Ottawa Police Clearance Certificate Online (CPIC) — No Fingerprints Required
Police Background Check for Ottawa & the National Capital Region (Name-Based CPIC · Canada-Wide Results by Secure Email PDF)
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Name-based CPIC police clearance certificate (no fingerprints) for Ottawa applicants and clients across Canada.
- Canada-wide (including Ottawa & all Ontario/Quebec regions)
- No office visit when fingerprints are not required
- Secure PDF by email after processing
- Often same day / next business day (in many cases)
To start, complete the reCAPTCHA and submit your application below. Many Ottawa requests only need a name-based CPIC check (no fingerprints).
Fingerprints Required?
If your request says “fingerprint-based”, “RCMP certified”, or is for immigration / citizenship, do not submit the name-based form.
- Fingerprint capture: completed in person at our Montreal office
- Best practice: confirm fingerprint requirements before submitting any application
Vulnerable Sector: completed only by your local police service (not offered through this application).
For clarity, review official guidance: RCMP · IRCC – Police Certificates
Important clarification: This page does not offer fingerprint services in Ottawa. If fingerprints are required, they must be completed in person through an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting provider in your area or at our Montreal office if you are in the area, before applying.
Choosing the correct option upfront helps avoid delays, resubmissions, or rejected requests. If your request letter is unclear, ask the requesting organization whether a name-based CPIC is acceptable or if fingerprints are mandatory.
Good to know:
This Ottawa page is for online name-based CPIC police clearance certificates (no fingerprints) used for many standard employment, school, licensing, and general background check requests.
If your request requires fingerprints (for example “fingerprint-based,” “RCMP certified,” immigration/citizenship, or similar wording), do not submit the name-based form. Fingerprinting is completed in person at our Montreal office.
Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Orleans, Barrhaven, and Gatineau applicants can still use the same Canada-wide CPIC process online when fingerprints are not required.
⚠️ Important:
This Ottawa page is for name-based CPIC only (no fingerprints).
If your request requires fingerprints, do not use the online form—book
Montreal fingerprinting.
This Ottawa police clearance certificate page covers a name-based CPIC police background check (no fingerprints) processed through an authorized CPIC channel and accepted across Canada for many standard requests where fingerprints are not required. Applicants in Ottawa, the National Capital Region, and Gatineau can apply online and receive results by secure email (PDF). For Canada-wide details beyond Ottawa, review: Police Clearance Certificate (Canada).
First, Ottawa residents—and clients anywhere in Canada—can obtain a name-based police clearance certificate entirely online with Identification Canada. Additionally, our checks are processed through CPIC for standard requests where fingerprints are not required.
However, if your request does require fingerprints (for immigration, adoption, or a fingerprint-based police certificate), fingerprinting must be completed in person at our Montreal office. Otherwise, you can apply from home—no fingerprints required.
Furthermore, Ottawa-area applicants often use this service for employment screening, federal or contractor onboarding, student placements, licensing, volunteering, or personal records—especially when the request letter does not mention fingerprints.
In addition, applicants in Gatineau or the Outaouais region can still use this Canada-wide name-based CPIC process when fingerprints are not required.
When NOT to use a name-based check
- Specifically, immigration (Canada or the U.S.)
- In addition, Canadian or foreign citizenship (Spain, Australia, Italy, etc.)
- Furthermore, adoption, the Vulnerable Sector, or other legal requests requiring fingerprints
In these cases, please see our Fingerprinting Services (available only in Montreal).
Why choose us
Moreover, the process is fully online—apply in about 5 minutes.
Typically, turnaround is same day or 1–2 business days.
Meanwhile, our checks are accepted Canada-wide by employers and organizations.
Additionally, processing is secure and confidential.
How to apply online
- First, complete the secure form (about 5 minutes).
- Next, upload valid government-issued photo ID.
- Then, we process your request—often the same day.
- Finally, receive your certificate by email as a secure PDF.
Additionally, ensure your name and date of birth match your identification exactly. This helps reduce verification delays and keeps processing smooth for Ottawa requests.
Turnaround & delivery
- Standard: Typically, 1–2 business days
- Express: Additionally, same-day service is available
- Delivery: Consequently, a secure PDF is emailed directly to you
Apply for your certificate today
Therefore, apply online from Ottawa or anywhere in Canada in just minutes. If fingerprints are required, book an in-person visit to our Montreal office.
Need more details? See our FAQs.
U.S. travel note: If you were refused entry to the United States or have a Canadian criminal record, you may also require a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) in addition to your police clearance certificate.
Ottawa Police Clearance – FAQs
Important rule (Ottawa service area): If fingerprints are not required, apply online for a name-based CPIC and receive your certificate by email as a secure PDF. If fingerprints are required, complete in-person fingerprinting at our Montreal office before applying.
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What does “Ottawa service area” mean on a Canada-wide CPIC certificate?
“Ottawa” on this page refers to the service area and local guidance for search intent. When fingerprints are not required, the name-based CPIC process is Canada-wide and results are delivered by secure email (PDF). The service-area label does not change the database searched or the result. -
My employer asked for an “Ottawa police check.” How do I confirm if CPIC (no fingerprints) is acceptable?
Ask the requesting organization whether they accept a name-based CPIC result. If the wording includes fingerprint-based, RCMP certified, biometrics, vulnerable sector, or an immigration/citizenship requirement, fingerprints are typically mandatory. If it’s standard screening with no fingerprint wording, a name-based CPIC is often acceptable. -
Why does the issuing authority mention Charlottetown / RCMP if I’m applying from Ottawa?
This service uses national criminal record databases maintained by the RCMP and is issued by the Charlottetown Police Department through authorized channels. For name-based CPIC checks, your location does not change the database searched or the result; Ottawa is simply the page’s service-area focus. -
What should I do if a form asks for “local police service” screening or a Vulnerable Sector check?
If your request specifically requires local police service screening or Vulnerable Sector, follow those instructions instead of submitting the CPIC name-based form. These request types can have different rules and may require local processing. -
Can I apply from Gatineau or outside Ontario and still use this Ottawa page?
Yes. You can apply from Gatineau or anywhere in Canada. Ottawa is a service-area label only—choose name-based CPIC (no fingerprints) when fingerprints are not required, or complete in-person fingerprinting in Montreal when fingerprints are required. -
How is my Ottawa CPIC certificate delivered, and what should I watch for in my inbox?
When fingerprints are not required, your result is delivered by secure email as a PDF. To avoid missed delivery, ensure your email is typed correctly, monitor spam/junk folders, and watch for secure-message notifications.
Note: These are Ottawa-specific operational questions. For general definitions and service-wide requirements, visit our main FAQs.