So, you need a criminal record check in Surrey. You start searching online and immediately face the big question: **”Where do I go? The local police station or a private agency?”** This is the single most common point of confusion, and the answer depends entirely on *why* you need the check.

Getting it wrong can mean wasted time, money, and application delays. As Surrey’s leading RCMP-accredited fingerprinting experts, we’ve created this definitive guide to clarify the process, helping you choose the right path for your specific needs.

First, Understand the Two Main Types of Checks

Before comparing providers, it’s crucial to know what you’re asking for.

1. Police Information Check (PIC)

This is the standard check often provided by local police detachments like the **Surrey Police Service** or Surrey RCMP. It searches national databases (like the Canadian Police Information Centre – CPIC) and local police records for criminal convictions, outstanding charges, and other police contact information. This is often sufficient for general employment, volunteering (that isn’t in the vulnerable sector), and some licensing.

2. RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check

This is the gold standard, official federal background check. It is based on your **fingerprints** and confirms your identity with 100% certainty. The results are certified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This type of check is mandatory for all federal and international purposes.

When to Go to the Police Detachment

You should visit the local Surrey Police or RCMP detachment primarily for one key reason:

• Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC): If you plan to work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults, a VSC is mandatory. This is a special type of PIC that also includes a search for any record of sexual offences for which a pardon has been granted. By law, a VSC **must be initiated by your local police force.** In some cases, if your name and date of birth match an existing record, the police may require you to get fingerprinted to confirm your identity, at which point you can come to an agency like ours.

When to Use an RCMP-Accredited Agency Like Us

An RCMP-accredited agency is a private business, like **Surrey Fingerprint Company**, that has been authorized by the RCMP to capture and submit fingerprints directly to the federal database in Ottawa. This is the fastest and most efficient option when you need an **RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check**.

Choose us when you need a check for:

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): For Permanent Residency, Citizenship, and other visa applications.
• Record Suspensions (Pardons): This is the mandatory first step of the application process.
• U.S. Entry Waivers & Visas: For applications that require an FBI background check (using the FD-258 card) or an RCMP check.
• Federal Government Employment: For security clearances like Reliability Status.
• Foreign Travel, Work, or Adoption: When another country requires an official police certificate from Canada.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone deserves a second chance. If a past criminal record is holding you back from employment, travel, or educational opportunities, a Canadian Record Suspension (formerly known as a Pardon) can offer a path forward. This formal process allows the Parole Board of Canada to set aside your criminal record, giving you a clean slate.

However, the application process is detailed and can feel overwhelming. Many people in Surrey ask us, “Where do I even begin?” The answer is simple and definitive: **the entire process starts with your fingerprints.** As Surrey’s leading RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency, we are the essential first step on your journey to starting fresh.

Why Fingerprinting is the Non-Negotiable First Step

Before the Parole Board of Canada will even look at your application, you must provide them with a certified copy of your criminal record from the RCMP. The only way to obtain this specific document for a Record Suspension application is to submit your electronic fingerprints to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

Think of it as the foundation of your application. Without this official record, you cannot prove your eligibility or provide the necessary documentation. Starting this step as early as possible is critical, as it can take time for the RCMP to process your record and mail it to you.

Your Path to a Record Suspension: The Surrey Fingerprinting Process

We’ve made this crucial first step as clear and efficient as possible. Here is what you can expect when you come to Surrey Fingerprint Company:

1. Book a Confidential Appointment: Call us at 604-825-8882. Our team understands the sensitive nature of this process and ensures complete confidentiality and professionalism.
2. Bring Two Pieces of Valid ID: When you visit our Surrey office, you’ll need two pieces of valid government-issued ID (one must have a photo). Examples include a Driver’s License, BC Services Card, or Passport.
3. Quick & Accurate Digital Capture: Using advanced, RCMP-approved digital scanners, we capture your fingerprints. The process is inkless, clean, and typically takes less than 15 minutes.
4. Secure Electronic Submission: We immediately transmit your fingerprints directly to the RCMP. This is the fastest and most secure method available.
5. Receive Your Record from the RCMP: The RCMP will process your request and mail your Certified Criminal Record directly to your home address. Once you receive this document, you can proceed with the next steps of your Record Suspension application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fingerprinting for Pardons

If you’re a Canadian resident in Surrey looking to enter the United States, you may have been told you need an “FBI background check” or an “Identity History Summary.” This process is essential for anyone applying for a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192), certain types of U.S. visas, or adopting a child from the United States.

At the heart of this requirement is a specific document: the **FBI FD-258 fingerprint card**. Unlike Canadian police checks that often use digital prints, this American requirement has its own unique process. As Surrey’s leading specialists in both RCMP and FBI fingerprinting, we’ve created this guide to demystify the process for you.

What is an FBI FD-258 Card and Why Do I Need It?

The FD-258 is the standard fingerprint card used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for non-federal purposes. When you apply for an FBI Identity History Summary (IdHS)—often called a criminal record check or rap sheet—the FBI requires your fingerprints to be captured on this card using a specific “ink-and-roll” method.

Here in Surrey, our clients require FD-258 fingerprinting for several key reasons:

• U.S. Entry Waivers: If you are inadmissible to the United States due to a past criminal conviction, you must apply for a waiver (Form I-192), which requires an FBI background check.
• U.S. Visas & Immigration: Certain visa applications or adjustments of status require a police check from every country you’ve lived in, including the U.S. if you resided there.
• Foreign Residency or Work Permits: Applying to live or work in another country that requires you to prove you have a clean record in the United States.
• Personal Review: To check your own FBI record for accuracy.

The Ink Fingerprinting Process at Our Surrey Office

We make this specialized process simple and stress-free. Our trained technicians have years of experience in capturing clear, high-quality ink prints that meet the FBI’s strict standards, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.

1. Book Your Appointment: Call us at 604-825-8882 to schedule a quick appointment at our Surrey office. We’ll confirm you have the necessary ID.
2. We Provide the Card: You don’t need to source your own card. We provide official FBI FD-258 cards right here.
3. Bring Your ID: You will need two pieces of valid government-issued identification (one must be a photo ID).
4. Expert Ink-and-Roll Capture: A technician will carefully roll each of your fingers in ink and transfer them onto the designated blocks on the FD-258 card. We take meticulous care to ensure every print is clear and fully captured.
5. Final Review: We review the card with you to ensure all personal information is correct before handing it over, ready for you to mail with your application.

Frequently Asked Questions for FBI Fingerprinting

So, you’re on the path to becoming a licensed security professional in British Columbia. You’ve completed your training and are ready to apply, but there’s one critical step you can’t overlook: the mandatory criminal record check, which requires getting your fingerprints taken.

This process can seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. As Surrey’s leading RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency, we’ve helped countless security applicants complete this requirement quickly and correctly. This guide will explain everything you need to know about getting your fingerprints done for your security guard license right here in Surrey.

Why Fingerprinting is a Must for Your Security License

The British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, through its Security Programs Division, requires a fingerprint-based criminal record check for all security license applicants. This is a public safety measure to ensure that individuals in positions of trust do not have a criminal history that would make them unsuitable for the role. It is a non-negotiable part of the application process.

The Fingerprinting Process for Surrey Security Applicants: A Step-by-Step Guide

We’ve streamlined this process to be as simple as possible. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

1. Receive Your Official Request: First, you must have the official “Request for Fingerprinting” letter/form provided by the Security Programs Division. You cannot get your fingerprints taken for this purpose without this specific document.
2. Find an RCMP Accredited Agency: You cannot go just anywhere. Your fingerprints must be captured and submitted electronically by an agency that is formally accredited by the RCMP. Surrey Fingerprint Company is a trusted, RCMP-accredited agency located conveniently in the heart of Surrey.
3. Book Your Appointment: Contact us to book a quick appointment. We’ll ensure you have everything you need. While we accept walk-ins, an appointment guarantees you’ll be in and out without a wait.
4. Visit Our Office: Bring your “Request for Fingerprinting” form and two pieces of valid, government-issued identification (one must have a photo). Our trained technicians will verify your ID and documents.
5. Capture Your Digital Prints: Using our state-of-the-art digital scanners, we will capture your fingerprints quickly and accurately. The process is clean, inkless, and only takes a few minutes.
6. Instant Electronic Submission: As soon as your prints are captured, we transmit them directly and securely to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). This is the fastest and most reliable way to get your results to the Security Programs Division.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Security Applicants

Navigating the world of fingerprinting can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for Canadian citizenship, starting a new job, or need a criminal record check, you’ve likely been told you need to get your fingerprints taken. But what does that involve? And how do you choose the right agency in a busy area like Surrey, British Columbia?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. As Surrey’s leading fingerprinting experts, we’ve created this complete guide to walk you through the entire process, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Might You Need Fingerprinting Services?

Fingerprints are the gold standard for identity verification. Here in Surrey, our clients come to us for a variety of official reasons, including:

• Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): For applications such as Permanent Residency, Canadian Citizenship, and work or study permits.
• Employment: Many jobs, especially those in the vulnerable sector (working with children or the elderly), federal government positions, and licensed professions, require a background check.
• Criminal Record Checks: Also known as a police certificate or background check, needed for travel, US entry waivers, or personal review.
• Record Suspensions (Pardons): A necessary step in the process of having a criminal record set aside.
• Foreign Travel & Visas: Some countries require a police check from Canada before issuing long-term visas.

Digital vs. Ink Fingerprinting: What’s the Difference?

You may hear the terms “digital” and “ink” fingerprinting. It’s crucial to know which one you need.

Digital Fingerprinting

This is the modern standard for most applications within Canada. A high-resolution scanner captures your fingerprints electronically. At an accredited agency like ours, these images are sent directly to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). The main advantages are:

• Speed: Electronic submission is much faster, with results often processed in as little as 72 hours (if you have no criminal record).
• Accuracy: Digital scanners reduce the chance of smudging and capture high-quality prints, minimizing the risk of rejection.

Ink & Roll Fingerprinting

This is the traditional method where your fingers are rolled in ink and pressed onto a standard fingerprint card (like the FBI FD-258 or RCMP C-216C). You typically need this service when applying for a police check from a foreign country (e.g., an FBI Identity History Summary for the USA).

What to Look For in a Surrey Fingerprinting Agency

Choosing the right agency is vital for a smooth and successful process. Here’s your checklist:

1. RCMP Accreditation: This is non-negotiable. Only an RCMP accredited agency can submit electronic fingerprints to the CCRTIS for official Canadian background checks.
2. Professionalism and Experience: Look for a company with experienced technicians who can ensure your prints are captured correctly the first time. A professional environment is also key to ensuring your personal information is handled with confidentiality.
3. Technology: Does the agency use modern, high-quality digital scanners? Up-to-date technology leads to better results and faster turnaround times.
4. Clear Communication: The staff should be able to clearly explain the process, what documents you need to bring, and the associated costs.

Your Trusted Partner in Surrey: Surrey Fingerprint Company

At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we pride ourselves on exceeding these standards. We established our agency to provide the Surrey community with a reliable, professional, and efficient service that puts clients first.

Our technicians are not only certified but are experts in the nuances of fingerprinting for all applications. We use state-of-the-art digital equipment and are, of course, fully accredited by the RCMP. We understand that this process can be stressful, and our goal is to make your visit as comfortable and straightforward as possible.