Police Certificate

[Mo+Sara 2]

Hello everyone, I am from Canada and wanted to ask if anyone could tell me how to get a police certificate and how long does it usually take? I was reading about it and am confused which the US Consulate requires the one with finger prints or the one without?

Thank you in advance.

[MissPearls 38]

I have read that it is without fingerprints. I just got mine done today, and I had to go the Commissionaires as the local police departments don't do it anymore. Here at least in BC. It cost me $43, and they said it will be done before Monday. Hope this helps!

[Exocet 88]

Where do you live? I lived in rural Alberta and went to the RCMP branch in my town. It was free, and only took 5 business days to get. Mine did not require fingerprints.

[ChristinaG 91]

If I recall, you only *must* do the fingerprint version if you have some sort of record..... otherwise call or visit your local police station and request a police clearance certificate.... you fill out a form and pay a fee (usually ) You can also get one from the rcmp..... there is no **one way** to do it...

as per the state department, the clearance just has to show that they ran your name through the national databases and got no hits.....

Best wishes

[Mo+Sara 2]

I have read that it is without fingerprints. I just got mine done today, and I had to go the Commissionaires as the local police departments don't do it anymore. Here at least in BC. It cost me $43, and they said it will be done before Monday. Hope this helps!

Thank you for the answer it clarifies it alot.

Where do you live? I lived in rural Alberta and went to the RCMP branch in my town. It was free, and only took 5 business days to get. Mine did not require fingerprints.

Thank you for your answer, I live in Toronto.

[tdotca 41]

Hi, as other said you can go into your local police station but you can also request one online http://torontopolice.on.ca/recordsmanagement/clearance.php. I did mine this way ( clearance letter) . Good luck

[NikLR 13,227]

You can go to the local police department or commissionaires to obtain one. Unless you have been convicted of a crime you do not need fingerprints.

[fellaamazing 72]

I find great information in this thread. I guess OP got the answers they were looking for. I like to throw in my question as well.

I live and work in Detroit area. I will be driving to Montreal along with my toddler son for consular processing. I was hoping to make the trip as short as possible.

How long does it take to get the certificate if I just walk in to a local police station somewhere between Windsor and Montreal?

If it takes 3 days or so, Can I apply it in let's say Windsor, And pick it up from Montreal?

(I lived in Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener, Waterloo, Windsor and Ottawa.. Last place before I moved to US was Toronto, if the residency is somehow any requirement for local police)

[ChristinaG 91]

I find great information in this thread. I guess OP got the answers they were looking for. I like to throw in my question as well.

I live and work in Detroit area. I will be driving to Montreal along with my toddler son for consular processing. I was hoping to make the trip as short as possible.

How long does it take to get the certificate if I just walk in to a local police station somewhere between Windsor and Montreal?

If it takes 3 days or so, Can I apply it in let's say Windsor, And pick it up from Montreal?

(I lived in Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener, Waterloo, Windsor and Ottawa.. Last place before I moved to US was Toronto, if the residency is somehow any requirement for local police)

Just pop into the Windsor Police Station (this is where I got mine)...... there is a form you can fill out online, or in person at the station.... they mail you the results (Clearance) in approx 1-2 weeks (mine was like 8, 9 days...)

As for getting to Montreal with a wee one.... my kids are 9 & 6 and we're planning on taking the train from Windsor.... they can get up and move about, there are available bathrooms, and no worries of finding parking in Montreal....

Good luck & best wishes!!

[fellaamazing 72]

Just pop into the Windsor Police Station (this is where I got mine)...... there is a form you can fill out online, or in person at the station.... they mail you the results (Clearance) in approx 1-2 weeks (mine was like 8, 9 days...)

As for getting to Montreal with a wee one.... my kids are 9 & 6 and we're planning on taking the train from Windsor.... they can get up and move about, there are available bathrooms, and no worries of finding parking in Montreal....

Good luck & best wishes!!

Thanks Christina for helpful tips.

Pop in, and wait for 2 weeks is not an option for me. But I will try to contact them online, and see if they can mail the results to my parents in Windsor, without me ever actually going there.

Since I am single dad, and my son isn't much potty trained, I wouldn't need to worry about frequent bathroom visits. I will be taking my mom with me for help.

The major thing I usually drive, rather than taking train is keeping all the paperwork and things needed in the car, and having mobility anywhere I go.

[fellaamazing 72]

I emailed windsor police yesterday, and contacted them on phone today. They said on the phone that I would have to personally come in.

I will try calling them again on Monday if that specific department is open, and can agree on doing it over the phone.

I asked if my parents can apply for it, and he refused.

[NikLR 13,227]

No you have to sign. That's why you need to go in.

[Kitti 65]

I am in Ottawa , I was able to get it the same day, while I waited. There is only one location that does expedited in this area. I have also been at the same address for 5 years.

[fellaamazing 72]

I am in Ottawa , I was able to get it the same day, while I waited. There is only one location that does expedited in this area. I have also been at the same address for 5 years.

Nice. What location is that?

I can probably stop by there enroute to Montreal. I will also call them. I lived in Ottawa for 3 years. That should count towards something.

[Kitti 65]

Here is the page link. The expedited is only done at their location on 2670 Queensview for an additional charge. It's just off the Queensway at the Pinecrest/Greenbank exit and easy to get to, free parking , but they have a teeny tiny sign on the building.

http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/contact-us/request-a-background-check-or-police-report.asp