A Criminal Record Check (also known as a Level 1 Check or Clearance Letter) is an electronic document issued by the Toronto Police Service that indicates an applicant has no criminal convictions in the National Repository of Criminal Records maintained by the RCMP. This document can be produced in French or in a paper version upon request.
A Criminal Record Check will provide the following information:
- Criminal convictions (summary and/or indictable) from CPIC and/or local databases
- Findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act within the applicable disclosure period
Criminal Record Checks are typically used for:
- Immigration
- Employment positions not related to the Vulnerable Sector (retail, trades, banking, etc.)
Criminal Record Checks are not suitable for:
- Employment/Volunteer positions that are in contact with the Vulnerable Sector (hospitals, daycares, elder care facilities, etc.)
- National Parole Board or Ministry of Government Services for the purpose of a Record Suspension or Name Change
Who can apply?
- Anyone inside Canada can apply, regardless of what jurisdiction they reside in
- If an applicant has a criminal record with any policing agency, confirmation of identity through fingerprints is required
Processing Times
As of March 24, 2023, we are currently processing applications:
- Criminal Record Checks received on March 16, 2023
- Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Checks received on March 14, 2023
- Vulnerable Sector Screenings received on March 17, 2023
Volunteers:
If you are applying for a Criminal Record as a requirement for a volunteer position, please use the volunteer form as there is no longer a payment required in Ontario as of April 1, 2022.
As part of the process, you must attach a signed letter to your online application:
- On letterhead of agency you are applying to volunteer
- Noting your application status
Please note, only a Criminal Record Check for volunteers is free. The agency where you are volunteering may require a Vulnerable Sector Check.
How to Apply
Online:
What you need:
-
Two pieces of government issued identification
-
One must contain a photograph and signature
- One must include your full name and date of birth
- Acceptable forms of government issued identification
-
Photo Identification: Driver's Licence | Government Employment Card | Military Employment Card | Age of Majority Card | Canadian Citizenship Card | Indian Status Card | International Student Card | Passport | Permanent Resident Card | Firearms Acquisition Certificate | Ontario Photo Card | BYID Card (LCBO) | Canadian National Institute for the Blind Card |
-
Non-Photo Identification: Birth Certificate | Baptismal Certificate | Hunting Licence | Fishing Licence | Ontario Outdoors Card | Hospital Card | Immigration Papers
NOTE: Ontario Health Cards cannot be accepted for identification purposes (Health Cards and Numbers Control Act, 1991 section 2.2(1)).
-
Payment Options:
- Processing fee is CA $20.00, which can be paid by Visa or MasterCard (this administrative fee does not apply to individuals under the age of 18)
- The processing fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Please ensure you have read and understand the full terms and conditions prior to accessing the online application form.
Processing Time:
- 7 to 10 business days, but may fluctuate due to volume and time of year
In Person
What you need:
- Two pieces of government issued identification
- One piece of identification must contain a photograph and signature
- One must include their full name and date of birth
- Acceptable forms of government issued identification
-
Photo Identification: Driver's Licence | Government Employment Card | Military Employment Card | Age of Majority Card | Canadian Citizenship Card | Indian Status Card | International Student Card | Passport | Permanent Resident Card | Firearms Acquisition Certificate | Ontario Photo Card | BYID Card (LCBO) | Canadian National Institute for the Blind Card |
-
Non-Photo Identification: Birth Certificate | Baptismal Certificate | Hunting Licence | Fishing Licence | Ontario Outdoors Card | Hospital Card | Immigration Papers
NOTE: Ontario Health Cards cannot be accepted for identification purposes (Health Cards and Numbers Control Act, 1991 section 2.2(1)).
-
Payment Options:
- Processing fee is CA $20.00, which can be paid by Visa, MasterCard, or Interac Debit (this administrative fee does not apply to individuals under the age of 18)
- The processing fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Please ensure you have read and understand the full terms and conditions noted on the application form
Location Options:
- In person applications must be made at Toronto Police Headquarters – 40 College Street, Information Access Service Counter in the lobby. Please note applications cannot be made at Police Divisions.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Form
Criminal Record Check Authorization
Please note that some documents might not render correctly in your browser. For best experience, download/save the document to your desktop first.
Application Process for Residents outside of Canada
If you live outside of Canada, you may authorize another person to place a request on your behalf at Toronto Police Headquarters – 40 College Street, Information Access Counter located the in lobby.
The authorized party must bring the following:
- Two separate forms of your government issued identification – must be original notarized copies
- An authorization letter with your original signature giving authority to the named person, and the address where you would like to receive the results of your Criminal Record Check by mail
If you are unable to find an authorized party, you can mail in your request to:
-
Toronto Police Service Attn: Information Access 40 College Street, 4th Floor Toronto, ON M5G 2J3
Please include the following:
- Completed Authorization form
- Two separate forms of your identification – must be original notarized copies
- Certified cheque or money order made payable to Toronto Police Service, in the amount of $20.00 – must be in Canadian funds
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where can I get a Criminal Record Check or Criminal Record Check & Judicial Matters Check?
-
If I apply in person for a Criminal Record Check or Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check, what do I need to bring with me?
-
If I am under the age of 18, do I have to pay for a Criminal Record Check or Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check?
-
How long does it take before my Criminal Record Check or Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check is processed?
-
Is applying online faster than applying in person?
-
I was charged by a Police Service and my charge was withdrawn/dismissed. Can I still get a Criminal Record Check?
-
Can I re-use a Vulnerable Sector Check when applying for another position or would I need to repeat the entire process?
-
If I'm a resident of another jurisdiction, can Toronto Police Service complete my check?
-
I live out of the country. How can I apply?
-
Are Criminal Record Checks available in French? Les vérifications de casier judiciaire sont-elles disponibles en Français?
-
Can a background check be scanned and emailed to the Reference Check Program?
Contact Information Access
Information Access Service Counter Open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
HQ Drop Box for completed Vulnerable Sector Applications (and any required payment) open Monday – Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm, excluding statutory holidays.
Key Contacts
- Police Reference Check Program (PRCP) Information Line – 416-808-7991
- PRCP section can be reached Monday/Wednesday/Friday
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 416-808-8244, excluding statutory holidays - Vulnerable Sector Check Status Update Line – 416-808-8253
- Confirmation letter/Accident (MVA)/Occurrence/Lost (or stolen) Passport Inquiry Line: 416-808-8240 (answered live Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]
