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.
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.
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.
If fingerprints are required, visit our fingerprinting page.
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.
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.
Always review your instructions to confirm that a name-based search is acceptable for your situation.
Processing times vary, but many routine files are completed quickly once identity verification is approved.
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.
A criminal record check may be requested by:
Before starting your application, confirm whether your request is asking for:
Choosing the correct screening path helps avoid delays, resubmissions, and extra cost.
Applicants across Canada can start online and then use a province hub for local guidance and access to major city pages.
These national pages explain related screening topics without duplicating province and city content.
Before starting your application, read the instructions from your employer, school, regulator, volunteer coordinator, or other requesting organization.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
