Quick answer: Name-based police information checks can often be completed entirely online through your local police service’s portal — results in minutes to days. Fingerprint-based certified criminal record checks (required for immigration, security clearances, and police employment) always require an in-person fingerprinting appointment, even if the rest of the application is handled online. Vulnerable sector checks must also be initiated in person at a police service. Private online background check services can run name-based checks quickly but are not the same as RCMP-certified checks.
What You Can Do Entirely Online
Name-Based Police Information Checks
Most major Canadian police services now offer fully online applications for standard name-based criminal record checks:
- Toronto Police Service — online at policesolutions.ca, results in your account
- Saskatoon Police Service — online at policesolutions.ca/checks/services/saskatoon
- Edmonton Police Service — fully electronic including results, at policesolutions.ca/checks/services/edmonton
- Calgary Police Service — online PIC application available
- Ottawa Police Service — online at olbc.ottawapolice.ca
- Peel Regional Police (Brampton/Mississauga) — online at rec-check.peelpolice.ca
- Winnipeg Police Service — all checks processed online, results by email
- BC CRRP — fully online once your organization sends an invitation link
The online process typically works as follows: you register, complete the application, verify your identity electronically (using your driver’s licence or passport number), pay by credit card, and receive results in your account or by email.
What Cannot Be Done Entirely Online
Fingerprint-Based Certified Criminal Record Checks
A certified criminal record check through CCRTIS requires fingerprints — which always means an in-person appointment, even if you prepare or pay online in advance. There is no way to submit fingerprints remotely. These checks are required for:
- Immigration (PR, citizenship)
- Federal security clearances
- RCMP and police force employment
- Adoption
- Record suspension applications
- When your employer specifically requests a certified RCMP check
Vulnerable Sector Checks
A vulnerable sector check requires an in-person visit to a police service. While some steps (initial application, payment) may be completed online, the VSC cannot be fully processed without attending in person — particularly because fingerprinting is often required.
If You Fail Electronic Identity Verification (EIV)
If the online system cannot verify your identity electronically, you will be redirected to complete the process in person at the police station. Bring two pieces of valid government-issued ID.
Private Online Background Check Services
Several private companies offer online criminal background checks in Canada, including Triton Canada, Sterling Backcheck, and others. These services run name-based checks using your name, date of birth, and consent — they are faster (often 15 minutes) and fully remote.
What they can do:
- Search CPIC and other databases for criminal record information
- Return results quickly (often within the same day)
- Verify identity remotely
What they cannot do:
- Issue an RCMP-certified criminal record check — these must come through CCRTIS
- Process vulnerable sector checks
- Satisfy immigration requirements that specify an RCMP or police-issued certificate
Most employers accepting standard background checks for non-security-sensitive roles will accept results from accredited private services. However, if your employer or authority specifically requests a “certified criminal record check,” a “police certificate,” or an “RCMP criminal record check,” only CCRTIS-issued documents qualify.
BC Online Criminal Record Checks — CRRP
British Columbia’s Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) is fully online for eligible applicants. If you work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults in BC and your organization invites you through the CRRP, the entire process — application, ID verification, payment ($28 or $0 for volunteers), and status tracking — is done online via your BC Services Card Login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for name-based police information checks. Many police services — including Toronto, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Peel Regional — offer fully online applications with electronic identity verification and results delivered digitally. For fingerprint-based certified checks (immigration, security clearances) and vulnerable sector checks, an in-person appointment is always required for fingerprinting, even if other parts of the process are online.
No. A name-based online criminal record check from a police service or private company searches CPIC and local databases but is not certified by the RCMP. An RCMP-certified check is fingerprint-based, processed through CCRTIS, and is the document required by immigration authorities, security clearance programs, and some employers. If the organization requesting your check specifies a “certified” or “RCMP” criminal record check, a name-based online check will not satisfy the requirement.
Only partially. In BC, the CRRP allows online applications for vulnerable sector checks when your organization sends you an invitation. In most other provinces, the initial application for a VSC may be submitted online, but fingerprinting — which is required for many VSC applicants — always requires an in-person appointment at a police service. You cannot complete a vulnerable sector check entirely online in most jurisdictions.
Online availability varies by police service and changes frequently. Check your local police service’s website for current online application options.
