How to get a police certificate: United States

If you need to give your fingerprints for a police certificate, this isn’t the same as giving your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for an application.

Name of the document you need

Identity History Summary issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Police certificate and IRCC requirements

You must provide a police certificate when you apply for:

  • permanent residence
  • citizenship
  • some temporary residence programs

Check your application package or instructions for details.

How to apply

You can request an Identity History Summary from the FBI online.

Contact information

FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Attention: Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306
USA

FBI Website

Page details

2025-06-17