What Is a Criminal Record Check?
A criminal record check (CRC) is a search of the RCMP’s Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. It reveals criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, discharges, and charges linked to your name and date of birth.
Criminal record checks are the most commonly requested background check in Canada. Employers, landlords, volunteer organizations, licensing bodies, and immigration authorities all use them to verify whether an applicant has a criminal history.
Types of Criminal Record Checks in Canada
There are three main types of police record checks available across Canadian provinces and territories:
1. Criminal Record Check (CRC)
A name-based search of the CPIC database for criminal convictions, absolute and conditional discharges, outstanding warrants, and pending charges. This is the standard check for most employment and tenancy applications.
2. Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC / E-PIC)
Everything included in a CRC plus outstanding judicial matters: peace bonds, probation orders, prohibition orders, and conditional sentence orders. Also called an Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC) in some provinces. Frequently required for professional licensing and regulated industries.
3. Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
The most comprehensive check. Includes all CRC and CRJMC results plus a search for pardoned sexual offences. Required for anyone working or volunteering with vulnerable populations — children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Must be completed in person through your local police service with fingerprinting.
| Check Type | What It Searches | Available Online? | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRC | Convictions, warrants, discharges | Yes | Employment, tenancy, volunteering |
| CRJMC / E-PIC | CRC + judicial matters, peace bonds, probation | Yes | Professional licensing, regulated industries |
| VSC | CRC + CRJMC + pardoned sexual offences | No (in-person only) | Working with children, elderly, disabled |
How to Get a Criminal Record Check Online
With Instant Record Check, you can complete your criminal record check from anywhere in Canada without visiting a police station.
- Create your account — Sign up at instantrecordcheck.ca to track your check status.
- Fill out the application — Provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current address.
- Submit and pay — CRC checks start from $59.97. CRJMC checks from $66.97.
- Receive your results — Most checks are completed within 15 minutes.
Who Needs a Criminal Record Check?
Criminal record checks are required across a wide range of situations in Canada:
- Employers — Pre-employment screening is standard in healthcare, education, finance, law enforcement, transportation, and government.
- Landlords — Many landlords require tenant background checks as part of the rental application process.
- Volunteer organizations — Schools, sports leagues, churches, and community groups often require volunteers to pass a background check.
- Professional licensing — Regulatory bodies for nurses, teachers, accountants, real estate agents, and other professionals typically require a clean record check.
- Immigration — Permanent residency and citizenship applications in Canada require a police certificate.
- Adoption and foster care — All prospective adoptive and foster parents must complete a criminal record check.
- Travel visas — Some countries require a police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
Criminal Record Checks by Province
While the CPIC database is national, each province has its own police services and processes for in-person checks. Online checks through Instant Record Check work the same regardless of which province you live in.
- Ontario — Canada’s largest province. Municipal police services (Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton) and OPP.
- British Columbia — Municipal services (VPD, RCMP detachments) across Metro Vancouver and the Interior.
- Alberta — Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, and RCMP detachments province-wide.
- Saskatchewan — RCMP and municipal services in Regina and Saskatoon.
- Nova Scotia — Halifax Regional Police and RCMP.
- Prince Edward Island — Charlottetown Police and RCMP.
- New Brunswick — Municipal services in Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John.
- Manitoba — Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP.
What Shows Up on a Criminal Record Check?
A standard CRC will reveal:
- Summary and indictable convictions
- Absolute and conditional discharges (within applicable timeframes)
- Outstanding warrants
- Pending criminal charges
A CRC will not show:
- Pardoned or suspended records
- Youth Criminal Justice Act records (outside disclosure period)
- Provincial offences (traffic tickets, municipal bylaw violations)
- Mental health apprehensions
- Family court matters
How Long Does a Criminal Record Check Take?
Processing times vary depending on how you apply:
| Method | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Record Check (online) | 15 minutes | Available 24/7 from anywhere in Canada |
| Municipal police (in-person) | 1–3 weeks | Requires appointment; varies by city |
| RCMP (fingerprint-based) | 2–8 weeks | Required for certified checks and VSCs |
Why Choose Instant Record Check?
- Fast — Most results in 15 minutes, not days or weeks.
- RCMP/CPIC-based — Searches the same national databases used by police services.
- Accepted nationwide — Used by employers, landlords, and organizations across all provinces.
- Secure — Your personal information is encrypted and protected in compliance with PIPEDA.
- No appointment required — Apply from home, 24/7, from any province or territory.
- Business bulk rates — Hiring at volume? Contact us for bulk pricing and API integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a criminal record check and a police check?
They are the same thing. “Criminal record check,” “police check,” “police record check,” and “background check” are all terms for a search of the CPIC database. The official name varies by province and police service.
Can I do a criminal record check on someone else?
No. In Canada, you can only request a criminal record check on yourself. Organizations that require background checks must ask the individual to consent and apply directly.
How much does a criminal record check cost?
Through Instant Record Check, a CRC costs $59.97 and a CRJMC costs $66.97. In-person police checks typically cost $25–$80 depending on the police service, and often involve longer wait times.
Do pardoned records show up on a criminal record check?
No. Records for which a pardon (record suspension) has been granted do not appear on a standard CRC or CRJMC. They may appear on a Vulnerable Sector Check if the offence was sexual in nature.
Is a criminal record check the same across all provinces?
Yes. The CPIC database is national. Whether you apply from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, or any other province, the search covers the same federal records. Provincial police services may add local database checks for in-person applications.
