Criminal Record Checks

Go to CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS for Business

Fast results for criminal record (also referred to as police checks, police certificates, CPICs, criminal background checks and police clearances).

Commissionaires provides criminal record checks for the purposes of employment, visa applications and foreign travel / work permits. We provide criminal record checks, depending on your requirements, using either your name and date of birth only, or using your fingerprints, taken using our fingerprinting process. Criminal record checks, also referred to as criminal background checks, police clearances, police checks, police certificates or CPIC checks, are processed through the National Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC) database, providing results in as fast as 48 hours. Applications must be completed in person at one of our offices, which are located across Canada. All applicants are welcome with no restrictions on your place of residence.

Knowledgeable, friendly Commissionaires’ staff can assist you with the process and the necessary paper work. All results are strictly confidential and are released directly back to the applicant unless otherwise requested by signing a third party consent waiver. To obtain your police clearance results in person, you must produce your receipt of payment.

Criminal record checks services from Commissionaires:

  • are delivered by friendly, professional and knowledgeable commissionaires;
  • are competitively priced;
  • provide quick results;
  • are available in locations across the country (appointment may be required, call your local Commissionaires’ location to confirm);
  • are provided in multiple languages at many locations;
  • include a convenient and cost-effective mobile service option for group processing of fingerprints - we can come to your location.

How to Get your Criminal Record Check

We want to make sure your experience is a pleasant one. Our respectful and friendly staff members are the experts in providing criminal background check services. To speed up the process, please ensure you have all the necessary materials in hand before you visit our office.

Identification required

You must bring two pieces of valid government-issued identification and one must be a photo ID. The following are types of acceptable identification. Please check with your local office for additional types of identification which may be accepted:

  • Passport
  • Driver's Licence
  • Birth Certificate
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Certificate of Indian Status
  • Immigration Documents i.e. work or study permits
  • Military Family ID card (MFID)
  • Record of Landing for Citizenship Applicant
  • Certificate of Live Birth
  • Nexus card

Notes:

  • It is recommended you bring with you a letter or file number from the requesting source, if applicable;
  • All identification must be current and not expired.

Our experienced staff will be happy to assist in answering any questions.

Payment methods

We accept major credit cards, debit or cash at most of our locations. Please check locations to confirm.

Locations

Commissionaires’ identification services are available at convenient locations across Canada. Please check for the location nearest to you.

Appointments

Please check locations to confirm hours of operation and to determine if an appointment is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Record Checks

How long does it take to fill in an application?

The process of filling in a criminal record check application takes approximately 10 minutes. Applications must be completed in the presence of our Commissionaires ID staff, at one of our offices, or at your location with our mobile service.

How are results obtained and how long does it take?

The National Canadian Police Information Center can provide a fax or electronic copy of results to Commissionaires in as little as 48 hours after submission. Results can be obtained in person by the applicant by showing picture ID or they can be received by fax or sent to a third party if this is pre-arranged. The original copy of the results will be available about one week after submission.

Who needs a vulnerable sector check?

A vulnerable sector check is required by applicants working with the vulnerable sector including those working with children, the elderly and disabled. If you are involved with the vulnerable sector and are seeking a criminal background check, please go to your local police detachment.

Will results list actual offense details?

No. Police clearance certificate results will show either ‘Approved’ or ‘Rejected’ and no details of offenses will be listed.

Is Commissionaires a government agency?

Commissionaires is not a government agency. Commissionaires is a not-for-profit organization employing former military and police as well as responsible citizens of all ages in rewarding careers.