Smiling security on a patrol guard with an earpiece

CRJMC for Security License: Background Check Requirements and Process (2025)

Ontario’s public safety and trust initiatives require extensive background checks for security guards, private investigators, healthcare professionals, social workers, and educators.

A key element in the process of getting a security guard license is completing the Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) for security license, also known as a Level 2 Check.

The CRJMC is also a necessary step in the security license renewal process.

What is the CRJMC for Security License?

A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check provides a thorough background check. You can consider CRJMC to be a more detailed and extended version of a Criminal Record Check, which is one of the types of criminal record checks available. It covers detailed information including outstanding charges, judicial orders, peace bonds, and findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.It mainly relies on comparison of your name to those in police records. If there’s a match, you may need to take additional steps - fingerprinting. At police stations, the CRJMC check may include simultaneous name verification and fingerprinting.This check shows an individual’s full criminal history.

Overview of Police Record Checks

A police record check, also known as a background check, is a search of police records on an individual. These checks are often used as part of a screening process for employment, volunteering, or other purposes. In Ontario, the Police Record Checks Reform Act sets the standards that govern how police record checks are conducted and what is included in the check.There are three types of police record checks:

  1. Criminal Record Check: This check includes information about criminal convictions and findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. It may also include non-disclosed information if the request is made more than five years after the date of the summary conviction.

  2. Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check: This check is more comprehensive and includes criminal convictions, findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, outstanding charges, judicial orders such as peace bonds, and non-disclosed information if the request is made more than five years after the date of the summary conviction.

  3. Vulnerable Sector Check: This check is the most detailed and is used for positions of trust or authority over vulnerable individuals. It includes all the information in a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, plus any non-disclosed information if the request is made more than one year after the date of an absolute discharge.

In Ontario, the following information must be included in police record checks that are subject to the Police Record Checks Reform Act:

  • Disclosed information

  • Non-disclosed information if the request is made more than five years after the date of the summary conviction

  • Disclosed information if the request is made more than one year after the date of the absolute discharge

  • Disclosed information if the request is made more than three years after the date of the conditional discharge

  • Disclosed information if the request is made more than five years after the date of the finding or if the individual received an absolute discharge

Individuals can request a police record check from either a police service or a private business that is authorized to provide police record checks. This flexibility allows for convenience and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can obtain the necessary background checks for their specific needs.

CRJMC (Criminal Record Check) for Security Officers and Security Guards

As of February 18, 2024 the Ministry of the Solicitor General requires all applicants for security guard licenses in Ontario to provide a CRJMC that is less than 6 months old. This applies to new applicants and those renewing their licenses every 2 years. Applicants must obtain CRJMC for Security License through a police service or an authorized third-party provider.

Photo of a background check application form
Photo of a background check application form

How to Get a CRJMC in Ontario

Applicants can apply for a CRJMC in Ontario check in two ways:

  • Police Services: you can get a CRJMC from municipal police services, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), or First Nations police services.

  • Authorized Third-Party Providers: several authorized private businesses offer CRJMC services online.

CRJMC: Police or authorized third party provider - who’s better?

There are a few things to consider: processing time, price, and comfort.

CRJMC at Police Service

  • Processing times and fees differ depending on location. For example, CRJMC in the Durham region with Durham Police costs $59 and takes three weeks to process, while in the Niagara Region it costs $60 with 6 weeks of processing time.

  • You must select a municipal police service based on your city or town. For instance, Peel residents cannot get a CRJMC check from the Toronto Police.

  • Usually, you have to go to the police station yourself. Naturally, this also has some disadvantages; for example, queuing.

CRJMC online with an Authorized Third Party Provider

  • Processing times are much shorter and prices are competitive.

  • Your location doesn’t matter; you can have a CRJMC check regardless of where you live.

  • It is entirely online.

  • It holds the same validity as a Police Services-issued CRJMC, universally accepted.

CRJMC.net leads in providing online CRJMC check services. A with CRJMC.net, you can undergo a CRJMC background check fully online for a total cost of $54.99 with a turnaround time of only 15 minutes, all from the comfort of your home.

Where to get a CRJMC check (updated 2025)

CRJMC.net
Price: $54.99
Processing time: 15 minutes
Toronto City
Price: $29
Processing time: 1-2 weeks
Peel Region
Price: $34
Processing time: 5 weeks
York Region
Price: $69
Processing time: 1-2 weeks
Ottawa City
Price: $69
Processing time: 1-2 weeks
Durham Region
Price: $59
Processing time: 3 weeks
Hamilton City
Price: $50
Processing time: 2 weeks
London City
Price: $47
Processing time: 2 weeks
Waterloo Region
Price: $43
Processing time: 1-2 weeks
Halton Region
Price: $33
Processing time: 4 weeks
Windsor City
Price: $55
Processing time: 3 weeks
Niagara Region
Price: $60
Processing time: 6 weeks
Greater Sudbury City
Price: $42
Processing time: 3 weeks
Guelph City
Price: $42
Processing time: 3 weeks
Thunder Bay City
Price: $60
Processing time: 3 weeks
Brantford City
Price: $67
Processing time: 2 weeks
Barrie City
Price: $59
Processing time: 3 weeks
Peterborough City
Price: $46
Processing time: 3 weeks
Sarnia City
Price: $52
Processing time: 2 weeks
Chatham-Kent Municipality
Price: $55
Processing time: 2 weeks
Sault Ste. Marie City
Price: $50
Processing time: 2 weeks
North Bay City
Price: $45
Processing time: 5 weeks
Kingston City
Price: $40
Processing time: 3 weeks
Owen Sound City
Price: $55
Processing time: 3 weeks

How to Apply for a CRJMC

Choose a Provider: Decide between a police service or an authorized third-party provider based on your needs for cost and processing time.Fill out the Application: Provide personal information, consent to release of information and pay the fee.Processing Time: Wait for the application to be processed which can take 15 minutes to several weeks depending on the provider.Get and Submit the CRJMCreceived,: Once received make sure the CRJMC is in its original format (digital or paper) and submit it with your security officer license application.

How to renew a Security Guard License in Ontario

To use your CRJMC for security license and renew your security guard license (remember, you have to do it each 2 years), use the official Licensing Portal. The licensing portal allows you to apply for a new license, renew a existing license, check status of your application, as well as change or update your personal details.

Additional Requirements for Security Guards

Check that you’re not on record for any of the following 83 crimes. In Ontario, those charges will prevent you from acquiring or renewing a security license. You should seek a pardon (record suspension) if applicable to your criminal record.

Conclusion

Ontario’s security guard licensing process includes the CRJMC to thoroughly vet those in authority. By knowing the requirements and following the process to get a CRJMC you can make the licensing process smoother and contribute to public safety and trust.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is a CRJMC for a security license in Ontario?

The CRJMC is required by the Ministry of the Solicitor General to make sure security guards have no criminal record. It gives employers and licensing bodies a detailed background check including outstanding charges, judicial orders and criminal convictions.

2. How often do I need to get a CRJMC?

You need to get a CRJMC every time you apply for or renew your security guard license which is every 2 years. The CRJMC must be no older than 6 months at the time of submission.

3. What is included in a CRJMC?

A CRJMC includes:

  • Criminal convictions

  • Findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act

  • Outstanding charges and arrest warrants

  • Judicial orders such as peace bonds or conditional discharges

This will help determine if an individual is suitable for security work.

4. How do I get a CRJMC in Ontario?

You can get a CRJMC through: Municipal Police Services: Visit your local municipal police service or Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Processing times vary by location. Authorized Third-Party Providers: Online services such as CRJMC.net provide faster and more convenient options, often in 15 minutes.

5. How much does it cost to get a CRJMC in Ontario?

Cost varies by provider: Police Services: $59 to $71 depending on the region, up to 6 weeks processing time. Third-Party Providers: $54.99, much faster turnaround time (often in 15 minutes).

6. Can I get a CRJMC online?

Yes you can get a CRJMC online through authorized third-party providers. This is often faster, more convenient and you can do it from home without having to go to a police station.

7. What if my CRJMC shows a record?

If your CRJMC shows a record you may need to get fingerprinted to verify your identity. Depending on the type of record you may need to apply for a pardon (record suspension) before you can get a security license.

8. What if I don’t submit a valid CRJMC (Criminal Record) with my security license application?

Not submitting a valid CRJMC (within the last 6 months) will cause your application to be rejected or delayed. Make sure your background check meets the Ministry’s requirements before you submit.

9. How do I renew my security officer license with a CRJMC?

You can renew your security officer license through the Ontario Licensing Portal by submitting a valid CRJMC with your renewal application. Make sure the CRJMC is no older than 6 months and meets all the requirements.

10. Is online CRJMC as good as one from the police station?

Yes, CRJMCs from authorized third-party providers are just as good as those from the police services as long as it’s from an approved provider recognized by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

N

Nate Kane

Security Expert & Author

Expert in security and background check procedures, providing comprehensive guides and insights into the certification process.
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