How to Get a Criminal Record Check in Canada

Getting a criminal record check in Canada is straightforward. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining your background check online.

Overview

A criminal record check searches the RCMP Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database to determine if you have any criminal convictions. In Canada, you can obtain a criminal record check either in person at a police station or online through authorized providers.

Online checks are faster, more convenient, and accepted by employers, landlords, and organizations across Canada. Most online checks are completed within 15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Process

1

Gather Required Information

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or PR card)
  • 5 years of address history
  • Your date of birth and current contact information
  • A credit card for payment
2

Complete the Online Application

Fill out the online form with your personal information. This includes:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth and gender
  • Current and previous addresses
  • Email and phone number

The form typically takes 3-5 minutes to complete. Make sure all information matches your government-issued ID exactly.

3

Pay the Fee

Criminal record check fees vary by provider and service level:

  • Standard processing: Competitive pricing
  • Rush service: Additional $10 for priority processing

Payment is processed securely through Stripe. Most major credit cards are accepted.

4

Verification and Processing

After payment, your information is verified and submitted to the RCMP database. This process is automated and happens immediately.

Standard checks are typically completed within 15 minutes during business hours. More complex cases may take up to 24 hours.

5

Receive Your Results

Your criminal record check results are delivered directly to your email as a PDF document. The document includes:

  • Your personal information
  • Search date and reference number
  • Results of the RCMP database search
  • Any convictions found (or confirmation of no convictions)

Quick Comparison

Online Criminal Record Check

  • ✓ Complete from home
  • ✓ Results in 15 minutes
  • ✓ Available 24/7
  • ✓ No appointment needed
  • ✓ Same database search

In-Person at Police Station

  • ✗ Travel to police station
  • ✗ Wait 3-10 business days
  • ✗ Limited hours
  • ✗ May require appointment
  • ✓ Same database search

Common Requirements

Different organizations may have specific requirements for criminal record checks:

Employment

Many Canada employers require background checks for new hires, especially in healthcare, education, finance, and security sectors.

Volunteering

Schools, sports organizations, and non-profits in Canadian often require criminal record checks for volunteers working with vulnerable populations.

Immigration

Immigration applications usually need an RCMP-certified check based on fingerprints, taken by an accredited fingerprinting company in Canada. An online name-based check like ours does not meet that requirement.

Professional Licensing

Many professional licensing bodies in Canada require criminal record checks for certification and renewal.

Ready to Get Started?

Get your criminal record check in 15 minutes or less