The answer to this question depends on what type of criminal record check you have and what the recipient abroad has requested. 

The basic “name and date of birth” based criminal record check that is issued at a local police department must be notarized before going through the apostille process. The “RCMP certified criminal record check” with fingerprints does not need notarization if going through Global Affairs Canada for the apostille. However, if the “RCMP certified criminal record check” with fingerprints can go through the provincial apostille office, it would first require notarization.

Be careful because not all countries accept name based criminal record checks. You should check with the recipient abroad as to which one they want. If your destination country is not an apostille signatory country, you should also check with the embassy or consulate involved as they may have their own requirements in regards to the format of the criminal record check.

Contact our friendly staff to clarify whether your criminal record check needs to first be notarized before apostille, or authentication and legalization.