Many clients visiting F.I.P.S. ask the same question:

“The R.C.M.P. already has my fingerprints — why do I need to submit them again?”

This is a common and understandable concern. The answer lies in how fingerprint-based criminal record checks are processed and how results are validated.

The Real Reason You’re Being Asked Again

When an employer, government agency, or organization requests fingerprints, they are not requesting to keep your fingerprints. What they are requesting is the result of the fingerprint-based background check.

Fingerprints are simply the method used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) to confirm your identity within the National Repository of Criminal Records.

Once the background check is completed:

• The fingerprints submitted for that check are not stored for general searching
• They are not reused for future applications
• They are not kept for unrelated purposes

The fingerprints are used strictly to confirm identity for that specific request.

Why Results Expire

Fingerprint-based criminal record results are considered valid only for a period determined by the requesting organization — not by the R.C.M.P.

Employers, licensing bodies, immigration authorities, and government agencies set their own validity timelines based on internal policies and risk management standards.

For example:

• Some employers require new results every year
• Certain government contracts require updated clearance every few months
• Some organizations may request re-submission after as little as 3 months

Even if your previous results were clear, the requesting organization may require updated verification.

Why Fingerprints Must Be Re-Submitted

Fingerprint checks are not “re-used” because:

1. Each request is treated as a new background verification.
2. Criminal records can change over time.
3. Employers must ensure results are current and legally defensible.
4. Security policies require fresh confirmation of identity.

Even if you have submitted fingerprints before, a new request means a new verification process.

Key Takeaway

You are not being asked to submit fingerprints again because they are being stored or reused. You are being asked to complete a new identity confirmation process for a new request.

Fingerprint submissions:

• Confirm your identity
• Generate official criminal record results
• Are governed by strict consent and privacy standards

The requirement to resubmit is based entirely on the requesting organization’s policies.