How to Prepare a Record Suspension Application in Canada: Documents and Steps

Before collecting documents, review whether you may be eligible. You generally need to have completed all parts of your sentence, including applicable fines, surcharges, restitution, compensation orders, imprisonment, and probation. The waiting period depends on the circumstances and date of the first offence.

Eligibility can be complicated. Review the official PBC eligibility information before relying on this general guide.

Our free Record Suspension Assessment is preliminary only and is not an official eligibility determination.

Start by having your fingerprints taken by an accredited fingerprinting company or a police service that can submit them electronically for a Record Suspension application.

The RCMP will provide your criminal record or, where applicable, a Certification of No Criminal Record. Check the record carefully. If a conviction is missing, you may need Proof of Conviction documents from the relevant court or police service.

For background information, see the RCMP information on managing criminal records.

You need court information for each conviction. Complete the applicant portion of the Court Information Form and provide the relevant documents to each court. The court must complete the section marked “For Court Use Only.”

• All convictions recorded by that court
• The method of trial for each conviction
• Payment information for applicable fines, surcharges, restitution, or compensation
• The court signature and date
• The official court seal or stamp

Use the current official PBC guide and forms for the applicable form instructions.

This step applies only if you are a current or former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. If it applies, follow the PBC instructions for obtaining a certified, signed, and dated Military Conduct Sheet.

You may need a local police records check for your current residence and each city or town where you lived during the last five years for three months or more. Contact each police service to confirm its identification and application requirements.

Check the current official PBC guide for validity and timing requirements before ordering checks.

Prepare a clear photocopy of valid government-issued identification showing your name, date of birth, and signature. Make sure every detail is readable.

This form does not apply to everyone. It is required only in certain circumstances involving a Schedule 1 offence. The requirements depend on the nature and date of the conviction.

If it applies, complete every section and attach additional pages if necessary. Confirm the current requirement in the official PBC forms and guide.

Complete the official form carefully and answer every question. Provide truthful and complete information, sign and date it yourself, and attach extra pages if required.

Use the official PBC application instructions and keep your contact information current during the process.

This form asks you to explain how receiving a Record Suspension would provide a measurable benefit and sustain your rehabilitation as a law-abiding citizen.

Complete all applicable sections. Information should be truthful and consistent with the rest of your application. Missing or inconsistent information can cause delays or a returned application.

The current PBC application processing fee listed in the official information is:

Payment methods and fees may change. Confirm them in the current official PBC instructions before submitting.

Before mailing your application, compare the documents and check the current official guide for required originals, signatures, seals, fees, and address.

• Criminal record or Certification of No Criminal Record
• Proof of Conviction documents, if required
• Court Information Form(s)
• Military Conduct Sheet, if required
• Local Police Records Check Form(s), if required
• Identification photocopy
• Schedule 1 Exception Form, if required
• Record Suspension Application Form
• Measurable Benefit/Sustained Rehabilitation Form
• Application processing fee

Keep a complete copy for your records. Do not rely on an address reproduced in an older article; verify the current submission address in the official PBC guide.

Processing time depends on the offence and circumstances. PBC service standards apply after an application has been accepted as eligible and complete.

Check the current PBC information for applicable standards. Standards are not a guarantee, and incomplete applications may be returned or delayed.