Criminal Record Check Alberta
If you’ve made several job applications and you’re lucky to be offered a job at one of the companies, then there could be one final step you may be required to undertake. This final step could be a criminal records check. A criminal record check, also known as police information check, is a process that reveals your criminal record history once the system is given fed with your name and date of birth.
Additionally, the record check reveals any convictions, police engagements or any crime connected to your name.
If you are a resident of Alberta, conducting police record checks involve an online name-based search. Criminal record checks in Alberta can be conducted by any local police or any licenced third-party company like Instant Record Check. Get in touch with us for prompt and fast services. On the other hand, if you require an in-person application, you can visit your nearest local police station.
Police record checks may be required for different reasons and not only when you’re offered an employment position. The following are some of the reasons you may require police records check:
- Volunteering
- Licenses
- Record Suspension
- US Entry Waiver
- Travel
- Educational programs
How to Carry Out Criminal Record Check in Alberta
The criminal record check is a name-based search that can be performed wholly online and only requires your name and date of birth. It can be done by accredited companies or by going to your local police station in Alberta.
Instant Record Check is an accredited company that can assist you in Alberta and other parts of Canada to process criminal record checks.
How to Obtain Criminal Record Check In Alberta
To obtain your criminal record history you can use our services, where you can be sure that your information will be handled safely and professionally. Alternatively,
- Visit your nearest police station to obtain the police record check report. You can contact them for an in-person appointment or they may offer an online application.
- Afterwards, you will be required to provide the following information:
- Your name in full
- Date and place of birth
- Your address
- Photo ID
- A facial recognition scan (online only)
- Additional document verifying your identity
- At least one of the documents that you provide has to be government-issued, such as a passport, driver’s license, identity card, or birth certificate.
- There is a mandatory processing fee of $20.00.
- If everything is in order you have to wait for three to ten days to get your results if you do not have any criminal record. However, it could take 30 days or longer if you have a criminal record.
Certified Criminal Record Check
A certified criminal record requires all the above information and in addition, fingerprint documentation is required to establish the true identity of the applicant. You have to visit one of the accredited agencies, or police service in Alberta to document fingerprints.
In-Person Options in Alberta
If you specifically need a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), you must apply in person — no provider can process a VSC online because it requires fingerprinting. For a standard Criminal Record Check or CRJMC, Instant Record Check is faster and available 24/7 from home.
Calgary Police Service
- Cost: $75 for employment, $25 for volunteers
- Location: Westwinds Campus, 5111 47 St NE, Calgary
- Hours: Monday–Wednesday and Friday 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Payment: Cash, debit, and credit accepted
- ID Required: Two pieces of government-issued ID
- Processing Time: 2–4 weeks for standard checks, longer if fingerprinting is required
Edmonton Police Service
- Cost: $80 for employment, $55 for post-secondary, $20 for volunteers
- Walk-in Hours: Monday–Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM — expect wait times during peak hours
- Online Submissions: Available through EPS, approximately 15 business days processing
- ID Required: Two pieces of ID, one government-issued with photo
RCMP Detachments
- Who: Albertans outside Calgary and Edmonton
- ID Required: Two pieces of ID (one government-issued with photo) plus proof of physical address
- Processing Time: Varies by detachment — typically 2–6 weeks
- Contact: Call your local detachment for specific hours and fees
Why Most Albertans Choose Online Instead
Unless you need a Vulnerable Sector Check, there's little reason to visit a police station. Instant Record Check offers:
- Same Database: RCMP Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) — the same system police stations use
- Speed: Results in minutes instead of 2–6 weeks
- Convenience: Apply from anywhere, 24/7 — no time off work, no waiting in line
- Less ID Required: Just one piece of ID, compared to two for in-person checks
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a criminal record check in Alberta?
The fastest option is Instant Record Check — apply online in under 10 minutes and receive RCMP-based results the same day. For in-person checks, visit Calgary Police ($75), Edmonton Police ($80), or your local RCMP detachment. In-person processing typically takes 2–6 weeks. A Vulnerable Sector Check is the only type that requires an in-person visit with fingerprinting.
How much does a criminal record check cost in Alberta?
Online through Instant Record Check: CRC from $59.97, Enhanced CRC (CRJMC) from $66.97 — with results in minutes. In-person fees are higher: Calgary Police charges $75 for employment and $25 for volunteers, Edmonton Police charges $80 for employment and $20 for volunteers. RCMP detachment fees vary by location. Online is both faster and more affordable for standard checks.
Are criminal record checks required for employment in Alberta?
Alberta doesn't legally mandate criminal record checks for most jobs, but employers in healthcare, education, financial services, childcare, and transportation commonly require them. It's at the employer's discretion. Most Alberta employers accept online RCMP-based checks — there's no requirement to obtain your check from a police station unless a Vulnerable Sector Check is specifically requested.
What is the difference between a CRC, CRJMC, and VSC in Alberta?
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) searches the RCMP CPIC database for convictions — available online through Instant Record Check for $59.97. A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) adds outstanding charges, court orders, and judicial matters — available online for $66.97. A Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) includes everything in a CRJMC plus a search for pardoned sex offences — this requires in-person fingerprinting at a police station and cannot be done online by any provider.
Related Pages
For the list of all accredited agencies contact the RCMP’s CCRTIS.
