Common Reasons the RCMP Requests Fingerprints After a Name-Based Check

A name-based criminal record check in Canada is often the first step for individuals seeking employment, travel clearance, or general background verification. It’s fast, convenient, and can be processed within minutes for eligible candidates. However, sometimes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) may request fingerprints even after a name-based check has been completed.

Why does this happen? 

This happens because, in certain cases, an RCMP Criminal Record Check is required to conclusively verify an applicant’s identity and confirm whether any criminal records belong to them. Understanding the reasons behind fingerprint requests is essential to avoid delays in employment, licensing, or other official processes. This blog breaks down the most common reasons the RCMP requests fingerprints after a name-based check, helping you navigate the process smoothly.

A name-based criminal record check is a method of background verification that examines the national police databases maintained by the RCMP by means of personal identifiers such as an individual's full name and date of birth. It aims to give a temporary and easy-access overview of the criminal record history of the applicant for low-risk usages. This type of check is frequently very fast - sometimes it takes only from a few minutes to a few hours if there is no criminal record for the individual, and their personal data is complete and accurate. 

Nevertheless, because it depends entirely on these identifiers and does not involve biometric verification like fingerprints, a name-based check is never able to provide a 100% secure identity confirmation. Consequently, in situations where the name is fairly common, the details are not complete, or there is a possible match with an existing record, the RCMP may ask for fingerprints to give an absolute certification. Name-based checks are widely used - such as employment screening, issuance of travel documents, application to educational institutions, rental agreements, and other areas where personnel are not security-sensitive and where a fast, preliminary review of the background is regarded as sufficient.

While name-based criminal record checks are convenient and fast, they rely solely on personal identifiers such as full name and date of birth. Because these identifiers are not unique, there is a risk of incomplete results, particularly for individuals with common names, recent name changes, or incomplete personal information. To eliminate ambiguity, the RCMP may request fingerprints to verify the applicant’s identity with 100% certainty through a full RCMP Criminal Record Check.

1. Identity Ambiguity

• If an applicant has a common name or shares their full name and birth date with others in the CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) database, a name-based check may return multiple potential matches. This makes it difficult to confirm which record belongs to the applicant. Fingerprints serve as a unique biometric identifier, allowing the RCMP to conclusively differentiate individuals. This is especially crucial in employment, travel, or legal situations where accuracy is non-negotiable and a full RCMP Criminal Record Check may be required.

2. Potential Unreported Criminal Record

• Sometimes applicants declare they have no criminal record, but a preliminary database search may indicate the existence of a record. In these cases, the RCMP may request fingerprints to verify whether the record actually belongs to the applicant. This ensures there is no misattribution of criminal history and that the results of the RCMP Criminal Record Check are legally reliable. Fingerprint verification prevents situations where false information could compromise hiring, licensing, or compliance processes.

3. Previous Criminal History or Partial Matches

• Even if an applicant has a clean record, the CPIC system may detect partial, incomplete, or ambiguous matches linked to the name or date of birth. These partial matches cannot be resolved with a name-based search alone. Fingerprints provide a definitive method to confirm whether these records are relevant to the applicant, ensuring that criminal record checks are accurate and trustworthy for employers, government agencies, or international authorities.

4. Legal or Regulatory Requirements

• Certain occupations and applications have strict legal or regulatory standards. Positions involving vulnerable populations, government work, law enforcement, or security-sensitive roles often require fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Checks regardless of an initial name-based search. Even if the applicant passes the preliminary check, fingerprints are needed to satisfy mandatory compliance requirements, ensuring the applicant meets the legal standards set by regulators and the RCMP.

5. International or Cross-Jurisdictional Applications

• For applications like immigration, Canadian permanent residency, U.S. FBI checks, or international employment, authorities require biometric verification to confirm identity across jurisdictions. Name-based checks alone are insufficient for these purposes, as they cannot uniquely identify an individual globally. Fingerprints ensure compliance with RCMP and international standards, enabling applicants to meet deadlines for visas, immigration processing, or work permits through a formal RCMP Criminal Record Check.

6. Correction or Clarification of Discrepancies

• If there are discrepancies between the personal information submitted such as mismatches between an applicant’s ID, CPIC records, or previous applications, the RCMP may request fingerprints to resolve the inconsistency. This ensures that the criminal record check is legally recognized and verifiable. Fingerprints eliminate errors caused by name variations, misspellings, or incomplete data, providing a definitive record that can be used for employment, licensing, or legal purposes.

Step 1: Understand the Type of Check

• Confirm that the RCMP is requesting a fingerprint-based criminal record check for purposes like immigration, permanent residency, or professional licensing. Knowing the purpose ensures you complete the correct form.

Step 2: Complete the C216C Form

• Fill out the C-216C form or equivalent form with accurate personal details and the reason for your request. Mistakes on this form can delay processing.

Step 3: Capture Fingerprints

• Get your fingerprints taken on the C-216C form at an authorized police station, private agency, or accredited provider. Ensure fingerprints are clear and correctly rolled.

Step 4: Submit Through an Authorized Intermediary

• Send your fingerprints and C-216C form via an RCMP-accredited intermediary for secure electronic submission to the RCMP. Direct submission by the applicant is not accepted.

Step 5: RCMP Processing

• The RCMP checks your fingerprints against their national database and issues an official RCMP Criminal Record Check certificate. Processing times may vary based on workload.

Step 6: Receive Your Certificate

• The accredited intermediary delivers your certified RCMP Criminal Record Check via courier, digital copy, or local collection, ensuring safe and verified receipt.

• Name-based checks are fast but have limitations due to reliance on personal identifiers.
• Fingerprints provide biometric confirmation, eliminating ambiguity or potential false matches.
• The RCMP may request fingerprints if identity cannot be verified, there’s a potential criminal record match, high-security compliance is needed, international verification is required, or to prevent fraud.
• Using a trusted platform like Globeia can streamline the process, ensuring fast, secure, and legally recognized submission of fingerprints.

While name-based criminal record checks offer speed and convenience, fingerprints remain the most accurate method for identity verification. Understanding why the RCMP requests fingerprints helps individuals and employers avoid delays and ensures compliance with legal and security requirements. By using reliable platforms like Globeia, you can navigate this process smoothly, whether for employment, licensing, or other purposes.