How to Take Fingerprints in the United States for a Canadian Police Clearance?

Are you living in New York, Los Angeles, Florida or any other areas in the United States of America and need to obtain fingerprints for a Canadian police clearance for a visa, immigration, or employment purpose? Having your fingerprints taken in the States is simple and stress-free! If you reside in a major city, you can visit any local police station to get your fingerprints. Other locations such as public notary offices and private-owned fingerprinting agencies can also help with fingerprinting.

Ideally, fingerprints should be taken on the Canadian RCMP C216C fingerprint form. However, fingerprinting places in the States tend to use the American FD258 form, which is also acceptable for obtaining a Canadian police clearance.

There are 2 methods to have your fingerprints taken in the United States:

1. Ink-and-roll fingerprinting (manual)
2. Livescan fingerprinting (digital)

Either method is accepted for applying for a Canadian police clearance certificate.

Ink-and-roll fingerprinting

This is the traditional way of taking fingerprints – by ink. Use black ink only. The fingerprint technician will apply ink on your fingertips and roll each of them on the fingerprint form, one by one.

Livescan fingerprinting

This is the new way of taking fingerprints – by a digital livescan. The fingerprint technician will take your fingerprints with a scanner and your fingerprints will be printed out on a hardcopy fingerprint form. This method of fingerprinting tends to yield a better quality than manual fingerprints.

Regardless of how you obtained your fingerprints, manual or digital, the fingerprint technician’s signature and the official agency stamp/seal must be present on the completed fingerprint form. It is important to note that most police stations do not put a stamp or seal on the completed fingerprints as this is not a common practice in the States. However, this piece of information is necessary according to RCMP regulations. If an official stamp/seal is not available, the station’s business card, receipt, or formal paid invoice can be used as an alternative.

Should you have any questions on getting fingerprints taken in the United States of America, please feel free to check out our website at www.thefingerprintroom.com. You can also give our office a call at 604-447-2485 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm except national statutory holidays) or email us at contact@thefingerprintroom.com. We are more than happy to assist you!