How Long Does RCMP Fingerprinting Take?
Your guide to timelines for results in Surrey, BC.
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.