How to Get a Criminal Record Check in Toronto

Getting a criminal record check in Toronto is easy, but you have to follow the correct police reference check procedure and complete the process in good time. That’s because it takes 7 to 10 business days to process — time that’s subject to change depending on the time of year and volume of applications.

…And note that the volume of applications can increase.

Why?

Because there are many reasons one might need a background check.

These reasons include:

• By-Law Licensing — Applying for business, lottery sales, and residential rental licences
• Immigration — Includes IEC, Spousal Sponsorship, or Permanent Residency
• Employer Positions — Positions not in the vulnerable sector, including volunteer work

Whatever your reason for performing the criminal record checks, the process is the same. Today, we’re going to go over the criminal record checks and how it all works.

First things first, get in touch with us. We handle criminal record checks for Canadians.

How and Where to Get a Criminal Record Check in Toronto?

You can complete a criminal record check in Toronto at a local police station in Toronto or through an online service such as Instant Record Check, depending on the type of criminal record check you require.

Completing the Forms

You can complete the criminal record check process online or in person at the Toronto Police Service headquarters.

First, you will have the choice between completing:

• Criminal Record Check (CRC) — level 1
• Criminal Record Check and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) — level 2.

A level 1 check is most commonly used for immigration and employment reasons. A level 2 check is for municipal licensing and ride-sharing organizations such as Uber.

For employment reasons, your employer should confirm which level of check you need.

Side Note: If you require a vulnerable sector check, please visit Toronto Police Service Headquarters or call us.

For the standard or judicial matters check, below is a screenshot of the forms you must fill out.

In-person applicants will fill out a paper version of this form.

For level 1 and level 2 (the judicial matters check), the police check application form is the same.

However, it’s important you pick the right one, as this alerts the Toronto Police Service of which kind of police clearance you need.

Let’s break down the police reference check program application.

Section 1: Personal Information

1. >Surname — Your current surname
2. Given Name 2 — Your middle name; you can leave this blank if you don’t have one.
3. Given Name 1 — Your first name
4. Given Name 3 — Your third name; you can leave this blank if you don’t have one.
5. Maiden Name — Your surname at birth if applicable
6. Given Name 4 — Leave this blank if you’re not sure
7. Date Of Birth — You must provide your date of birth in this format: (YYYY/MM/DD)
8. Confirm Date of Birth
9. Street No — Part of your address; do not include your unit/apartment number
10. Street Name — Name of the street you live on
11. Street Type — Drop-down list
12. Direction — For larger streets, e.g., George Street South
13. Apt. No. — This is where you fill in your apartment number
14. City — The city you live in; here, it will be Toronto
15. Postal Code
16. Province — Province you live in; here, it will be Ontario
17. Country — Country you live in; don’t confuse this with the country you were born in
18. Tel. Number (Including Area Code) — Your phone number; Toronto’s area code is 437, 416, or 647
19. Email — The email address you want information regarding your application sent to

Section 2: Criminal Record Check Information

1. Photo ID Type — Can be any of those listed above
2. Photo ID Number —  Your photo identification will have a unique number; for example, the Canadian passport number is at the top of the page containing your photo.
3. Other ID Type — Your second piece of ID as above
4. Other ID Number — Second piece of ID’s unique number (as above)
5. Pickup Location — Desired location to pick up your criminal record check
6. Reason for Request — Whether for employment, visa, or other reasons; type this in here

Section 3: Payment Information

1. Number of Copies — How many copies of the application check you need
2. Total $CAD — How much you should pay. Remember, enter 0.00 if you’re under 18. If not, it’s a $20.00 administration fee for your first copy. Additional copies are priced at $4.67 each. For example, three copies will cost $29.34.

Once you’ve followed these steps, click “Order,” then follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

You’ll receive an email when the background check process is finished and the background check/police certificate is ready to be picked up.

Why Do We Offer Help?

Filling out the background check application is a fairly straightforward process, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have help when completing it.

We can save you the hassle and guide you through each step of the criminal record check process. Or we can even complete the entire process for you.

Call us today and let’s see what we can do.

Or, if you’re after more, why not read about What Shows Up in an Online Criminal Record Check?

Further Reading

How Do I Get a Criminal Record Check in Ontario?

If you live in Greater Ontario and are in need of any criminal record checks, please visit the Ontario Provincial Police to find your closest detachment. They can point you in the right direction.

You can also order a Toronto police check directly online through Instant Record Check.

Don’t want to go it alone?

Then please visit our website instead. You’ll find all the information regarding your police clearance and police certificate process here.

Getting a Criminal Record Check in Toronto: Your Options

Toronto Police Service (TPS) — In Person

• Location: TPS Headquarters, 40 College Street, Toronto
• Online Submissions: Available through the TPS portal, but processing still takes 2–4 weeks
• ID Required: Two pieces of ID, one government-issued with photo
• Appointments: Required — factor in travel time and wait
• Volunteers: Free since April 2022 for qualifying non-profit and charitable organizations
• Processing Time: 2–4 weeks regardless of submission method

Who Needs a Criminal Record Check in Toronto?

Toronto employers across many sectors require background checks:

• Healthcare — hospitals (UHN, Sinai Health, SickKids), clinics, and long-term care homes
• Education — TDSB and TCDSB require checks for all employees, volunteers, and placement students
• Financial services — banks and insurance companies throughout the GTA
• Childcare — licensed daycares require checks under Ontario's Child Care and Early Years Act
• Property management — many Toronto landlords request checks, though tenants can refuse

For all of these except Vulnerable Sector Checks, Instant Record Check provides the same RCMP-based results in minutes — no need to visit 40 College Street or wait weeks for processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a criminal record check in Toronto?

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 the Toronto Police Service at 40 College Street or submit through the TPS online portal — either way, processing takes 2–4 weeks and you'll need two pieces of ID. For a Vulnerable Sector Check specifically, you must apply in person with fingerprinting — no online provider can process a VSC.

How much does a criminal record check cost in Toronto?

Online through Instant Record Check: CRC from $59.97, Enhanced CRC (CRJMC) from $66.97 — with results in minutes, no appointment needed, and only one piece of ID required. Toronto Police Service charges a per-check fee for employment checks, and volunteer checks have been free since April 2022 for qualifying organizations. While TPS has a lower base fee, factor in the real cost: travel to 40 College Street, time off work, waiting in line, and 2–4 weeks for processing versus same-day results online.

Can I get a police check in Toronto without visiting the station?

Yes. Instant Record Check lets you complete your criminal record check entirely online from anywhere in Toronto or the GTA — no appointment needed, no waiting in line, no trip to 40 College Street. Results are typically delivered within minutes of identity verification. The only scenario where you must visit a police station is for a Vulnerable Sector Check, which requires in-person fingerprinting.

Related Pages

• Criminal Record Check Canada
• Types of Background Checks in Canada
• Police Check Toronto
• Police Check Ontario
• CPIC Criminal Record Check

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