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Criminal Record Check Canada — Apply Online

Apply for a criminal record check in Canada through our secure online process. In many routine situations, a name-based criminal record check is completed using Canadian police databases such as CPIC, allowing applicants across Canada to start online and receive their official result by encrypted email.

This page explains what a criminal record check Canada request usually means, when a name-based search is commonly accepted, and when an organization may instead require fingerprint-based criminal record verification.

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Criminal Record Check Canada online using CPIC databases
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Good to know: Your Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Charlottetown Police Department. The background check is conducted using Canadian police databases such as CPIC, maintained by the RCMP. Because the search uses national databases, applicants across Canada can complete the process online, and the processing location does not affect the result.

Start Your Criminal Record Check in Canada

Complete the secure online form and verify your identity digitally. Many routine criminal record checks are typically available the same day or by the next business day.

This page is intended for applicants whose request can be satisfied with a name-based criminal record check.

Important

A name-based criminal record check should not be used if your request specifically requires fingerprints, a Vulnerable Sector search, or another form of criminal record verification that must be completed through a different process.

  • Immigration or citizenship applications requiring fingerprint verification
  • Adoption, legal proceedings, or identity confirmation requiring RCMP-verified fingerprints
  • Vulnerable Sector checks
  • Any request clearly marked “fingerprint-based”

If fingerprints are required, visit our fingerprinting page.

What Is a Criminal Record Check in Canada?

A criminal record check in Canada is used to determine whether an individual has a criminal record. Employers, schools, regulators, volunteer organizations, and other institutions often request this type of screening before approving an application or appointment.

In many routine cases, a criminal record check is completed through a name-based search of Canadian police databases such as CPIC. This allows organizations to confirm whether a criminal record appears in the national system without requiring fingerprints in standard situations.

This page focuses on the type of criminal record check Canada request that can usually be completed online when a name-based search is accepted.

Criminal Record Check vs Police Record Check

In everyday use, many people treat the terms criminal record check and police record check as meaning the same thing. In routine name-based screening, they often overlap because both usually involve searching Canadian police databases for criminal record information.

However, the exact wording in your request letter still matters. Some organizations ask specifically for a criminal record check, while others may ask for a police record check, a Vulnerable Sector search, or fingerprint-based verification.

When a Name-Based Criminal Record Check Is Commonly Used

  • Employment screening and hiring
  • Volunteer applications
  • Student placements and internships
  • Professional licensing and registration
  • Personal record requests

Always review your instructions to confirm that a name-based search is acceptable for your situation.

How the Online Criminal Record Check Process Works

  1. Complete the secure online application form.
  2. Verify your identity using accepted government-issued identification.
  3. Your request is checked through the appropriate Canadian police databases.
  4. Receive your official result by secure email in PDF format.

Processing times vary, but many routine files are completed quickly once identity verification is approved.

When Fingerprints May Be Required

Some criminal record check requests require fingerprint-based verification rather than a name-based search. This usually happens when an authority specifically asks for RCMP-verified fingerprints or when additional identity confirmation is required.

If your request falls into that category, use our fingerprinting service instead of this page.

Who Commonly Requests a Criminal Record Check?

A criminal record check may be requested by:

  • Employers and hiring managers
  • Volunteer organizations
  • Educational institutions and placement coordinators
  • Licensing and regulatory authorities
  • Organizations handling trust-based or sensitive roles

What to Confirm Before Applying

Before starting your application, confirm whether your request is asking for:

  • A name-based criminal record check
  • A fingerprint-based criminal record check
  • A Vulnerable Sector search
  • A police-service-issued document with different requirements

Choosing the correct screening path helps avoid delays, resubmissions, and extra cost.

Criminal Record Check Canada — Apply by Province

Applicants across Canada can start online and then use a province hub for local guidance and access to major city pages.

Related Police Check Information in Canada

These national pages explain related screening topics without duplicating province and city content.

Before You Apply

Before starting your application, read the instructions from your employer, school, regulator, volunteer coordinator, or other requesting organization.

  • Confirm that a name-based criminal record check is accepted.
  • Have valid government-issued identification ready.
  • Use clear, well-lit ID images to help avoid delays.
  • Make sure your personal details are current before submitting.

Processing & Delivery

Most routine files are processed quickly and the official result is delivered by secure email as a PDF. Turnaround can vary during peak periods or if manual review is required.

Because the process is digital, applicants across Canada can complete the application from a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Criminal Record Check Canada — FAQs

What is a criminal record check in Canada?

A criminal record check is a screening process used to determine whether an individual has a criminal record. In many routine cases, it is completed through a name-based search of Canadian police databases such as CPIC.

Is a criminal record check the same as a police record check?

In many routine situations, the two terms overlap because both may involve a name-based search of Canadian police databases. However, you should always follow the exact wording in your request letter.

Can I apply for a criminal record check online in Canada?

Yes. If your request accepts a name-based criminal record check, you can apply online from anywhere in Canada, verify your identity digitally, and receive the result by secure email.

When is fingerprint-based criminal record verification required?

Fingerprints are required when the requesting authority specifically asks for RCMP-verified fingerprints, a fingerprint-based criminal record check, or another process that cannot be completed by name alone.

Apply for Your Criminal Record Check in Canada

Start now, verify your identity securely, and receive your official result by encrypted email. If you have questions before applying, call us and we’ll help.

Apply online for a Criminal Record Check Canada
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