How to Apply for CRJMC with a Single Legal Name (Mononym) in Ontario
Applying for a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC), also known as a criminal record check, in Ontario can be confusing if you have a single legal name (a mononym). Many online systems are not built to handle single names correctly, which can lead to rejected applications, delays, and licensing issues. This guide explains how to obtain your CRJMC criminal record check with a single legal name and why choosing the right provider matters.
What is a single legal name?
A single legal name (mononym) is a name that cannot be separated into first and last name components. According to Ontario's official government forms, "a singular name is a name that cannot be broken up into a first and last name." Single names are common in many cultures and are legally recognized throughout Canada. However, forms that require separate "First name" and "Last name" fields can create unnecessary barriers. This guide explains how to obtain your CRJMC criminal record check with a single legal name and why choosing the right provider matters.
Why single names matter for CRJMC applications
The problem with many providers
Many CRJMC providers require both first and last names. Applicants with single legal names sometimes attempt workarounds, such as:
Entering periods (.) in empty fields
Typing "NFN" (No First Name)
Repeating the same name in both fields
Leaving fields blank
These workarounds often result in incorrect processing
, and CRJMC results may be rejected by licensing authorities when the name format does not match government identification.
Name consistency requirements
For your CRJMC to be accepted by Ontario licensing bodies, your name must appear identically across:
Two pieces of government-issued ID
Your CRJMC results document
Your professional license application (
,
, Tow Operator, and others) Any mismatch can lead to rejection and delays.
Who needs a CRJMC in Ontario?
A CRJMC is required for several regulated professions in Ontario, including:
Security guards
- Mandatory since February 2024 under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act
Private investigators
- Same requirements as security guards
Real estate professionals
- Required by RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario)
for registration
Tow truck operators
- Required under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA)
Other regulated positions that require background verification
For details on CRJMC requirements, see the Complete Guide to CRJMC in Ontario (2025)
How CRJMC.net properly handles single legal names
Unlike many providers, CRJMC.net has built-in functionality specifically designed for applicants with single legal names.
Application forms
Standard form (for applicants with first and last names):
First name: [field]
Middle names: [field]
Last name: [field]
Single-name form (for mononym applicants):
When you click "No last name or just one legal name?" the form adapts:
Given name(s): [field] ← Enter your single legal name here
Toggle back option: "I have first and last name"
Why this matters
Proper system formatting ensures:
Your CRJMC results display your name correctly
Results are accepted by Ontario licensing authorities
No rejections due to name-formatting issues
No need for error-prone workarounds
How to apply with a single legal name
What you'll need
Two government-issued IDs showing your single legal name identically
One with a photo
One proving work eligibility
Ontario address, email, and phone number
Payment method ($54.99 CAD)
Steps
Visit
and click
"No last name or just one legal name?"
Enter your single legal name in the "Given name(s)" field
Complete contact details and verification
Submit payment
Receive results by email in about 15 minutes
Identification requirements for single legal names
Official Ontario policy
The Ontario government recognizes single legal names in licensing applications. Official forms include the question: "Do you have a singular name?"
Ensuring ID consistency
If your government-issued IDs show your name inconsistently:
Contact ServiceOntario to update your identification
If establishing a single legal name, use Ontario's Request for a Name Change to a Single Name
Wait until all IDs reflect your single legal name before applying for a CRJMC
Where your CRJMC results will be accepted
Security guard and private investigator licensing
Submit through
Processed by the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB)
Valid for 6 months from the issue date
RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario)
Required for real estate agent registration
Submit through RECO's MyWeb portal
Required for brokerages, officers, and directors
Tow truck operators
Required under TSSEA certification
Mandatory for operators and corporate officers
Other professional applications
Employment background checks
Volunteer positions
Various regulated professions
Uber and Uber Eats (rideshare and delivery)
Required for all Uber drivers and Uber Eats couriers in Ontario
Must be a vulnerable sector check or enhanced police check
Submit through Uber's driver application portal
Background check must be updated every 3 years
Criminal record check must include criminal record history and judicial matters
Common questions
Will my single legal name cause application delays?
No. When you use CRJMC.net's single-name system, you get:
The same 15-minute processing time as standard applications
The same acceptance rate by licensing authorities
No extra verification steps Delays typically occur when providers do not support single names correctly and results must be reissued.
What if another provider rejected my single name?
If a provider rejected your application or produced unusable results:
Do not use workarounds in that system
Switch to CRJMC.net's purpose-built single-name process
Reapply with the correct format from the start
Your new results should be accepted by licensing authorities
Can I use "NFN" (No First Name) or periods?
No. These workarounds:
Create mismatches with government IDs
Often result in rejected license applications
Are unnecessary when using a system designed for single names
How long is my CRJMC valid?
Valid for 6 months from the date of issue
Must be current when submitting your professional license application
Plan your timing: obtain your CRJMC, then apply for your license within 6 months
I am establishing a single legal name. Should I wait?
Yes. Complete your legal name change using Ontario's official process, update all government IDs, then apply for your CRJMC. This prevents mismatches and rejections.
Why provider choice matters
CRJMC.net advantages for single names
Purpose-built single-name support - no workarounds
15-minute processing - among the fastest in Ontario
$54.99 CAD - competitive pricing
100% online - no police-station visit
Accepted by Ontario licensing bodies - Security, RECO, TSSEA
20% renewal discount
No geographic restrictions - apply from anywhere in Ontario
Traditional police-station limitations
Forms may not accommodate single names
3-6 weeks processing time
$60-70 CAD (varies by region)
In-person visit during business hours required
Must apply within your police jurisdiction
Possible confusion or pushback at the counter
Next steps: get your CRJMC
If you have a single legal name
Verify your government IDs show your single name consistently
Visit CRJMC.net to begin your application
Use the single-name toggle ("No last name or just one legal name?")
Receive results by email in about 15 minutes
Submit to your licensing authority within 6 months
Related resources
Government resources
Conclusion
Having a single legal name is legally recognized in Ontario and should not create barriers to professional licensing. The key is to use a CRJMC provider with proper single legal name support. **CRJMC.net's single-name functionality ensures:**
Correct name formatting on results
Acceptance by Ontario licensing authorities
No rejections due to name-formatting issues
Fast, straightforward processing
Do not let outdated systems or workarounds delay your goals.
Use a provider designed to handle single legal names correctly from the start.
Ready to apply? Get your CRJMC in about 15 minutes →
Questions about single names and CRJMC? Our support team understands the requirements for mononym applicants and can help ensure your application is processed correctly.