Criminal Record Check New Brunswick: How to Apply in 2026
Quick Answer: New Brunswick residents apply for criminal record checks through their local RCMP detachment or one of three municipal police services — Saint John Police Force, Fredericton Police Force, or Codiac Regional RCMP in the Moncton area. Most of rural New Brunswick is policed by the RCMP. Two types of checks are available: a name-based check (using your name and date of birth) or a fingerprint-based certified criminal record check (for immigration, security clearances, and record suspension applications).
Which Police Service Covers You in New Brunswick?
| Area | Police service |
|---|---|
| Saint John | Saint John Police Force |
| Fredericton | Fredericton Police Force |
| Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe | Codiac Regional RCMP |
| All other areas | New Brunswick RCMP (various detachments) |
The most common error with criminal record checks in New Brunswick is applying for the wrong type. Name-based checks — issued by your local police service — are sufficient for most employment and volunteer purposes. But immigration, citizenship, record suspension, and security clearance applications require a fingerprint-based certified criminal record check processed through the RCMP’s national repository in Ottawa. Applying for the wrong type means starting the process over from scratch. Read the requesting organization’s letter carefully before you visit your police station — it will specify which type is required.
How Criminal Record Checks Work in New Brunswick
The RCMP in New Brunswick processes two types of checks:
Name-based criminal record check: Processed using your name and date of birth against the CPIC system. This is the most common type for employment and volunteering. Applied for at your local police service or RCMP detachment.
Certified criminal record check (fingerprint-based): Required when a name-based check cannot definitively confirm your identity, or when specifically requested for immigration, citizenship, security clearance, or record suspension applications. Processed through the RCMP’s CCRTIS in Ottawa.
How to Apply — Saint John
Saint John Police Force processes criminal record checks for Saint John residents. Contact them directly or visit their website for current application procedures, hours, and fees.
Saint John Police Force also provides records check information for persons applying for a record suspension (formerly pardon).
How to Apply — Fredericton
Fredericton Police Force processes checks for Fredericton residents. Apply in person or check their website for online options.
How to Apply — Moncton Area
Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe are served by Codiac Regional RCMP — an integrated police service covering the greater Moncton area. Apply through Codiac RCMP for your criminal record check. Check their website for current procedures and hours.
How to Apply — Rural New Brunswick (RCMP)
Rural New Brunswick residents apply at their nearest RCMP detachment. The RCMP provides both name-based police information checks and fingerprint-based certified checks.
For most rural residents, your nearest detachment is your starting point. Bring two pieces of valid government-issued ID (at least one with a photo).
Fingerprinting in New Brunswick
For fingerprint-based certified criminal record checks (immigration, citizenship, security clearances, record suspension applications), New Brunswick residents can use:
Fredericton:
- The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires — 440-500 Beaverbrook Crt
Moncton:
- The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires — 120-272 St George St
- The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires — 104-910 Main St (second location)
Saint John:
- The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires — 160 Mark Dr
For the full national directory: Where to Get Fingerprinted for a Criminal Record Check in Canada
Fingerprinting turnaround time depends on whether your provider submits electronically or by ink and mail. Electronic submissions to the RCMP’s national repository in Ottawa take approximately 3 business days. Ink-based submissions sent by mail can take up to 120 business days. If you’re on a deadline for an immigration application or record suspension, confirm before booking that your fingerprinting provider submits electronically — not all do. The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires generally offers electronic submission; verify when booking.
Fees in New Brunswick
Fees vary by police service and check type. The RCMP does not set local fees — these are determined by each service. General ranges:
- Standard name-based check: $20–$60
- Fingerprint-based certified check: $25 federal fee + $25–$75 fingerprinting service fee
- Volunteer check: federal $25 fee waived with qualifying volunteer letter
Contact your specific police service for current fees.
Name-based police information checks are not accepted for immigration, citizenship, record suspension, or most security clearance applications. These all require the fingerprint-based certified criminal record check processed through RCMP Ottawa. If you arrive at the police station with the wrong request, you’ll need to start the process again — including a second fee and a new appointment for fingerprinting. Always read the requesting organization’s letter before applying, and bring it with you to your appointment.
You apply at your current jurisdiction — your local police service or RCMP detachment in New Brunswick. The CPIC database is national. Your current police service queries your full criminal record from across Canada, regardless of which province previous incidents occurred in. You do not need to contact other provinces, former municipalities, or past jurisdictions separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply at your local police service or RCMP detachment. Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton (Codiac RCMP) have their own services; all other residents use the nearest RCMP detachment.
The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires has offices in Fredericton (500 Beaverbrook Crt), Moncton (272 St George St and 910 Main St), and Saint John (160 Mark Dr). RCMP detachments also offer fingerprinting.
Name-based checks typically take 1-5 business days at your local service. Fingerprint-based certified checks processed through the RCMP in Ottawa take 3-120 business days depending on method.
A fingerprint-based certified criminal record check from the RCMP is valid nationally. Name-based police information checks are issued by local services and may not be accepted in all jurisdictions.
Procedures and fees may change. Verify current requirements with your local police service before applying.
