarters or regional office

🇿🇦 South Africa

  • Visit your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station
  • Request fingerprint clearance on a card for international (Canadian) RCMP submission
  • Bring your South African ID and passport
  • The card must carry the SAPS official stamp and the officer's signature
  • Mail via DHL, FedEx, or South African Post Office EMS
📍 Any SAPS station

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

  • Visit a General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) office or local police station (makhfar)
  • Bring your Iqama (residency card) or national ID and passport
  • Request ink fingerprinting on a card for Canadian government purposes
  • Ensure official stamp and signature on the completed card
  • Mail via Saudi Post (Aramex) International or DHL
📍 Jawazat office or local police station

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

  • Visit an AMER Centre or a General Directorate of Residency & Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) office
  • Alternatively visit a local police station (shurta) for ink fingerprinting
  • Bring your Emirates ID and passport
  • Request fingerprinting specifically for a Canadian RCMP record check
  • Mail via Emirates Post International, DHL, or FedEx
📍 AMER Centre or local police station

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

  • Visit a UK post office with biometric services or a private fingerprinting company (several in London, Manchester, Birmingham)
  • The Metropolitan Police (London) can take fingerprints by appointment for overseas purposes
  • Bring your passport and UK proof of address
  • Request ink fingerprinting on a card for Canadian RCMP submission
  • Mail via Royal Mail International Tracked or DHL
📍 Private fingerprinting agency or local police

🇦🇺 Australia

  • Visit your local Australian Federal Police (AFP) office or a state police station
  • Private fingerprinting companies operating in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane also offer this service
  • Bring your Australian passport or driver's licence and one additional photo ID
  • Request ink fingerprinting on a card for Canadian RCMP submission
  • Mail via Australia Post International, DHL, or FedEx
📍 AFP office or state police station

🇳🇿 New Zealand

  • Visit a New Zealand Police station — most district offices will take ink fingerprints for overseas purposes
  • Some private identity verification companies in Auckland and Wellington also offer this
  • Bring your NZ passport or driver's licence
  • Request fingerprinting on a card for Canadian government (RCMP) submission
  • Mail via NZ Post International or DHL
📍 NZ Police district station

🇨🇳 China

  • Visit your local Public Security Bureau (PSB) — Exit/Entry Administration division
  • Some private authentication companies in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou also provide this service
  • Bring your Chinese ID (居民身份证) and passport
  • Request ink fingerprinting on the RCMP C-216C form for Canadian immigration purposes
  • Mail via SF Express International, DHL, or EMS China Post
📍 Local PSB Exit/Entry Administration

🇭🇰 Hong Kong

  • Visit a Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) district station
  • The Immigration Department also provides fingerprinting services for overseas document purposes
  • Bring your HKID card and passport
  • Request ink fingerprinting for Canadian RCMP submission
  • Mail via Hong Kong Post Air Mail Registered or DHL
📍 HKPF station or Immigration Department

🇲🇽 Mexico

  • Visit the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) or a state ministerial police office
  • Some private fingerprinting companies in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara also offer this
  • Bring your CURP, INE (voter ID), and passport
  • Request ink fingerprinting specifically for Canadian RCMP submission
  • Mail via DHL, FedEx, or Correos de México EMS International
📍 State ministerial police office or SSC

🇯🇵 Japan

  • Visit your local Police Station (Keisatsu-sho) or Prefectural Police Headquarters
  • Explain you need ink fingerprinting for a Canadian government (RCMP) background check
  • Bring your residence card (Zairyu Card) or My Number card and passport
  • Ensure the card is stamped with the official police seal
  • Mail via Japan Post EMS International or Yamato International courier
📍 Local police station or prefectural HQ

🇰🇷 South Korea

  • Visit a local police station (gyeongchalseo) and request ink fingerprinting for overseas background check purposes
  • The National Police Agency office in Seoul (Minwon Center) also provides this service
  • Bring your ARC (Alien Registration Card) or Korean ID and passport
  • Request fingerprints in black ink on the RCMP C-216C form
  • Mail via Korea Post EMS International or DHL
📍 Local gyeongchalseo or NPA Minwon Center

🇺🇸 United States

  • Visit a local sheriff's office, police department, or a private fingerprinting company
  • Many UPS Stores and notary offices in the US also offer ink fingerprinting on request
  • Bring your US ID or driver's licence and passport
  • Request fingerprinting on the RCMP C-216C form specifically for Canadian RCMP submission
  • Mail via USPS Priority International, FedEx International, or DHL
📍 Sheriff's office, police dept, or private agency

🇧🇷 Brazil

  • Visit the Polícia Civil in your state — the civil police handle background check fingerprinting
  • Some notary offices (cartório) in major cities also offer fingerprinting services
  • Bring your CPF, RG, and passport
  • Request ink fingerprinting on a card for Canadian RCMP submission
  • Mail via Correios EMS International or FedEx
📍 Polícia Civil office or cartório
💡 Tip — Contact Us Before Getting Fingerprinted

Email us at info@surreyfingerprint.com before visiting your local police station. We will send you the correct RCMP C-216C fingerprint form (if you do not already have one), a checklist of what must be on the card, and our current mailing address. This ensures your fingerprints are taken correctly the first time and avoids rejection and costly re-submission.

What to Send Us — Complete Checklist

Once your fingerprints are taken, mail a package to our office in Surrey, BC with the following items. Missing any of these will delay processing:

📦 Mail This Package to Surrey Fingerprint Company

  • 1
    Original ink fingerprint card — completed, signed by you, and stamped/signed by the official who took your prints. No photocopies.
  • 2
    Clear photocopy of your passport (photo page) — or other government-issued photo ID showing your full legal name and date of birth.
  • 3
    Completed RCMP application information — your full legal name, date of birth, sex, reason for the check, and your mailing address for results. We will provide you a form for this.
  • 4
    IRCC or requesting agency letter (if applicable) — if your request is for a Canadian immigration application, include a copy of your IRCC letter with your file number and UCI. This is required for citizenship and PR applications.
  • 5
    Payment confirmation — credit card authorization form or proof of bank transfer. Contact us for current pricing before sending.
  • 6
    Return address and delivery preference — clearly state where you want the completed RCMP certificate mailed, and whether you prefer standard post or express courier delivery.

Our mailing address:

📮

Surrey Fingerprint Company — Card Scan Department

112 - 8232 120 Street
Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
Canada

Courier recommended: DHL, FedEx, or UPS with tracking. Always use a courier with tracking for your original fingerprint card — do not send untracked regular post for original documents.

What Happens After We Receive Your Card

1

Confirmation email sent to you

The same day we receive your package, we email you to confirm receipt and that your fingerprints are being processed. If there is any issue with the card quality or missing documents, we will contact you immediately before proceeding.

2

Card scanned and quality reviewed

We scan your ink fingerprint card on professional equipment. Each impression is reviewed for clarity and legibility to RCMP standards. If any prints are unclear and could cause a rejection, we notify you before submitting.

3

Electronic submission to RCMP CCRTIS

We submit your digitized fingerprints electronically to the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) the same day or next business day after receipt. We send you the transaction reference number once submitted.

4

RCMP processes your submission

If there is no criminal record match: the RCMP typically processes the submission within 3 business days and issues the Police Clearance Certificate. If a manual review is required (record match or similar name found): processing can take up to 120 days. We have no control over RCMP processing times.

5

Certificate mailed to your address

The RCMP mails the official embossed certificate directly to the address on your application — either your home address or a third party such as your immigration consultant or lawyer. We can also arrange express courier delivery of the certificate to any international address upon request.

Critical Rules for Your Fingerprint Card

The RCMP has strict requirements for fingerprint card quality. Failure to follow these rules will result in rejection and require you to get re-fingerprinted in your country — causing significant delays. Follow all of these carefully:

  • Black ink only. Never use blue, red, or any other ink colour on the fingerprint card.
  • All ten fingers must be rolled individually from nail edge to nail edge. Partial impressions are rejected.
  • Flat impressions required — four fingers flat together for each hand, plus both thumbs flat in the designated boxes at the bottom of the card. Do not leave these blank.
  • All personal information fields must be completed — full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and the date fingerprinted. Cards with blank fields are returned unprocessed.
  • Do not photocopy the card after fingerprinting. Each submission requires an original card with original ink.
  • Official stamp and signature required — the fingerprinting official must stamp the card with their agency's official seal and sign it. Cards without an official stamp are not accepted.
  • Do not sign the card yourself before visiting the fingerprinting official — your signature must be witnessed by the official at the time of fingerprinting.
  • Moisturise your fingertips in the days before your appointment — dry skin is the most common cause of poor quality prints and RCMP rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RCMP card scan service?+
Card scan is the process where an RCMP accredited agency in Canada receives your original ink fingerprint card mailed from outside Canada, digitizes it using professional scanning equipment, and submits it electronically to the RCMP's CCRTIS. This is the only legal way for people outside Canada to obtain an RCMP Police Clearance Certificate, since direct electronic submission to the RCMP is not available from outside Canada.
Can I email or send a scanned photo of my fingerprints?+
No. The RCMP requires original ink fingerprint cards — scanned copies, photos, or photocopies cannot be processed. You must have your fingerprints taken on the original card in black ink, and mail or courier the physical card to our office in Surrey, BC.
Which fingerprint form should I use outside Canada?+
Ideally use the RCMP C-216C fingerprint form which we can provide. If your local police station uses their own form, that is also acceptable as long as the layout matches the C-216C format — rolled impressions of all ten fingers, flat impressions of both hands, and both thumbs. The form must be fully completed, signed by you, and stamped or sealed by the fingerprinting official.
How long does the RCMP card scan process take?+
Once we receive your card, we submit it to the RCMP the same day. If there is no criminal record match, the RCMP typically returns results within 3 business days. If manual review is needed, it can take up to 120 days. Add international courier time for the certificate to reach you after RCMP processing.
What documents do I need to send with my fingerprint card?+
Send: the original completed and stamped fingerprint card; a photocopy of your passport photo page; completed RCMP application information (full name, date of birth, sex, reason for check, mailing address); your IRCC letter if this is for a Canadian immigration application; and payment. Contact us before sending and we will give you the exact checklist for your specific application type.
Can Surrey Fingerprint Company mail the RCMP certificate to my country?+
Yes. The RCMP mails the completed certificate to the address on your application. We can arrange for it to go to your home address anywhere in the world, or to your immigration consultant, lawyer, or embassy on your behalf. Express courier delivery with tracking is available on request.
What is the cost for international card scan service?+
Contact us at info@surreyfingerprint.com or call (604) 825-8882 for current pricing. The total cost includes our card scan service fee plus the RCMP government processing fee. We accept credit card and international bank transfer for payment from outside Canada.
What if my fingerprints are rejected by the RCMP due to poor quality?+
If the RCMP rejects your fingerprints due to quality issues, you will need to be re-fingerprinted in your country and mail a new card. To prevent this, contact us before your fingerprinting appointment — we will review your card by photo before you send it to confirm the quality is acceptable. We also review every card upon receipt and notify you if there is a potential issue before submitting to the RCMP.

Ready to Start Your RCMP Card Scan Application?

Email us first — we will send you the correct fingerprint form, a complete checklist for your country, and our current pricing. Once you mail your card, we handle everything from digitizing to RCMP submission to worldwide delivery of your certificate.

✉️ Email Us to Start 💬 WhatsApp Us

📞 Phone (Canada): +1 (604) 825-8882  ·  ✉️ info@surreyfingerprint.com

📮

Surrey Fingerprint Company — RCMP Accredited

Mailing Address: 112 - 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3N4, Canada
+1 (604) 825-8882  ·  info@surreyfingerprint.com
Office Hours (for in-person): Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM PT
Email inquiries answered 7 days a week