Last updated: July 30, 2026
What Is Included and Excluded in an Ottawa Police Check
Criminal record checks are a routine part of Canadian working life, requested for employment, volunteering, licensing, tenancy and immigration.
A criminal record check is a major part of the background check organizations conduct on prospective candidates for employment, volunteering, and business contracting. A police record search seeks to uncover whether the candidate has any criminal convictions to their name.
In Ontario that search comes in three levels, and the level an organization asks for decides what the result can disclose.
Ottawa Police Check Cost and Turnaround
| Provider and check | Price | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Police Service employment record check, Levels 1, 2 and 3 | $74 | 7 to 10 business days |
| Instant Record Check Criminal Record Check (CRC) | $59.97 | About 15 minutes |
| Instant Record Check Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) | $66.97 | About 15 minutes |
On the OPS fee schedule in effect since January 2026, an employment record check costs $74 at every level, including a vulnerable sector check. Instant Record Check charges $59.97 for a CRC and $66.97 for a CRJMC.
Per the Ottawa Police Service, July 2026, its published processing time is 7 to 10 business days. Instant Record Check typically provides its national RCMP and CPIC name-based CRC or CRJMC in about 15 minutes. It does not issue vulnerable sector checks or take fingerprints.
Price and turnaround are not the only differences. Instant Record Check works with police partners across the country who process checks on its behalf. It belongs to the Professional Background Screening Association and is a BBB Accredited Business. When an employer, licensing body or immigration office accepts a name-based check but needs paper rather than a PDF, Instant Record Check can mail an official police-stamped hard copy, embossed and sealed.
Criminal Record Check Types in Ottawa
The Ottawa Police Service uses Ontario’s three-level framework for police record checks:
- Level 1 Criminal Record Check: for volunteers, employees or any basic CRC request, including retail or immigration. It is expressly not for applicants seeking volunteer or employment work with vulnerable persons.
- Level 2 Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check: the level used when the request names a CRJMC.
- Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Check: includes a query to establish whether the applicant has been convicted of, and granted a record suspension for, sexual offences listed in the schedule to the Criminal Records Act.
Level 1 is not for vulnerable-sector work. Applicants should use the level named by the employer or volunteer organization.
How to Get an Ottawa Police Check in Person or Online
The first step in accessing your police records is applying physically or online. You can get the form from the Ottawa police service in person or online, or you can use an accredited online Criminal Record Check company such as Instant Record Check.
If you are applying in person, bring your completed application form and two pieces of government-issued identification documents, with at least one showing proof of residence in Ottawa. If you’re undergoing a vulnerable sector check, you may be required to submit more information such as an official letter from the organization. A physical submission could take 7-10 business days. Online submission through Instant Record Check returns results in about 15 minutes.
The Ottawa Police Service runs record checks through its Customer Service Desk at 2670 Queensview Drive, which operates by appointment rather than walk-in. Its published processing time is 7 to 10 business days. Full details and the appointment booking are on the Ottawa Police Service record checks page. Applicants aged 12 to 17 can only apply for checks requested by a government agency.
A vulnerable sector check cannot be issued by any third party, including us. It has to go through your local police service. Ottawa Police accepts the application through its own portal and will normally want a letter from the organization asking for it.
Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks in Ottawa
A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, usually shortened to CRJMC, covers everything a standard criminal record check does and adds outstanding charges, warrants, judicial orders, peace bonds and probation conditions. Ottawa employers ask for it most often in finance, in roles handling money or sensitive data, and for positions where a pending charge matters as much as a conviction.
It is a distinct product rather than an upgrade applied at the counter, so ask which one the organization needs before applying. Ordering the wrong one means paying twice. Our criminal record and judicial matters check page sets out what shows up on each, and pricing covers the cost of both.
Information Available in Police Checks in Ottawa
The information included in a criminal record check depends on the type of search being conducted. The three investigations carry different circumstances for their usage.
We’ll look at what information is and is not obtainable under each of the record checks.
Criminal Record Checks
This search occurs during a job or volunteer application process. Immigrants into Canada and self-employed individuals or business people bidding for contracts also must undergo this police records search.
The employer or volunteer organization must provide an official letter about this procedure to the applicants. If required, some record checks also use fingerprints for identity purposes. These checks are also called certified criminal record checks and are taken to confirm the identity of the applicant and whether there is a criminal history.
Results obtainable under this search include:
Convictions from the Ottawa police service database or the Canada Police Information Centre (CPIC)
Convictions that occurred when the applicant was under 18 years of age
The search results do not include:
Pardoned convictions : Pardoned convictions refer to past criminal offenses that have been officially forgiven or pardoned by a government or legal authority. Once a conviction has been pardoned, it is no longer considered a part of an individual’s criminal record and will not appear in police record checks or criminal record checks. Pardons can provide individuals with a fresh start and help them move on from past mistakes without the burden of a criminal record hindering their opportunities in employment, education, or other aspects of their life.
Absolute and conditional discharges : Absolute and conditional discharges are legal terms used in the Canadian criminal justice system to describe a sentence given to an offender found guilty of a crime. An absolute discharge means that the offender is found guilty but does not receive a criminal record, and the offense will not appear on a police record check or criminal record check. A conditional discharge means that the offender must comply with certain conditions, such as completing community service or attending counseling. If these conditions are met, they will also not receive a criminal record. However, if the conditions are not met, the offender may be sentenced again and receive criminal records. In some cases, vulnerable sector checks may still reveal absolute or conditional discharges, but these types of sentences are generally considered more favorable outcomes than receiving a criminal record.
Outstanding charges and warrants : Outstanding charges and warrants refer to criminal charges that have been issued against an individual but have not been resolved. This can occur when the individual has not appeared in court or a warrant has been issued for arrest. Outstanding charges and warrants are not returned by a standard criminal record check. They appear on a criminal record and judicial matters check, which is the reason to order that level when an organization asks for it. Local police services maintain local databases of outstanding charges and warrants. Individuals who believe they may have outstanding charges or warrants against them can contact their local police service to inquire. It is important to promptly address outstanding charges and warrants to avoid further legal consequences.
A vulnerable sector query for information about the applicant’s possible involvement in sexual offenses : A vulnerable sector query is a type of criminal record check conducted by a local police service to identify individuals at risk of exploitation. It involves searching for information about the applicant’s potential involvement in sexual offenses and is required for those working with vulnerable populations. This check helps inform hiring decisions and ensures public safety.
Court orders : Court orders are legal directives issued by a court that requires an individual to take a specific action or refrain from certain behavior. Court orders can be issued for various reasons, including criminal charges, civil disputes, and family matters. A criminal record and judicial matters check can reveal whether an individual has any court orders against them. A standard criminal record check does not. This information is important for various purposes, such as employment screening or student placement. Employers or educational institutions may require individuals to disclose any court orders, and failure to do so can result in consequences. It is important to comply with court orders and ensure necessary checks are conducted to avoid legal or other complications.
Incidents involving mental health disorders : Incidents involving mental health disorders refer to situations where an individual’s mental health may have played a role in a legal matter, such as a criminal offense. This can include incidents where an individual’s mental health was a factor in summary convictions or where outstanding entries exist in a legal system. Some online applications may also ask about incidents involving mental health disorders, particularly for positions with vulnerable populations.
Dismissed and withdrawn charges for criminal offences : Dismissed and withdrawn charges for criminal offences refer to situations where charges have been dropped or withdrawn against a person. Withdrawn and dismissed charges are not returned by a standard criminal record check. However, individuals may be eligible for a record suspension, formerly known as a pardon, which removes certain criminal records from public view. This can help individuals move forward with their lives and access opportunities they may have otherwise been excluded from. Everyone must understand their rights and options regarding dismissed and withdrawn charges and consider obtaining a record suspension if eligible.
Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks
Employment and volunteer applicants also go through this search. It investigates convictions and judicial records obtainable from the Ottawa police database and other relevant databases.
The search results under this record check include:
Convictions from the Ottawa police service database or the CPIC
Convictions that occurred when the applicant was under 18 years of age
Outstanding charges, warrants, judicial orders, peace bonds, probation, and prohibition orders
Absolute (for one year) and conditional discharges (for three years)
Information not released as a result of this search includes:
Criminal record suspensions
A vulnerable sector query for information about the applicant’s possible involvement in sexual offences
Incidents involving mental health disorders
Withdrawn and dismissed charges for criminal offences
Vulnerable Sector Check
Applicants looking for career or volunteer opportunities working with the vulnerable sector are assessed in this investigation. These positions usually involve authority or trust. They also deal with members of vulnerable populations, including children, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
Only the Ottawa police service can conduct this procedure.
This police record search will reveal the following information:
Convictions from the Ottawa police service database or the CPIC
Convictions that occurred when the applicant was under 18 years of age
Outstanding warrants, charges, judicial orders, peace bonds, probation, and prohibition orders
Absolute (for one year) and conditional discharges (for three years)
Criminal record suspensions, including those for sexual offences
Incidents involving mental health disorders
Withdrawn and dismissed charges for criminal offences
Vulnerable Sector Checks in Ottawa
The Ottawa Police Service issues vulnerable sector checks for Ottawa residents only: you must show proof of an Ottawa address, and anyone living outside the city applies to their own police service instead. Our Ontario police check guide covers how the three levels work across the province. Applications go through the OPS record check system. No third-party website can run a VSC for you, this one included.
On the OPS fee schedule in effect since January 2026, an employment record check costs $74 at every level, vulnerable sector included. Volunteer applications need a letter from the sponsoring organization outlining the role; without one, the full $74 applies. Fingerprinting, when required to confirm identity, is $56 for employment and other applications, per the Ottawa Police Service fee schedule, July 2026.
A VSC is legally limited to positions of trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons, and OPS will verify the position qualifies before running one. If your role does not meet that test, a standard criminal record check completed online in about 15 minutes usually satisfies the request. For the national picture, who qualifies, what is disclosed and how long checks take, see our vulnerable sector check guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Ottawa police check online?
Yes. Standard criminal record checks are available online through Instant Record Check from $59.97, with results in about 15 minutes. Two things are not available that way: a vulnerable sector check, and any request that specifically names an Ottawa Police Service document.
How long does an Ottawa police record check take?
Online checks typically finish in about 15 minutes. The Ottawa Police Service publishes a processing time of 7 to 10 business days. If a start date is close, the online route removes the wait for standard checks.
How much does a police check cost in Ottawa?
An online criminal record check through Instant Record Check starts at $59.97. The Ottawa Police Service charges $74 for an employment record check at every level on the fee schedule in effect since January 2026. Volunteer applications need a letter from the sponsoring organization; without one the full $74 applies.
How do I get a police check in Ottawa?
You can apply online through Instant Record Check for fast results based on RCMP and CPIC databases, or submit an application through the Ottawa Police Service. Online checks typically deliver results within 15 minutes.
What types of police checks are available in Ottawa?
Three types: Criminal Record Check (CRC), Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC), and Vulnerable Sector Check. CRC and CRJMC can be obtained online through Instant Record Check. Only the Ottawa Police Service can issue a Vulnerable Sector Check.
Can I get an official police document online in Ottawa?
Not that police service's own document, but you have two options. Instant Record Check provides a name-based RCMP and CPIC Criminal Record Check from $59.97 or an Enhanced Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check from $66.97, usually in about 15 minutes, and can mail an official police-stamped hard copy for immigration, licensing or notarized presentation where the recipient accepts a name-based check. A request that specifically names a local police service should go to that service directly.
Can I get an Ottawa vulnerable sector check online?
No third party can issue a vulnerable sector check, including us. Apply through the Ottawa Police Service, which accepts the application through its own portal, and bring the letter from the organization that asked for it. Our vulnerable sector check guide explains what the search covers and why it works differently.
Does Ottawa Police offer a CRJMC?
Yes. The Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check is one of the standard check types, and it is also available online through us. Confirm which type the organization wants first, because a CRJMC and a standard criminal record check return different results.
Where do I go for an Ottawa police record check in person?
The Ottawa Police Customer Service Desk at 2670 Queensview Drive handles them, by appointment. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days once submitted. Applying online through us takes about 15 minutes and does not need an appointment, though a vulnerable sector check still has to go through the police service.
Get an Ottawa Police Record Check Online
Now that you know what information will be released about you in a criminal record check in Ottawa, get it done with Instant Record Check today. Their experience in this area will ensure you have no difficulties getting your results.
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Sundeep Rana
Writing on criminal record checks and background screening in Canada.
