Fingerprinting in Perth: A Complete 2026 Guide to Fingerprinting Services, Costs & Appointments

Navigating the fingerprinting process in Perth on your own can be challenging, especially when you are unsure which process to follow, which fingerprinting method to choose or which form is required by a specific authority. Using the wrong form or submitting fingerprints in an incorrect format can lead to delays or the need to repeat the process.

In such cases, working with a reliable fingerprinting provider like Globeia can help you understand the requirements and complete your application correctly. From identifying the right fingerprinting method and documents to understanding costs and submission requirements, the right guidance can make the process much smoother.

In this blog, learn when fingerprinting is required in Perth, how the process works, where to get fingerprinted, which documents you need, what it costs, and how Globeia can help with FBI, RCMP and international fingerprinting services.

For Perth residents, fingerprinting is often associated with overseas police clearances, international job opportunities, visa applications and certain regulated licences. It can be particularly relevant to w moving between countries, Australians returning after years abroad and international professionals joining Western Australia's mining and energy industries. However, fingerprinting is not automatically required for these situations; the need depends on the requesting authority and the type of check.

FIFO, Mining and Energy Workers

Perth is a major hub for Western Australia's resources industry, and many workers travel internationally for mining, engineering, oil and gas, and offshore projects. If you are a FIFO worker, engineer or tradesperson accepting an overseas contract, your employer or the destination country's authorities may request a fingerprint-based police clearance before you can begin work.

Similarly, workers returning from overseas projects in countries such as Canada, South Africa, Indonesia or Papua New Guinea may need a foreign police certificate for a new role, visa or professional registration. Whether fingerprints are necessary depends on the issuing country's requirements.

Returning Australians and Overseas Police Clearances

Australians returning to Perth after living, working or studying overseas may need police certificates from countries where they previously resided. These documents can be required for immigration, employment, professional registration or certain WA licensing applications.

For example, someone who worked overseas for several years may need a police clearance from that country before applying for a regulated role in Western Australia. If fingerprints are required to verify their identity or issue the certificate, they can arrange fingerprinting in Australia through the appropriate service.

International Visas and Background Checks 

Perth residents applying for overseas work visas, permanent residency or citizenship may need to complete a foreign criminal-history check. Depending on the country and application, this could involve an FBI Identity History Summary, a Canadian criminal record check through the RCMP, or a police clearance from another country.

Each authority may specify a different fingerprint card, collection method or submission procedure. Applicants should confirm these requirements before booking, particularly when applying from Australia for a check issued overseas. 

Identity Verification and Record-Matching Issues

Some applicants may need fingerprinting when personal details alone are insufficient for an authority to confidently identify them. This can arise when records involve a common name, a previous surname, spelling variations or identity documents issued in different countries.

Fingerprint-based verification can help the relevant authority distinguish between individuals with similar personal details. However, fingerprints do not replace the need to provide the correct identification, application forms and supporting documents.

The key is to identify exactly what the requesting authority needs before arranging an appointment. Confirm whether you need ink fingerprints, digital capture or a particular fingerprint card, and check the submission instructions. This is especially important for international applications, where using the wrong format can lead to delays or having to repeat the process.

Although both checks can be used to assess a person’s criminal history, they use different methods to verify identity. A National Police Check searches Australian police records using details such as your name, aliases and date of birth. Fingerprinting, on the other hand, uses your unique fingerprints to provide a higher level of identity verification.

National Police Check

A National Police Check is commonly used for employment, volunteering, licensing and professional accreditation. It searches relevant Australian police records and provides any disclosable criminal history in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The application is often completed online, making it a convenient option when an organisation simply requests a standard police check.

Fingerprint Check

A fingerprint check compares your fingerprints against relevant criminal record databases. Because fingerprints are unique, this method can help distinguish between people with similar names or dates of birth and provide greater certainty about an individual’s identity.

Fingerprint checks may be required for certain visa and immigration applications, overseas police clearances, adoption processes, security-sensitive positions and other situations where an organisation specifically requests biometric verification.

National Police Check vs Fingerprint Check

Which Check Do You Need?

If an employer, licensing authority or organisation simply asks for a National Police Check or National Police Certificate, a standard name- and date-of-birth-based check will generally be appropriate.

If the requesting authority specifically asks for a fingerprint check, biometric check or fingerprint-based police clearance, you will need to complete the fingerprinting process instead.

The requirements can vary depending on the purpose of the check and the organisation requesting it. Before applying, confirm exactly which type of check is required, as choosing the wrong service may result in additional costs or delays.

Also Check: How Does Fingerprinting Work?

Finding the right place for fingerprinting in Perth depends on why you need it. If you are applying for an overseas police clearance, an FBI or RCMP criminal record check, or a visa-related document, you may need a specialist provider who can capture fingerprints in the format accepted by the requesting authority. Other situations, such as certain WA security licence applications or South African police-clearance applications, have their own designated processes.

Here are the main options to consider.

1. Specialised Fingerprinting Providers

For international police clearances and background checks, specialised fingerprinting providers are often the most practical starting point. They can help with ink-rolled fingerprints, specific fingerprint cards and other requirements for overseas applications.

Specialist providers may also assist with country-specific requirements, helping applicants establish which fingerprint card or collection method is needed before submitting their documents.

2. Mobile Fingerprinting Services

If you work FIFO, have a busy schedule or would prefer not to travel to an office, a mobile fingerprinting service may be a convenient alternative. Depending on the provider, a trained associate can visit an agreed location, such as your home, workplace or hotel.

For example, Globeia offers mobile fingerprinting in Perth for FBI background checks, RCMP criminal record checks and other international clearances.

Before booking a mobile appointment, confirm the service area, travel fees, required documents and whether the provider can accommodate the fingerprint format specified by your receiving authority.

3. Western Australia Police Force

The Western Australia Police Force collects fingerprints and palm prints for certain WA security-licensing and other designated processes. However, these services are separate from international fingerprinting requirements and do not replace the fingerprint collection and submission procedures for checks such as the FBI Identity History Summary or an RCMP criminal record check.

If you need fingerprints for an overseas application, do not assume your local police station can complete the required forms. Check the relevant authority’s instructions first and use its nominated provider, embassy, consulate or an appropriate specialist fingerprinting service.

4. South African Honorary Consulate in Perth

If you need fingerprinting for a South African Police Service police clearance or a related South African passport application, the South African Honorary Consulate in Perth is another option to investigate.

The Consulate provides fingerprinting for relevant South African applications by appointment. Contact it in advance at saconsulwa@gmail.com to confirm availability, required documents and the current procedure. Note that collecting fingerprints is separate from processing the underlying police-clearance application.

5. Notary Services

A notary public may also be needed if your application requires document notarisation or certification. However, not every notary provides fingerprint collection, and notarisation does not automatically make fingerprints acceptable to an overseas authority. Confirm both services separately before booking.

For international fingerprinting in Perth, a specialised provider is often the most suitable starting point because the process can involve country-specific fingerprint cards, collection methods and submission instructions. However, the best option ultimately depends on the authority requesting your fingerprints.

Once you know that a fingerprint-based check is required, the next step is understanding how the process works. The procedure can vary depending on whether you need fingerprints for an overseas police clearance, visa application, employment, licensing or another purpose. However, most fingerprinting appointments in Perth follow a similar process.

1. Check the Fingerprinting Requirements

Start by reviewing the instructions provided by the organisation requesting your fingerprints. Pay close attention to the required format. Some overseas authorities accept only ink-rolled fingerprints on a designated card, while others require fingerprints to be captured electronically.

If you are applying for an Australian visa, follow the biometric instructions provided by the Department of Home Affairs and attend the designated collection location if instructed.

2. Book a Fingerprinting Appointment

After confirming the requirements, book an appointment with a fingerprinting provider that offers the service you need. Depending on the provider, appointments may be available at a fixed location or through a mobile fingerprinting service.

Before booking, check:

• Whether they accept the fingerprint card or form you have been given
• What identification you need to bring
• The current service fee
• Appointment availability
• Whether the completed fingerprints will be returned to you or submitted on your behalf

Choosing a provider familiar with international fingerprinting requirements can be particularly useful when your fingerprints are being collected for an overseas authority.

3. Attend the Fingerprinting Appointment

At the appointment, the fingerprinting technician will first verify your identity and review the relevant application documents. Your fingerprints will then be captured using the required method.

For fingerprinting in Perth, the technician applies ink to your fingers and carefully rolls each finger onto the designated fingerprint card. The impressions are checked to ensure they are clear and complete.

4. Bring the Correct Documents

Having the right documents can help prevent delays or the need to repeat your appointment. Depending on your application, you may need:

• A valid passport or accepted photo identification
• The fingerprint card supplied by the requesting authority
• An application or reference number
• A request letter or authorisation document
• Visa or immigration paperwork
• Passport photographs, if specified
• Payment for the fingerprinting service

If your application requires a particular fingerprint card, bring the original card provided by the relevant authority. Do not assume that a standard fingerprint card can be substituted.

5. Complete the Fingerprint Submission

What happens after your fingerprints are captured depends on the application.For visa or immigration biometrics, the designated collection centre follows the submission process specified by the relevant government department.

6. Allow Time for Processing

Once your fingerprints have been submitted, processing times depend on the organisation conducting the check and the purpose of the application. International police clearances and fingerprint-based background checks may take longer than standard online checks.

For this reason, check the expected processing time before making travel, employment or visa arrangements. If your application has a deadline, allow additional time for fingerprint collection, postage and processing.

Also Read: How Long Does an FBI Background Check Take: Processing Times Explained

When fingerprints are needed for an overseas application, getting the right impressions on the correct form is just as important as completing the rest of your paperwork. Globeia offers international fingerprinting services in Perth for applicants who need fingerprints for overseas police checks, immigration, visas, licensing, employment and other international background-verification requirements.

Globeia’s mobile fingerprinting service is designed to make the process more convenient for applicants across Perth. Instead of travelling to a fingerprinting office, you can arrange for a trained associate to meet you at a suitable location, such as your home, workplace, hotel or another agreed address.

Globeia’s services include:

• Mobile fingerprinting: Arrange an appointment at your home, workplace, hotel or another agreed location in Perth.
• Country-specific fingerprint cards: Fingerprints can be captured on the required cards and forms, such as FD-258, FD-1164 or C-216C, depending on the application.
• On-site quality checks: Fingerprint impressions can be checked during the appointment, with retakes where needed to help reduce the risk of unclear prints.
• Letter of Identity verification: The letter records details such as the person fingerprinted, the associate who conducted the appointment, and the date and location of collection. It serves as supporting documentation that Globeia checked your identity and collected the fingerprints according to its stated procedures.
• Submission coordination: Support with coordinating submissions through Globeia’s US office for FBI checks and Canadian office for RCMP checks, depending on the applicable process.
• Additional application support: Tracking, delivery coordination, and apostille, authentication or translation assistance may be available depending on the service selected.

Globeia supports fingerprinting for FBI Identity History Summary Checks, RCMP criminal record checks and other overseas applications, subject to the receiving authority’s requirements. Before booking, confirm the required fingerprint card or format, identification documents, and submission procedure to ensure the service matches your application.

Contact Globeia to find the right fingerprinting solution for your needs.

The cost of fingerprinting in Perth can vary depending on the type of service you need. A basic fingerprinting appointment may cost less than a complete international police-check package, while mobile appointments and additional services such as courier delivery or document verification may affect the final price.

What Can Affect the Cost?

When comparing fingerprinting costs in Perth, consider what is included in the quoted price. A basic fingerprinting service may cover only the collection of your fingerprints, while an international background-check package can include additional steps such as application processing, document handling, courier delivery and submission to an overseas authority.

For example, an FBI background check package may include fingerprint collection, submission support, tracking and delivery in addition to the fingerprinting appointment itself. Government processing fees may be separate when you arrange the fingerprinting service independently, whereas they may be incorporated into a package price.

For an RCMP criminal record check, the overall cost can include fingerprinting in Perth, fees charged by the Canadian RCMP-accredited processing company, the applicable RCMP processing fee and courier charges. The RCMP federal processing fee is currently C$25, separate from other service costs.

Check the Total Price Before Booking

The cheapest fingerprinting option is not necessarily the lowest overall cost if you also need international processing, courier services or assistance with your application. Before booking, check whether the quoted price includes mobile travel, government fees, fingerprint cards, document handling, submission and courier delivery.

For an accurate price, confirm your destination country and the type of fingerprint-based check you need, then review the complete service cost before making your appointment.

Also Read: How Much Does Fingerprinting Cost in UK in 2026?

Getting fingerprinted in Perth does not have to be a complicated process when you understand the requirements beforehand. From preparing the correct forms, identification and supporting documents, each application may have specific requirements depending on the requesting authority.

Whether you need fingerprints for an FBI or RCMP check, an overseas police clearance, visa or immigration application, employment or licensing requirement, checking the requirements before your appointment can help avoid unnecessary delays and repeat submissions.