Criminal Record Check Ontario: Everything You Need to Know

Criminal Record Checks in Ontario

Ontario has the largest population in Canada, with numerous police services handling criminal record checks across the province. This guide helps you navigate the options available for obtaining a background check in Ontario.

Types of Criminal Record Checks in Ontario

Police Record Check (Basic)

Searches the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) for criminal convictions. This is the standard check for most employment purposes.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)

An enhanced check required for positions involving vulnerable persons. Includes a search for pardoned sexual offences.

Police Information Check

Some Ontario police services offer this check which may include local police contacts that don't appear in CPIC.

How to Get a Criminal Record Check in Ontario

Option 1: Online Application (Fastest)

Accredited online services offer the quickest route to obtaining your criminal record check.

Steps:

1. Complete online application form
2. Verify your identity digitally
3. Pay the application fee
4. Receive results by email

Advantages:

• Available 24/7
• Results in 15 minutes for clear checks
• No waiting in line
• Accepted across Ontario

Option 2: Local Police Services

Ontario has many municipal police services. Here are the major ones:

Toronto Police Service — see police checks in Toronto

• Apply online at any time, or in person at 40 College Street
• Processing: 7-10 business days, with no rush service
• Cost: $26.72, or free for volunteers with a letter on organization letterhead

York Regional Police — see police checks in Markham and Vaughan

• Serves Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Newmarket
• Processing: 10-15 business days
• Cost: $75 online, $92 in person, $35 for students, free for volunteers

Peel Regional Police — see police checks in Mississauga and Brampton

• Serves Mississauga and Brampton, online only
• Processing: about 10 business days
• Cost: $35, or free with a volunteer agency letter

Ottawa Police Service — see police checks in Ottawa

• Apply online; the service desk is by appointment only
• Processing: 7-10 business days, longer if another police service has to respond
• Cost: $74, or free for volunteers with a letter

Hamilton Police Service — see police checks in Hamilton

• Online application, or in person at Central Station
• Processing: about 14 calendar days for employment checks, about 30 for volunteers
• Cost: $55, plus a $9.95 fee online; free for volunteers with a letter

Option 3: Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)

For areas not covered by municipal police, the OPP handles criminal record checks:

• Apply at your local OPP detachment, or online where the detachment offers it
• Processing times are not published centrally and vary by detachment

Costs for Criminal Record Checks in Ontario

Fees below are the published employment rates, checked September 2026.

Several Ontario services charge less than SafeHire does. The trade-off is time and access: they take 10 business days or more, usually require you to live in their jurisdiction, and some need an in-person visit. A vulnerable sector check cannot be bought from any online provider in Canada — only your local police service can issue one.

Processing Times in Ontario

Processing times vary significantly across Ontario:

• SafeHire: most clear-record checks complete within 15 minutes of payment
• Toronto Police: 7-10 business days
• Peel Regional: about 10 business days
• Ottawa Police: 7-10 business days
• York Regional: 10-15 business days
• Hamilton Police: about 14 calendar days
• OPP: not published; varies by detachment

Required Documents for Ontario

• Valid Ontario driver's license or Ontario Photo Card
• Alternative: Canadian passport or other government ID
• Proof of Ontario address
• Complete address history (5 years)
• Birth certificate (for some services)

Ontario-Specific Requirements

Education Sector

All teachers and education workers in Ontario must complete a criminal background check through the Ontario College of Teachers or their school board.

Healthcare

Healthcare workers typically need an enhanced check through their regulatory college or employer.

Security Industry

Licensed security guards in Ontario must obtain a criminal record check as part of their Ministry licensing requirements.

Real Estate

Ontario real estate agents need a criminal record check for RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) licensing.

Major Cities and Their Police Services

Common Questions About Ontario Criminal Record Checks

Can my employer see pending charges?

Standard criminal record checks show only convictions. Some police information checks may show local police contacts.

Is the check valid across Ontario?

Yes, a criminal record check from any Ontario police service or accredited online service is valid across the province and Canada.

How long is the check valid?

There's no expiration date, but most employers accept checks within 3-6 months. Some sectors require more recent checks.

Can I request my own check?

Yes. In Ontario, you can request your own criminal record check at any time. This is called a "self-request."

What about youth records?

Youth records (offences committed under 18) are generally not disclosed after a specified period under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Get Your Ontario Criminal Record Check Today

Skip the trip to a police station. SafeHire runs your criminal record check online, accepted by employers across Ontario, with most results delivered in as little as 15 minutes.