Grimsby & Niagara Region
Grimsby Fingerprinting FAQs
Everything you need to know about our fingerprinting services for Grimsby and the Niagara Region. Call 289-797-1313 to book.
Appointments & Process
- Is an appointment required?
- Yes — all fingerprinting services are by appointment only. We do not accept walk-ins. You can book online or call us directly at 289-797-1313.
- How long does the appointment take?
- The fingerprinting itself typically takes 10–20 minutes for digital (CCRTIS) and up to 30 minutes for Ink & Roll. Please allow a little extra time for check-in and paperwork.
- What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- Please bring two (2) original government-issued photo IDs to your appointment — this is required for CCRTIS digital fingerprinting and your appointment cannot proceed without them. If you have received instructions from the IRCC, your employer, or your lawyer, please print and bring those as well.
- Can I walk in without an appointment?
- No. All services require a scheduled appointment in advance. This ensures we can give you dedicated, accurate service. Book online or call us to find a convenient time.
- How do I book an appointment?
- You can book online via our booking page (fastest) or call our office directly at 289-797-1313. Appointments are available Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturdays by appointment.
Services & Results
- What types of fingerprinting do you offer?
- We offer both digital (LiveScan / CCRTIS) and Ink & Roll civil fingerprinting for: Canadian Citizenship & Permanent Residency (PR), Employment (Federal, Police, Provincial, Private Industry), Record Suspension (Pardon) Applications, Vulnerable Sector Checks, USA FBI Clearance (FD-258 card), International Police Clearance, Adoption, Name Change, Visa & Foreign Travel, Privacy Act Requests & US Waivers.
- What is the difference between digital and Ink & Roll fingerprinting?
- Digital fingerprinting (LiveScan/CCRTIS) captures your prints electronically and transmits them directly to the RCMP database — it's faster and more accurate. Ink & Roll uses traditional ink on paper cards, which is required for certain applications such as FBI clearances or international police certificates.
- How long does it take to receive my results from the RCMP?
- Processing time is typically 1–4 weeks through regular mail, assuming there is no match in the RCMP database. If a match is found, results may take up to 2–120 days depending on the complexity of the record. Digital transmission is faster than ink submissions.
- Do you offer on-site or mobile fingerprinting?
- Yes — we offer mobile fingerprinting for businesses, organizations, HR departments, law firms, and groups throughout the Niagara Region and Hamilton area. Pricing is based on location and group size. Contact us for a custom quote.
- What is CCRTIS?
- CCRTIS stands for Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services, maintained by the RCMP. As an accredited agency, we transmit digital fingerprints directly and securely to this system, ensuring your results are processed accurately and efficiently.
Accreditation & Trust
- Are you RCMP accredited?
- Yes. Defend-it Fingerprinting Services is a federally accredited private fingerprinting company approved by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). You can verify our accreditation on the RCMP website.
- Is my personal information kept private?
- Absolutely. We handle all fingerprint data with strict confidentiality in compliance with Canadian federal privacy regulations. Your personal information is never shared beyond what is required to complete your specific service.
- Who operates this service?
- Defend-it Fingerprinting Services operates this physical Grimsby appointment office within Benchmark Legal Offices. Our team provides professional, accurate and confidential fingerprinting service by appointment.
Location & Hours
- Where are you located?
- Appointments are held at our physical Grimsby office within Benchmark Legal Offices. It is convenient for clients from Grimsby, Beamsville, Lincoln, Vineland, west St. Catharines, Winona and Stoney Creek.
- What are your hours of operation?
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday: By appointment only. Please call or book online in advance.
- Do you serve areas outside Grimsby?
- Yes. Clients from Beamsville, Lincoln, Vineland, west St. Catharines, Winona and Stoney Creek can book at our Grimsby appointment office for the digital and Ink & Roll fingerprinting services listed on this site.