Criminal Record Check Vancouver
The Vancouver police department accepts applications for a criminal record check in Vancouver through appointment only. It is a measure to protect the health and safety of customers and employees due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
To book an appointment for police information checks, applicants have to send an email to the police service together with the following information:
- Email address
- Name of the applicant
- Phone number
- City of residence
- Name of the employer or the volunteer organization requesting the criminal record checks.
- The purpose of the background check
You can also visit the RCMP detachment or police agency near you. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us.
Police information checks or criminal record checks are conducted at the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) at 2121 Cambie street. The services are available throughout the week, including holidays and weekends by appointment only. The police service offers the following services.
- Police information check
- Vulnerable sector check
Police Information Check
Police Information Check or criminal record check refers to the background search for applicants seeking employment or volunteer positions with organizations that require reviewing police and court information about their applicants. This type of search is not intended for applicants seeking to work or volunteer with vulnerable people.
Vulnerable Sector Check
A vulnerable sector search is a background search intended for applicants seeking to work as volunteers or employment jobs involving vulnerable people. The search looks into the police and court information. It also searches for record suspensions of sexual offenses.
If the applicant’s name, gender, and date of birth give a match, the applicant will be required to submit fingerprints for RCMP to confirm the applicant’s identity. Such a match is not construed as an accusation of criminality.
The fingerprints will be used only to confirm your identity, and will be destroyed 90 days after the check is complete. When the fingerprints are taken for volunteer purposes, the VPD will not ask for an additional fee. However, there is a $25 fee for RCMP, and the Vancouver Police Department collects them on behalf of RCMP.
Application Process
- The first step in your application process is to send an email to Vancouver Police Department to book an appointment at recordchecks@vpd.ca.
- Fill your details in the VPD Criminal record check form, which you can obtain from the police station or you can download online.
- Email back the completed form and take the necessary documents with the application fees to the VPD.
- You have to be present in person to submit your record search, and you must have two identification documents issued by the government. One of the documents must have your current photo.
Accepted Identification Documents
The following are the accepted valid (non-expired) documents.
- BC ID card
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Driver’s licence
- Permanent residency card
- Student ID card
- Citizenship card
- Native status card/Nexus card
The BC services card that combines BC driver’s licence and care card is considered one form of identification. Similarly, SIN and financial institutions’ credit and debit cards aren’t accepted documents.
If your ID document does not provide your address, you have to submit a utility bill or a bank statement to prove your residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a criminal record check in Vancouver?
You can apply online through Instant Record Check for fast results based on RCMP and CPIC databases, or visit the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) at 2120 Cambie Street by appointment. In-person VPD checks require two pieces of government-issued ID and take 5-10 business days. Through Instant Record Check, results are typically ready within 15 minutes.
What types of criminal record checks are available in Vancouver?
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) — searches for criminal convictions. Available online through Instant Record Check.
- Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) — includes outstanding charges and court orders. Available online through Instant Record Check.
- Vulnerable Sector Check — required for positions working with children, elderly, or persons with disabilities. Cannot be completed online — requires in-person fingerprinting at a police station.
How long does a criminal record check take in Vancouver?
Through Instant Record Check, most criminal record checks are completed within 15 minutes. In-person checks at VPD typically take 5-10 business days. Vulnerable sector checks may take longer depending on processing volumes.
Can I get an official police document online in Vancouver?
Yes. Instant Record Check provides official police documents including Criminal Record Checks (CRC) from $59.97 and Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks (CRJMC) from $66.97. These are name-based searches conducted through RCMP and CPIC databases, with results typically available within 15 minutes.
Instant Record Check is an authorized company that provides criminal record searches. Talk to us and we’ll process your application as you do other things. You don’t have to take your time travelling back and forth because you didn’t carry with you the necessary documentation.
Related Pages
- Criminal Record Check British Columbia
- Criminal Record Check Surrey
- Criminal Record Check Victoria BC
- Criminal Record Check Canada
- Police Record Check Canada
