Quick answer: The Parole Board of Canada charges $50 to process a record suspension application — reduced from $657.77 effective January 1, 2022. On top of that, you’ll pay for the required supporting documents: an RCMP certified criminal record check (~$50–$100), court disposition records (varies by court), and local police checks ($0–$75 per jurisdiction). Total cost doing it yourself: typically $150–$350. Private pardon services charge $300–$1,500+ for the same application.
Fee Breakdown
| Cost item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Parole Board of Canada application fee | $50 |
| RCMP certified criminal record check (fingerprint-based) | $25 federal fee + $25–$75 fingerprinting service fee |
| Court disposition records (per conviction/jurisdiction) | $10–$60 per court |
| Local police check (per jurisdiction lived in) | $0–$75 per service |
| Registered mail / courier | $15–$30 |
| Total (typical, DIY) | $150–$350 |
If you have convictions in multiple provinces, court document fees multiply. If you’ve lived in many cities, local police check fees add up.
The $50 PBC Application Fee
The Parole Board of Canada reduced its application fee from $657.77 to $50 on January 1, 2022, following government funding to support the program. This was a major accessibility improvement — the old fee was a significant barrier for many applicants.
The $50 fee:
- Is paid by certified cheque or money order payable to the Receiver General for Canada
- Is non-refundable once submitted
- Covers one complete application (all offences in your record are included in one application — you don’t pay per offence)
- Must be included with your mailed application package
Document Costs
RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
Required for the application. Must be fingerprint-based (not name-based) and must declare “record suspension application” as the purpose.
- Federal RCMP processing fee: $25 (not waived for record suspension applications)
- Fingerprinting service fee: $25–$75 depending on provider
- Total: $50–$100
The check must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application.
Court Disposition Records
You need certified copies of court records for every conviction, from every court in every jurisdiction. Fees vary:
- Ontario courts: approximately $10–$30 per court extract
- BC courts: varies by registry
- Federal court / military: contact directly
If you’ve been convicted in multiple provinces, these costs multiply. Allow 2–8 weeks to receive court documents.
Local Police Checks
You need a local police information check from each police service covering places you’ve lived for 6+ months since age 18. Many services offer a specific “local check for pardon purposes.”
Fees range from $0 to $75 per service. Some services waive the fee for this specific use case — ask when you call.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Private Pardon Service
| Approach | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | $150–$350 | PBC guide is free; you gather own documents |
| Private pardon service | $300–$1,500+ | They prepare forms and gather documents for you |
The Parole Board of Canada explicitly states you do not need a lawyer or private service. The official guide covers everything. Many services charge high fees and some make misleading claims — the PBC has a fraud warning page on canada.ca specifically about this.
If you find the paperwork daunting, some non-profit organizations (like the John Howard Society) offer free or low-cost assistance with record suspension applications.
Cannabis Record Suspensions: Free
If your conviction is for simple possession of cannabis (or cannabis combined with certain minor related offences), you may qualify for the Cannabis Record Suspension Program — which costs $0 (no PBC application fee) and follows an expedited process.
See: Cannabis Record Suspension Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
The Parole Board of Canada charges $50 to process a record suspension application — reduced from $657.77 in January 2022. On top of that, you pay for required documents: an RCMP certified criminal record check ($50–$100), court disposition records ($10–$60 per court), and local police checks ($0–$75 per jurisdiction). Total out-of-pocket doing it yourself is typically $150–$350. Private pardon services charge $300–$1,500+ for the same process.
No. The $50 Parole Board of Canada application fee is non-refundable once your application has been submitted. If your application is returned for missing documents, you do not pay again — the same $50 covers the resubmission. If your application is denied, the $50 is not refunded, but you may reapply after 1 year by paying a new $50 fee.
No. You can apply directly to the Parole Board of Canada for free using their official guide and forms at canada.ca. Many private companies advertise record suspension services — while some are legitimate, the PBC warns that they are not required and that some companies make misleading claims or overcharge. Non-profit organizations like the John Howard Society offer free or low-cost assistance if you need help.
Fees are based on Parole Board of Canada published rates as of 2026. Document fees vary by court and police service. Always confirm current fees with the relevant authority.
