How to Get a Police Record Check in Canada
Police record checks are run by local police services, not the RCMP directly. Most jobs need a basic criminal record check ($25–$50, often same day); working with children or vulnerable adults requires a vulnerable sector check, which includes a deeper search and takes longer.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official CAN sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 5 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Know which check you need
Three levels: (1) criminal record check — basic name-and-birthdate search, for most jobs and volunteering; (2) criminal record and judicial matters check — adds outstanding charges and warrants; (3) vulnerable sector check — for working with children, elderly, or disabled people, includes pardoned sex offence records. Ask the employer which one.
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- Go 30 min
Apply at your local police service
Apply to the police service for the municipality where you live (city police or provincial police detachment). Many services now take online applications; others require in-person attendance with ID. If you live in an area without municipal police, the provincial police or RCMP detachment handles it.
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- Submit & Pay
Pay the fee and consent
Fees: roughly $25–$50 for a basic check, $50–$75 for vulnerable sector (varies by service). You sign a consent form authorizing the search — record checks cannot be run on you without consent. Some employers reimburse the fee; keep the receipt.
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- Wait 1–3 weeks
Wait for results
Basic checks: often same day to 1 week. Vulnerable sector checks: 1–3 weeks because they may require fingerprinting (if your birthdate and gender match a pardoned record) to confirm identity. Fingerprints are taken at the detachment or an accredited company.
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- Receive
Use and store the certificate
The result is a certificate stating "no record found" or listing disclosed findings. It is valid for the requesting organization — most treat checks as current for 6–12 months. Store it; some volunteer roles accept a recent check for multiple organizations.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a newcomer with no Canadian record. Do I still need a check?
For Canadian jobs, yes if the employer requests one — it will simply return "no record found." Roles may also ask for a police certificate from your home country (for IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — The Canadian government department that runs Express Entry, work and study permits, PR cards, and citizenship.Click for official info ↗ or certain employers), which is a separate process through that country's police or embassy.
Can I request my own record check without an employer?
Yes — you can request a criminal record check on yourself at any time, useful before applying for jobs or immigration to other countries. You cannot run a vulnerable sector check on yourself without an eligible organization's request.
The check shows an old charge that was withdrawn. Can it be removed?
Withdrawn, dismissed, and stayed charges can appear on some checks. You can apply to have non-conviction records purged/sealed through the police service's destruction request process, or apply for a record suspension (pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada for convictions after the waiting period.
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