Access to your own record information

Privacy Act Requests

Electronic fingerprinting for individuals requesting access to their own criminal-record information held by the RCMP under the Privacy Act.

Application types covered

Privacy Act Request

A Privacy Act request is a route to personal access: it returns the criminal-record information the RCMP holds about you, to you. It is not a substitute for the certified criminal record check required for employment, immigration, a legal name change, a record suspension or travel. If the organization asking for your fingerprints needs one of those, tell us the purpose when you book so the transaction is submitted under the correct application type — a Privacy Act result will not satisfy that requirement.

The federal fee for this purpose

The RCMP waives its $25 federal fee for a Privacy Act request, so no federal fee is payable. Acuity’s $60 service fee still applies. The request itself is made to the RCMP under the Privacy Act; Acuity captures and submits the fingerprints that support it.

The federal fee is set by the RCMP, not by Acuity, and is passed through at cost. GST does not apply to the service fee. We confirm the fee that applies to you against your request letter before your appointment.

See the full fee breakdown

What to bring

Two pieces of valid, original government-issued identification
At least one identification document containing a photograph
Your fingerprint request letter, instructions or file number
Name and address of the organization receiving the result

See the full checklist

Processing times

Processing times are set by the RCMP, not by Acuity. Where fingerprints do not match a criminal record, processing may take three business days or less. Applications requiring manual processing, or involving a possible match, may take approximately 120 business days. Mailing time is additional. Acuity Fingerprint Solutions does not control processing or delivery times.

Note — These processing times apply only to the RCMP criminal-record-check component. They do not include mailing time or processing by IRCC, the Parole Board of Canada, a foreign government, an employer, a licensing body or another requesting organization.

Official guidance

Requirements are set by the organization that asked for your fingerprints and can change without notice. Where their letter or instructions differ from anything on this page, follow their instructions, and bring the letter to your appointment so we can submit the transaction the way they need it.

These links open official government websites, which Acuity does not operate or control.

Acuity Fingerprint Solutions Inc. is an RCMP-accredited affiliate fingerprinting company. Electronic fingerprint transactions are securely submitted to CCRTIS through an RCMP-accredited Direct Connect agency.

Questions

Privacy Act Requests — frequently asked

The questions we are asked most often about this application type. Where your request letter says something different, follow the letter and bring it with you.

Can I use a Privacy Act result for employment, immigration or travel?

No. A Privacy Act request returns the criminal-record information the RCMP holds about you, to you. It is not a substitute for the certified criminal record check required for employment, immigration, a legal name change, a record suspension or travel — a Privacy Act result will not satisfy those requirements. Tell us the purpose when you book so the transaction is submitted under the correct application type.

Is there a federal fee for a Privacy Act request?

No. The RCMP waives its $25 federal fee for a Privacy Act request, so no federal fee is payable. Acuity’s $60 service fee still applies.

Do you keep my fingerprints?

Fingerprint data is not stored in this website, our booking system or any customer-relationship or marketing platform. Capture and secure handling take place only within our restricted work area, and records are retained only as required for the transaction.

What identification do I need to bring?

Two pieces of valid, original government-issued identification, at least one of which shows your photograph. Photocopies, scans and photographs of documents cannot be accepted. Requirements are set by the receiving agency and are confirmed against current training material.