RCMP Criminal Record Check

At a Glance

Used for	National residence card (permanent settlement). May also be requested during citizenship processing. Not required upfront for family cohabitation residence permit or simplified naturalization.
Document type	RCMP certified criminal record check (fingerprint-based)
Apostille issuer	Global Affairs Canada (federal)
Cost	$25 RCMP fee + $50–75 local fingerprinting = ~$75–100 total apostille free
Total timeline	7–9 weeks (assuming no criminal record match)
Notarization needed?	No (using the federal route)

Why the Federal Route

The RCMP criminal record check is a federal document. BC Authentication can only verify a BC notary's signature on a copy — they can't verify the RCMP signatory on the original.

Since Hungary is an Apostille Convention member, the cleanest path is a federal apostille from Global Affairs Canada directly on the original RCMP document. This is also free. GAC has confirmed that RCMP CRCs do not need notarization as long as they bear the Director General's signature and official RCMP dry seal.

If the Hungarian authorities tell you they specifically want something different, there is a BC alternative route (notarized copy → BC apostille). Ask them first if unsure.

Step-by-Step

Get fingerprinted

You need a fingerprint-based criminal record check, not a name-based police information check. Use digital fingerprinting (not ink) — digital submissions process in days, ink submissions can take months.

RCMP-accredited companies near you:

Global Fingerprinting Services Canada Ltd — 909-470 Granville St, Vancouver
RKT Fingerprinting Services Inc. — 201-6330 Fraser St, Vancouver
The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires — 600-595 Howe St, Vancouver
Kingsway Global Services Group Ltd. — 316-4538 Kingsway, Burnaby

Ask for fingerprints for a "Certified Criminal Record Check for use outside Canada." Local fingerprinting typically costs $50–75.

Timeline: 1–3 days to book and complete.

Submit to the RCMP

If using an accredited company with digital submission, they typically submit directly to the RCMP electronically — ask them about this. Otherwise, mail the completed fingerprint form to CCRTIS in Ottawa:

Completed fingerprint form (C-216C)
Payment of $25 (cheque, money order, or credit card form — payable to "Receiver General for Canada")
A cover letter stating the purpose: criminal record check for use in Hungary

RCMP Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services
PO Box 8885, Ottawa, ON K1G 3M8

Processing time (no criminal record match): 3 business days or less, plus mail time (~1–2 weeks total). Digital fingerprint submissions are fastest. If there IS a record match, processing jumps to up to 120 business days — but this shouldn't apply to you.

RCMP contact for status inquiries: CCRTIS-SCICTR@rcmp-grc.gc.ca / 613-998-6362

Receive the CRC

The RCMP mails back the certified criminal record check. Keep the original — you'll send it to Global Affairs Canada next.

Submit to Global Affairs Canada for apostille

Complete the GAC Authentication Request form via their triage portal. Then mail the original CRC along with:

Completed Authentication Request form
A self-addressed stamped envelope or prepaid courier shipping label for return (no account-number waybills — must be prepaid labels only)

Global Affairs Canada
Authentication Services Section
2421 Lancaster Road
Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5

Fee	Free
Processing	~20 business days (4 weeks)
Drop-off	Mon–Fri 8am–4pm (no in-person consultation)

Receive the apostilled CRC

GAC returns the original with a riveted apostille certificate. This is now internationally recognized — no embassy legalization step needed for Hungary.

Get it translated into Hungarian

Have the apostilled document translated by a sworn/certified Hungarian translator. Options:

OFFI (Orszagos Fordito es Forditashitelesito Iroda) in Hungary — the official translation office. Universally accepted by Hungarian authorities. This is the easiest route if you'll be in Hungary.
A sworn Hungarian translator in Canada, if you can find one.

Confirm with Hungarian authorities whether they require OFFI specifically, or accept any sworn translator.