How to Check Your Own Criminal Record in Canada

Why Check Your Own Criminal Record?

Running a criminal record check on yourself before an employer does is one of the smartest moves you can make during a job search. Many Canadians are surprised by what appears on their record, and finding out during the hiring process can cost you the job.

Benefits of Checking Your Own Record First

No Surprises During Hiring

Employers often run background checks as a final step before extending a job offer. Discovering an unexpected issue at this stage can be devastating. Checking your own record first lets you know exactly what they will see.

Time to Address Issues

If something concerning appears on your record, you have time to research your options. You might be eligible for a record suspension, or you may find that an old charge was never properly resolved.

Prepare Your Explanation

If you have a criminal record, knowing exactly what appears allows you to prepare a thoughtful explanation for potential employers. Being upfront about your past often works in your favour.

Verify Accuracy

Errors do occur in criminal databases. Names can be confused, charges may be incorrectly recorded, or old matters may still appear when they should not. A self-check lets you identify and correct errors before they affect your job prospects.

How to Check Your Criminal Record in Canada

Method 1: Online (Fastest and Most Convenient)

The quickest way to check your own record is through an accredited online criminal record check service.

Steps:

1. Visit an accredited provider
2. Complete the application with your personal information
3. Verify your identity through the secure process
4. Pay the application fee ($50-70)
5. Receive your results via email

Turnaround Time: 15 minutes to 24 hours for most applicants

What You Need:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or provincial ID)
• Your current address and address history
• Date of birth and legal name

Method 2: Local Police Station

You can request a criminal record check at your local police station or RCMP detachment.

Steps:

1. Visit during business hours with government ID
2. Complete the application form
3. Pay the applicable fee ($25-85 depending on location)
4. Wait for processing

Turnaround Time: 1 to 8 weeks depending on your location and the volume of requests

Method 3: Canadian Background Check

For the most comprehensive check, or if you need an official document for immigration or international purposes, you can request a Canadian Background Check.

Steps:

1. Get your fingerprints taken at an accredited location
2. Submit the fingerprint form and payment to the RCMP
3. Wait for processing

Turnaround Time: 3 to 10 business days

What Will Appear on Your Criminal Record Check

Information That WILL Appear

Criminal Convictions

All convictions for summary and indictable offences appear on a standard criminal record check. This includes:

• Theft, fraud, and property crimes
• Assault and violent offences
• Drug offences
• Impaired driving (DUI/DWI) convictions
• Any other Criminal Code convictions

Outstanding Charges

Any charges currently before the courts will appear, even if you have not been convicted.

Warrants

Active warrants for your arrest will be flagged.

Peace Bonds and Prohibition Orders

Court-ordered conditions may appear on your record.

Information That Will NOT Appear

Pardoned Offences

If you have received a record suspension (formerly called a pardon), those convictions are removed from the standard check. Exception: pardoned sexual offences may appear on vulnerable sector checks.

Withdrawn or Dismissed Charges

Charges that did not result in conviction do not appear.

Acquittals

If you were found not guilty, this does not appear on your record.

Absolute Discharges

Removed from your record after 1 year.

Conditional Discharges

Removed from your record after 3 years.

Provincial Offences

Traffic tickets, bylaw violations, and other provincial matters do not appear.

Youth Records

Records from offences committed as a youth are generally sealed and do not appear on adult criminal record checks.

Understanding Your Results

Clear Record

If your check comes back clear, it means no criminal convictions were found in the CPIC database associated with your name and date of birth. This is what most employers want to see.

Record Found

If convictions appear, your results will list:

• The offence(s)
• The date of conviction
• The court location
• The sentence received

Manual Review Required

Sometimes a check requires manual review by police. This typically happens when:

• There is a common name requiring verification
• There are records that need clarification
• Additional verification is needed

Manual review usually adds 3-5 business days to processing time.

What If You Have a Criminal Record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from employment. Many Canadians with records find meaningful work every day.

Know Your Rights

Under Canadian human rights law, employers cannot discriminate based on a pardoned offence. Additionally, in many provinces, employers can only consider criminal records that are directly relevant to the job duties.

Consider a Record Suspension

If you have old convictions, you may be eligible to apply for a record suspension. This removes your record from standard background checks and can significantly improve your employment prospects.

Be Prepared to Discuss

If asked about your record, honesty is usually the best approach. Focus on:

• What you learned from the experience
• How you have changed since then
• Why it will not affect your job performance

Focus on Relevant Experience

Build a strong resume that emphasizes your skills, qualifications, and recent positive references. A criminal record is just one factor employers consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to check my own criminal record?

Yes, absolutely. Anyone can request a criminal record check on themselves at any time. It is a smart practice before starting a job search.

Will an employer know if I checked my own record first?

No. Your self-check is completely private. Employers only see the results of checks they request directly.

How often should I check my record?

We recommend checking your record before any major job search and annually if you work in a field requiring regular background checks.

Can I dispute incorrect information on my record?

Yes. If you find errors, you can contact the police service or the RCMP to request a correction. Having documentation ready (court records, discharge papers, etc.) will help speed up the process.

Do all employers run criminal record checks?

Not all employers require background checks, but they are common in healthcare, education, finance, government, and positions involving vulnerable populations or access to sensitive information.

What if I cannot remember if I have a record?

This is more common than you might think. Old charges from years ago, matters you thought were resolved, or incidents from your youth may or may not appear. The only way to know for certain is to run a check on yourself.

Check Your Record Today

Do not let your past catch you off guard during a job search. Run a criminal record check on yourself and know exactly what employers will see. SafeHire provides fast, confidential criminal record checks with results in as little as 15 minutes.