Your new employer asked for a police record check or background check. Here is which check they mean, how the process works, and how to get it done online today.
Start your checkEmployers use "police check," "police record check," "criminal record check" and "background check" loosely. In Ontario there are exactly three kinds of check.
Ontario's Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 sets out three levels of police record check. Your employer's wording matters less than which of these three they actually need, so it is worth confirming before you order.
This is the check the large majority of employers mean. It reports criminal convictions, and findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act where those can still be disclosed. Retail, hospitality, trades, warehouse, office, delivery and most general employment roles ask for this one. Our Basic Criminal Record Check ($49) is a CRC.
A CRJMC includes everything in a CRC plus absolute and conditional discharges, outstanding charges, arrest warrants and certain judicial orders. Employers in finance, insurance, property management, security and other roles involving money, keys or sensitive information often specify it. If the request mentions "judicial matters" or "outstanding charges," this is the one. Our Enhanced check ($51) is a CRJMC.
Jobs that put you in a position of trust or authority over children, seniors or people with disabilities — such as child care, personal support work and some healthcare and education roles — may require a vulnerable sector check. A VSC must be completed by your local police service. No online provider can issue one, including us.
Not sure which one? Ask the hiring manager or HR for the exact name of the check in writing. Ordering the wrong level can mean paying for a second check.
The whole process happens online and usually takes a few minutes.
Choose Basic (CRC) or Enhanced (CRJMC) on our criminal record check page. You will need your legal name, date of birth, address history and a valid government-issued photo ID. No office visit and no fingerprints are required.
Identity is confirmed online, and you consent to the search. The check is processed through Triton Canada, our record check provider.
Under Ontario's rules, record check results are released directly to you so you can confirm they are accurate before you give permission for them to go to an employer. Nothing is sent to your employer without your say-so.
Your digital certificate arrives by email, usually within minutes. Forward it to your employer, or add an embossed physical copy at checkout for $9 if they want paper. In a small number of cases a possible match needs further review, which takes longer.
A police record check is narrower than most people fear.
Criminal convictions that are still disclosable, and eligible youth findings of guilt. Charges that were withdrawn, dismissed or stayed are not convictions and do not appear.
The above, plus outstanding charges and warrants, certain judicial orders such as peace bonds and probation conditions, and absolute and conditional discharges within their disclosure periods.
Ontario's rules do not allow non-conviction information — such as police contact that did not lead to a charge — to be disclosed on a CRC or CRJMC. Credit history, driving records and employment references are separate checks, not part of a police record check.
Online checks are usually completed within minutes.
Ordering online means no waiting for an appointment and no trip to a police station. Results are usually emailed within minutes, which helps when your start date is close.
How recent your check must be is decided by the employer who asks for it, not by a set expiry date on the certificate. If your employer has given a date requirement, follow it.
Because everything is done online, the process is the same whether you live in Barrie, Innisfil, Orillia, Bradford, Toronto or anywhere else in Canada outside Quebec. See our Ontario criminal record check guide for province-specific details.
Yes, for the great majority of jobs. The online check searches the national police database and is processed through Triton Canada, our record check provider. The exceptions are roles that need a vulnerable sector check, which must come from your local police service, and anything that specifically requires fingerprints or a certified RCMP check.
Not always. "Background check" can include credit, education or reference checks. When an employer asks for a police record check or criminal background check, the criminal record check is the part they need, and that is what we provide.
Order the Basic Criminal Record Check unless your employer mentions judicial matters, outstanding charges or CRJMC, in which case order the Enhanced check. If the job involves children, seniors or other vulnerable people, ask whether a vulnerable sector check is required, because only police can issue that.
No. Results are released to you first so you can confirm they are accurate, and they are only shared with an employer with your permission.
Usually within minutes of completing your identity verification and consent. Your digital certificate is sent by email. If a possible match needs further review, it can take longer.
Complete your police record check online and send the certificate to your employer, usually within minutes.
See pricing & startName-based searches only. Not a certified RCMP identity document.
Vulnerable sector checks must be obtained from your local police service.
