Only $240 - $420

Ever been arrested and charged with a crime? The police have your information on file – even if the charge(s) were stayed, withdrawn, dismissed or discharged. The same is true if you entered into a peace bond or diversion program.

This information and the corresponding file created are not automatically removed. You now have a non-conviction criminal record.

Don’t let an arrest from the past affect your life today. Apply to have your non-conviction fingerprint file destroyed.

If you have a non-conviction record with the Toronto Police Service, please visit Toronto Police fingerprint destruction for details.

The criminal file destruction process

We immediately contact the arresting police service and submit a file destruction request on your behalf. After the arresting police approve the request, they contact the RCMP’s Identification Services to request the destruction of the non-conviction information from the National Repository of Criminal Records.

How much does a file destruction cost?

Most police services do not charge a fee for this service; however, some have a small fee, typically averaging about $50.

Our fee ranges between $240 - $420 depending on:

• whether or not you have non-convictions records with multiple police services

• disposition of the charge(s)

• if the police charge a service fee

What files and information get destroyed?

All identification documents, including those, submitted to the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records are destroyed.

Your criminal record history that was entered into the CPIC database held at the RCMP Repository is deleted and, most importantly, your FPS number is cancelled.

What’s an FPS number and why is it so important?

FPS stands for Fingerprint Section number and is a unique number assigned to an individual that has been fingerprinted. FPS numbers are shared with the United States and are accessible by US Customs. As part of our file destruction request, we ensure the arresting police service cancels your FPS number.

Will I have to get fingerprinted for a file destruction?

No, RCMP fingerprints are not required. If you’re told fingerprints are required as part of the process, contact us and we’ll submit your request without any unnecessary hassles.

Is there a waiting period before I can apply to have my fingerprints and photographs destroyed?

Yes, some regular timeframes include:

• stay of proceedings: 1 year

• peace bond: after the expiration

• withdrawn, dismissed, acquitted: 1-6 months

• absolute discharge: 1 year

• conditional discharge: 3 years

Each police service sets its own timeframes about when you can apply. The above periods are only general timeframes and do not apply to any specific police service. We will provide accurate details surrounding your specific non-conviction fingerprint destruction timeline.

How long does the RCMP file destruction process take?

The process of eliminating a non-conviction criminal record can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

Why might my fingerprint destruction request be denied?

Applications are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Each police service has its own rules for non-conviction files and has the right to deny any request. Some common reasons include:

• having a criminal conviction on file

• having a charge before the court

• applying before you’re eligible

• being in the public interest to refuse your destruction request

Does the RCMP automatically remove absolute and conditional charges?

Yes, absolute and conditional charges are automatically removed one and three years, respectively, after being sentenced. Because there was a finding of guilt, your fingerprints are not destroyed; rather, they are archived and used only for identification purposes.

Identification includes: crime scene prints; amnesiacs or deceased persons; those making requests under the privacy act or vulnerable sector checks; or other important reasons by the Minister of Public Safety.

A file destruction is still required to ensure the RCMP’s Identification Services has sealed the record, plus the local police have your fingerprints, photos and other important data that can be destroyed.

Is it still worth applying if an incident report remains locally with the arresting police?

Absolutely! Why allow your personal data to remain on file when you don’t have to? You have the chance to have sensitive and embarrassing police information destroyed. While an incident report might be retained only by the arresting police, the most important items, such as photos, fingerprints and FPS numbers, will be permanently destroyed.

If you’ve never been convicted of a crime, you don't deserve a criminal record. Get started now and let us clear your name!