Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector checks

You may need a criminal record check for various purposes, including: employment, adoption, international travel, volunteer work, citizenship, name change, student placement or to obtain a record suspension (formerly pardon).

You will find below information and links on:

• The types of record checks
• The steps to obtain a criminal record check and verify its status
• The fingerprinting process
• Other useful forms and releases
• Processing fees
• Processing time
• Accredited companies offering electronic fingerprint submission

Attention:

• Starting spring 2017, there will be three different legitimate versions of the form for a certified criminal record check, also known as form C-480. This form provides proof of a person's criminal record information based on fingerprint identification. The goal is to return to one standardized document as we transition to automated processes. Should you have any questions please contact us at ccrtis-scictr@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

• As of July 1, 2014, Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services only accepts electronic fingerprint submissions for civil purposes. If you live in Canada, contact an accredited company or a police service to arrange for your fingerprints to be submitted electronically. If you live outside Canada, you must contact an accredited company within Canada as there are no electronic fingerprint submissions to the RCMP currently available from outside Canada.

Types of record checks

A criminal record file consists of an individual's criminal charges, convictions and discharges, as well as fingerprint information. It includes fingerprints if the individual was charged or convicted.

• Criminal Record check: This process verifies whether an individual has a criminal record and provides the applicant with the detailed information that can be legally disclosed.

• Vulnerable Sector (VS) check: This process verifies whether an individual has a criminal record, as well as any record suspensions (formerly pardons) for sexual offences and local police records for information relevant to the VS check. The information that can be legally disclosed is provided to the applicant. Read frequently asked questions about vulnerable sector checks.

More information on the fingerprinting process.