Last updated: July 23, 2026
You can conduct criminal record checks within minutes — all by simply going online.
Across Canada, it’s commonplace for companies to require checks from their applicants. For example, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will need a check when you’re seeking to complete your permanent resident card certificate. Plus, many businesses require the same when applying for a job.
Since there are a few distinct criminal record checks you can apply for, it’s essential to know the different types.
The Three Different Types of Criminal Record Checks
What Instant Record Check Offers Two complete criminal record check options, fully online.- Criminal Record Check (CRC) — CPIC-direct name-based search of convictions, discharges, and warrants. Most reports return in minutes. $59.97 CAD per individual check.
- Enhanced Criminal Record Check (CRJMC, also called E-PIC) — everything in the CRC plus outstanding judicial matters, pending charges, peace bonds, probation, and conditional discharges. Same comprehensive scope as Sterling's Enhanced Police Information Check. $66.97 CAD per individual check.
- Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) — for positions working with children, elderly, or persons with disabilities. Not available online from any provider (including Instant Record Check) — requires an in-person visit to your local police detachment and fingerprinting. When you need a VSC →
- Business bulk rates — hiring at volume? Our B2B portal offers discounted per-check pricing for employers, staffing agencies, landlords, and volunteer organizations. Learn more on our business page →
Criminal Record Check
A criminal record check does not require ink fingerprints and can be done entirely online.
Fortunately, a non-certified criminal record check is name-based — meaning all you need is an electronic ID that includes a photo of you along with your full name and date of birth.
Because of this, name-based criminal record checks are the most common type of background checks.
Certified Criminal Record Check
A certified criminal record check requires the documentation of ink fingerprints, your date of birth, and full name for identity verification.
Because of these fingerprinting services, you must travel to your local police service station or an accredited fingerprinting company to have your fingerprints professionally documented. Contact the RCMP for a list of accredited companies.
Note: a certified criminal record check cannot be completed entirely online.
Vulnerable Sector Check
This check requires a criminal check plus a police information check for sexual offences.
That said, a vulnerable sector check is only required when the position entails authority and trust with children and vulnerable people. In fact, it’s an offence to conduct a vulnerable sector check on someone who doesn’t meet the requirements for one.
Subsequently, this check can only be done in person by your local police service.
Where Can You Find a Criminal Record Check Service?
Check Your Local Police Station
With the online world ever-expanding, it’s likely your local station will offer an online application process for criminal checks where you’ll enter your personal information.
So first check your local station’s website or give them a call.
You can also contact Instant Record Check — an accredited online criminal record checking company — to perform a quick check, saving you time and energy.
Find an Accredited Company Online
A quick Google search will provide you with an abundance of companies and services that provide criminal checks.
As a result, the process of deciding which website to use can be overwhelming and confusing.
To make it easier on yourself, use our safe and comprehensive website, Instant Record Check, to enjoy a quick and simple process. We are fully accredited and understand that this check is a stepping stone for where you really want to go.
Where Do Online Companies Get This Information?
Accredited companies like us who run criminal record checks with your name and birth date have entered into an agreement with the federal and national police services in Canada and community police centres — allowing us to search the National Repository of Criminal Records database.
How Electronic Identity Verification Works
The step that makes an online check possible is electronic identity verification, the same technology financial institutions use to confirm who they are dealing with. During the application it checks the details you provide against your credit file. To pass it, you need a Canadian credit history of at least six months and to answer questions drawn from that file. No fingerprints, no counter visit: the verification stands in for the in-person ID check a police station would do.
If verification cannot be completed, the check cannot proceed as an online order. That is a requirement of running a name-based search responsibly, not a quirk of any one provider: without verified identity, a name-and-birthdate search could be run against someone else.
Our Comprehensive Steps to Completing Your Check
Tip: Have your social insurance number on hand and be ready to answer questions about your credit history and any other information that may be required.
1. Choose Your Accredited Website
Search Google to find an accredited company to run a criminal record check. For example, at Instant Record Check, we are an accredited, reliable, and safe company that gets the job done quickly.
2. Complete the Online Application Process.
This process includes providing personal information for identity such as:
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Current legal address
- Phone number
- Sex identification
- Electronic ID verification
- You can upload a picture of your driver’s license, passport, or identity card.
- Facial recognition might be performed, in which your computer will scan your face and compare it to your picture ID.
- Whether you’ve been convicted of a crime
- If you have been convicted of a crime, you will be asked what you were convicted of, the date of conviction, and the court location.
3. Pay With Card
Most companies allow all major debit and credit cards when paying for a criminal record check — simply type in your card information.
4. Receive Your Results
After your service provider checks criminal activity, results with a clear criminal history will be delivered sooner than a check that did find matching criminal activity.
Depending on the company you go through, criminal record checks can be processed in anywhere from fifteen minutes to a couple of days — given your record is clear.
If your record does contain criminal convictions, it could take up to 30 days or longer to receive your results.
What’s the Next Step After Your Criminal Record Verification?
Your next step is to contact us today if you would like more information on conducting online criminal record checks.
Or, for further reading materials, learn more about how criminal record checks are done in Canada.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What shows up on an online criminal record check?
A standard CRC shows criminal convictions from the RCMP CPIC database. A CRJMC also includes outstanding charges, discharges, warrants, and judicial orders. The following do not appear:
- Pardoned offences: removed after a successful record suspension
- Youth records: protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Non-conviction information: charges withdrawn, dismissed, or resulting in acquittal
Are online criminal record checks legitimate in Canada?
Yes. Online criminal record checks through Instant Record Check search RCMP criminal record information through CPIC, the same national system a police service queries for a name-based check. A check done at a local police service can also include that service’s own local records, which a name-based online check does not cover. Employers, landlords, volunteer organizations and government agencies across Canada accept these results, but confirm what the requesting organization asks for, since some require a check issued by a named police service or a fingerprint-based result.
How fast is an online criminal record check?
With Instant Record Check, most online criminal record checks are completed within minutes of identity verification. This compares to 2–8 weeks for in-person police checks and up to 120 days for RCMP mail-in applications.
How much does an online criminal record check cost?
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): From $59.97 — results in minutes
- Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC): From $66.97 — results in minutes
- Business Bulk Rates: Discounted pricing available for organizations
Instant Record Check Editorial
Writing on criminal record checks and background screening in Canada.
