RCMP Cardscan Fingerprinting Services
Convert Paper Fingerprints into a Digital Submission for RCMP Processing
Have you already had your fingerprints taken on a paper fingerprint card? If you need a Canadian fingerprint-based criminal record check, RCMP Cardscan services can help convert eligible paper-and-ink fingerprints into a digital format for electronic submission through the appropriate RCMP process.
Cardscan is particularly useful for individuals who have obtained fingerprints outside Canada or have already been fingerprinted on paper and need their fingerprints submitted electronically through an appropriate Canadian fingerprinting company.
At FIPS, we help applicants understand the Cardscan process and the documentation required for their fingerprint-based Canadian criminal record check.
Paper Fingerprints → Digital Conversion → Electronic Submission → RCMP CCRTIS → Criminal Record Check
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) explains that applicants outside Canada can have their fingerprints taken on paper through an authorized agency and then work with an accredited Canadian fingerprint company to have the fingerprints converted to digital format and submitted electronically to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).
What Is RCMP Cardscan?
RCMP Cardscan is the process of converting fingerprints recorded on a physical paper fingerprint card into a digital format for electronic submission to the RCMP.Unlike digital fingerprinting, where fingerprints are captured electronically from the beginning, Cardscan starts with an existing paper fingerprint card.
This can be useful when fingerprints were taken by a police service, embassy, consulate, notary, or another authorized agency, particularly when the applicant is outside Canada.
Once the paper fingerprint information is digitized, an appropriate Canadian fingerprinting company can submit the application electronically through the applicable RCMP process.
Who May Need Cardscan Services?
Cardscan may be suitable for individuals who already have fingerprints recorded on a paper fingerprint card and require a fingerprint-based Canadian criminal record check.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include applicants who need documentation for:
- Immigration applications
- Permanent residence applications
- Citizenship-related requirements
- Employment or background checks
- Professional licensing
- Government applications
- Foreign immigration or visa requirements
- Pardon or record-related applications
- U.S. Entry Waiver applications
- Other official purposes requiring fingerprint-based verification
The exact requirements can vary depending on why the criminal record check is required. Before submitting your fingerprints, it is important to confirm what type of record check and documentation the requesting organization requires.
How Does the RCMP Cardscan Process Work
1. Have Your Fingerprints Taken on Paper
The first step is to have your fingerprints taken on an appropriate paper fingerprint card.
If you are outside Canada, the RCMP provides guidance for obtaining fingerprints through authorized agencies in the country where you are located.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include a police service, government authority, embassy, consulate, notary public, or another authorized fingerprinting provider.
Make sure your fingerprint card is completed correctly and contains the information required for your application.
2. Contact a Canadian Fingerprint Company
After obtaining your paper fingerprint card, you need to work with an appropriate Canadian fingerprinting company that can process the fingerprint-based application electronically.
This step is particularly important for applicants who are outside Canada.
The fingerprinting company can review the documentation and explain what is required to proceed with the Cardscan process.
3. Paper Fingerprints Are Converted to Digital Format
This is the main part of the Cardscan process.
The physical fingerprint card is digitized so that the fingerprint information can be submitted electronically through the appropriate RCMP process.
The process is:
Paper Fingerprint Card
↓
Digital Conversion / Cardscan
↓
Electronic Fingerprint Submission
↓
RCMP CCRTIS
The purpose of Cardscan is to make existing paper fingerprint information suitable for electronic processing.
4. Electronic Submission to RCMP CCRTIS
Once the fingerprints and required application information have been digitized and prepared, the application can be submitted electronically through the appropriate process to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).
The RCMP recommends that applicants outside Canada work with an accredited Canadian fingerprint company for this type of submission.
Applicants should not simply mail their paper fingerprint card directly to CCRTIS. The correct submission process depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the type of criminal record check being requested.
5. RCMP Processes the Criminal Record Check
After the application is received, the RCMP processes the fingerprint-based criminal record check.
Fingerprint-based checks can provide a reliable way of confirming identity by comparing submitted fingerprints with information held in the RCMP’s national repository.
The final result and delivery method depend on the specific application and applicable RCMP process.
Cardscan for Applicants Outside Canada
Cardscan can be particularly helpful for people who are currently outside Canada.
For example, an applicant living in another country may be asked to provide a Canadian fingerprint-based criminal record check for immigration or another official purpose.
A typical process may look like this:
- Get fingerprints taken locally
- Receive paper fingerprint card
- Contact a Canadian fingerprint company
- Submit the required documents
- Paper fingerprints are digitized
- Electronic submission to RCMP CCRTIS
RCMP processes the application
The exact process and documentation requirements should always be confirmed based on the purpose of the criminal record check.
Cardscan vs. Digital Fingerprinting
Cardscan and digital fingerprinting are related but different services.
Digital Fingerprinting
With digital fingerprinting, fingerprints are captured electronically using an approved digital fingerprinting system.
Cardscan
With Cardscan, fingerprints have already been taken on paper. The existing fingerprint card is then converted into a digital format for electronic processing.
In simple terms:
Digital Fingerprinting:
Fingerprints → Digital Capture → Electronic Submission
Cardscan:
Paper Fingerprints → Digital Conversion → Electronic Submission
This distinction is important because not every applicant needs Cardscan. If you have not yet had your fingerprints taken, digital fingerprinting may be the more appropriate option depending on your circumstances.
Why Choose FIPS for Cardscan Services?
FIPS provides fingerprinting and criminal-record-related services for a range of personal, employment, immigration and official requirements.
Our services include fingerprinting and related criminal record solutions for purposes such as immigration, permanent residence, employment, background checks, Canadian citizenship, pardon applications and U.S. Entry Waivers.
If you already have fingerprints on a paper card, our team can help you understand the Cardscan process and determine what information, and documentation may be required for your application.
Need RCMP Cardscan Services?
Already have your fingerprints on a paper card?
FIPS can help you understand the Cardscan process and the requirements for submitting your fingerprints electronically for an applicable Canadian criminal record check.
Whether you are inside or outside Canada, contact FIPS and tell us:
- Where you are currently located
- Why you need the criminal record check
- Whether you already have a paper fingerprint card
- Which organization or authority requested the check
Contact FIPS today to learn more about RCMP Cardscan Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
RCMP Cardscan is the process of converting fingerprints from a paper fingerprint card into a digital format for electronic submission through the appropriate RCMP criminal record check process.
Yes. Cardscan can be relevant to applicants outside Canada who have paper fingerprints and require a fingerprint-based Canadian criminal record check. The RCMP provides guidance for applicants outside Canada using an accredited Canadian fingerprint company.
Yes. Cardscan is designed for applicants who already have fingerprints recorded on a physical paper fingerprint card.
Depending on your location and circumstances, fingerprints may be obtained through an authorized police service, government authority, embassy, consulate, notary public or other authorized provider. Requirements can vary by country.
Applicants outside Canada should not simply mail their fingerprint card directly to the RCMP’s CCRTIS. The RCMP recommends using an accredited Canadian fingerprint company for the appropriate electronic submission process.
Digital fingerprinting captures fingerprints electronically. Cardscan starts with fingerprints that have already been taken on paper and converts the paper fingerprint information into a digital format.
Cardscan may be appropriate when an immigration application requires a fingerprint-based Canadian criminal record check and the applicant already has acceptable paper fingerprints. Always confirm the exact requirements of your immigration application.
It may be appropriate when an employer or other authority specifically requires a fingerprint-based Canadian criminal record check. The requirements should be confirmed before submitting an application.
The total processing time depends on document preparation, electronic submission, RCMP processing and whether additional review is required. RCMP processing times can vary significantly depending on the application.
When contacting FIPS, it is helpful to provide your paper fingerprint card, your current location, the reason you need the criminal record check, and information about the organization or authority requesting it.