Criminal Record Checks: Not Only Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

They rely on record checks when individuals or organizations need to confirm someone’s background. In Canada, a Criminal Record Check (CRC) plays a vital role in protecting communities, supporting immigration processes, and building trust in employment and volunteer roles. These checks provide reliable access to a person’s criminal records, widely used by employers, government agencies, and institutions.

There are different types of police background check options. Some rely only on name and date of birth, while others require fingerprint verification by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Each type provides varying levels of assurance, whether for local hiring, adoption, or travel outside Canada.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local police services maintain Canadian police records. Alongside a police information check, applicants may need enhanced screening such as a vulnerable sector search. Increasingly, we and many other organizations accept online background checks, making the process faster and more convenient.

Need help with document apostille/legalization/authentication/attestation — and/or criminal record check in Canada? Contact us via our form, call us at +1-613-501-0555 (WhatsApp available) or +1-800-857-1215 (toll-free), fax us via 1-844-786-2001, or text us at info@lsccanada.ca.

Understanding Criminal Record Checks (CRC) in Canada

Security checks are carried out to provide accurate information about a person’s background in Canada. The process and type of criminal security check depend on the purpose and the authority requesting it. Below are the key points to understand.

Types of Record Checks

Name-based searches – conducted using a person’s name and date of birth. Faster but may be less reliable.
Fingerprint-based searches – conducted through the RCMP; considered the gold standard for a police certificate.

Who Conducts Them

The Canadian national police maintains the national repository of criminal records.
Local police services carry out police security check processes, which may include searches of police records at a municipal or provincial level.

Purpose of Background Checks

Employment or volunteer applications.
Immigration or adoption.
Professional licensing and legal requirements.

Compliance Framework

Governed by the Criminal Records Act and related federal regulations.
Youth-related cases follow the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Understanding these foundations ensures applicants choose the correct type of check, a certified criminal security check handled through the Canadian national police.

Types of Certified Criminal Record Checks

Different forms of criminal background check exist in Canada, each suited to specific needs. Below are the main categories.

Name-Based Criminal Record Check

Conducted using name and date of birth.
Faster but less accurate because records may overlap.
Can show past criminal history or findings of guilt.
Often used for initial screening of check applicants in employment or volunteering.
If an applicant has a criminal record, biometric verification may be required.

RCMP Certified CRC (Fingerprint-Based)

The Canadian national police issues this through its Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).
Requires fingerprints for a criminal record check.
Considered the most reliable and the only true certified criminal background check.
Required for immigration purposes, international employment, or adoption.
Can be processed at an RCMP detachment or approved fingerprinting services.
Applicants can find more information on the RCMP website.

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

Required when working or volunteering with a vulnerable person (children, the elderly, or people with disabilities).
Involves a vulnerable sector search that looks for sexual offence records.
A VSC application is mandatory in such cases.
Employers or organizations that require a vulnerable sector check must ensure applicants comply.
A vulnerable sector search must be done through the local police.
Legislation requires that a VSC must be completed before the applicant begins the role.

Police Information Check

Conducted by local police agencies or a local police agency.
Broader than a standard police background check.
May include:
Current charges and warrants.
Non-conviction information.
Past police background interactions.
Typically requested for employment or volunteer positions in sensitive roles.

Record and Judicial Matters Check

Includes details of criminal background and judicial matters beyond convictions.
May contain judicial orders and restrictions currently in force.
Used in legal contexts, immigration purposes, or high-trust professions.
Provides more profound insight into a person’s interactions with the justice system.

Applying for Criminal Record Check

The process of applying for a criminal background in Canada varies depending on the type of check required and whether the applicant is inside or outside Canada. The following steps highlight how to apply for a criminal background check:

Choose the CRC

Determine if you need a name-based criminal background check, a fingerprint-based certified criminal background check, or another type.
Organizations often guide check applicants on which form of screening is necessary.

Complete the Application Form

Fill in the appropriate application form or record check form.
Provide pieces of identification that are government-issued.
Ensure the completed application is accurate to avoid delays.

Methods of Application

Online application: Many services now allow applicants to complete online record checks through secure portals.
Applying in person: Applicants may visit a local police agency, a Canadian national police detachment, or an authorized check unit.

Submit Your Application

Once the paperwork is ready, you must submit your application either online, in person, or via post.
Most organizations accept applications only Monday to Friday, during business hours.

Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on whether the check is name-based or fingerprint-based.
Name-based checks are generally faster, while biometric submissions may take longer.
Results are provided as official background check results, which allow you to receive your criminal background check for your intended purpose.

Special Cases

Applicants residing outside Canada can still request checks by coordinating with the Canadian national police or accredited fingerprinting agencies.
Some checks, particularly those for immigration or adoption, may require additional verification steps.

Limitations and Legal Requirements for Police Record Check

When requesting a police record check, applicants should be aware of specific legal rules and limitations.

Results and Disclosures

A criminal background check process may reveal confirmed criminal convictions from national and local databases.
Findings may also include findings of guilt, pending charges and warrants, or records of an offence.
Non-conviction information is not always disclosed unless required under law.

Youth Records

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, information about youth offences is restricted.
Any guilt under the youth criminal system cannot be disclosed once the access period expires.

Judicial and Legal Restrictions

A police background check may include information on judicial orders, probation conditions, or restrictions linked to a sexual offence.
The Criminal Records Act governs how long information can be disclosed.

Suspensions and Pardons

Applicants with past convictions may seek a record suspension (pardon) under Canadian law.
Once granted, the conviction is set aside and does not appear in standard criminal background checks.

Purpose-Specific Rules

Some checks are required for immigration purposes and may require fingerprint verification through an Canadian national police detachment.
Employers or organizations may also rely on RCMP policy and federal standards when reviewing applicants who were previously charged or convicted.

FAQs about Criminal Record Checks

Can I apply online for a criminal background check?

Yes. We, along with other agencies, allow applicants to complete an online police background check through secure portals. An online police record submission is convenient, but some situations still require applying in person.

How long are background check results valid?

Record check results do not expire on a fixed date, but most organizations request a recent copy. Always confirm validity before you receive your criminal background check for employment, immigration, or volunteer purposes.

When is a Vulnerable Sector Check application required?

A VSC application is required if the role involves working with a vulnerable person, such as children, the elderly, or disabled individuals. This ensures proper screening for sensitive positions.

What information is included in a police record check?

Depending on the type, it may include criminal records, details of a police background check, or additional information from local police services. Sensitive records, such as youth or pardoned offences, follow legal disclosure rules.

Why Use LSC for Criminal Record Checks and Apostille (if needed)

Choosing the right partner can simplify the criminal background check process and ensure your documents are valid both in Canada and outside of Canada. The Legalization Service Centre (LSC) provides trusted support by managing every step.