RCMP Criminal Background Check - Notarization and Apostille

Notary Public
Jul 1
2 min read

If you're planning to work, study, immigrate, or obtain residency in another country, you may be asked to provide an RCMP Criminal Record Check with an apostille. Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, obtaining an apostille for Canadian documents has become much simpler.

At Affordable Markham Notary Public, we help clients throughout Markham, the Greater Toronto Area, and across Ontario notarize and apostille their RCMP Criminal Record Checks quickly and efficiently.

Provincial Apostille (Ontario)

For most clients in Ontario, a provincial apostille is the fastest and most convenient option (we usually can get this completed within 2 business days). Before your RCMP Criminal Record Check can receive an Ontario apostille, it must first be notarized by an Ontario Notary Public. Once notarized, the document is submitted to Ontario's Official Document Services (ODS) for apostille.

Benefits of a Provincial Apostille

Fast processing, typically within a few business days.
Ideal for most countries that accept Canadian apostilles.
A quicker alternative to the federal process.

If you're on a tight timeline for a visa application, employment overseas, or immigration, the provincial apostille is often the best choice.

Federal Apostille (Global Affairs Canada)

In some situations, a federal apostille through Global Affairs Canada may be appropriate.

When is a federal apostille available?

If your RCMP Criminal Record Check was issued directly by RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa, it may be eligible for federal apostille without first being notarized.

Benefits of a Federal Apostille

No notarization required for qualifying RCMP-issued documents.
May be requested by certain foreign authorities or institutions.
Suitable when a federal-level apostille is specifically required.

Keep in mind that federal processing generally takes significantly longer than the Ontario provincial process, often several weeks.

Which Option Should You Choose?

For most Ontario residents, the Ontario provincial apostille offers the quickest turnaround and is accepted by the vast majority of countries that require an apostille.

However, if your RCMP Criminal Record Check was issued directly by RCMP Headquarters or the receiving country specifically requests a federal apostille, Global Affairs Canada may be the appropriate option.

How Affordable Markham Notary Public Can Help

We make the apostille process simple from start to finish. Our services include:

Notarization of RCMP Criminal Record Checks
Submission for Ontario provincial apostille

Need an RCMP Criminal Record Check Apostilled?

At Affordable Markham Notary Public, we provide fast, reliable, and affordable apostille services for clients in Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Scarborough, Toronto, and throughout Ontario.