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Cleared CRJMC background check

Getting a CRJMC in Ontario - A Complete Guide (2026)

In this guide you will learn everything about the Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) in Ontario - from the different types of police record checks, to eligibility, fees, processing times, and the latest legislative changes taking effect in 2026. Whether you need a CRJMC for a security guard licence, a real-estate registration, a school board position, or any other purpose, this guide covers it all.

As of 2026, a CRJMC from a police service or an authorized third-party provider is mandatory for all Ontario applicants seeking security guard or private investigator licences, as well as many other positions of trust.

Types of Police Record Checks in Ontario

A police record check is a tool for assessing an individual’s criminal history. There are several types, each serving a distinct purpose. Choosing the correct check saves time and money.

Criminal Record Check (CRC)

The most basic form of police record check. A CRC reveals criminal convictions that have not been pardoned (i.e., no active Record Suspension). It is commonly used for general employment screening.

Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

More comprehensive than a CRC. A CRJMC includes criminal convictions, findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), outstanding charges, warrants, and judicial orders such as peace bonds and probation orders. It is required for positions of trust - including security guards, private investigators, loss prevention personnel, and many healthcare and education roles.

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

The most thorough police record check. A VSC includes everything in a CRJMC plus any record suspensions (pardons) related to sexual offences. It is mandatory for individuals working with vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.

Broad Record Check (BRC) - New as of January 1, 2025

Ontario introduced the Broad Record Check (BRC) on January 1, 2025 as a new category under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA). A BRC is specifically designed for individuals providing services to children and youth under the CYFSA framework. It is broader than a standard CRJMC and may include police contact information, mental health apprehensions, and other non-conviction records relevant to child safety.

The BRC does not replace the CRJMC. If your employer or licensing body requires a CRJMC, a BRC will not satisfy that requirement and vice versa. Some police services - notably Guelph Police Service - have reported significant processing delays for BRCs since the program launched.

What Is a CRJMC Criminal Record Check?

A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check is a comprehensive search that cross-references your name and date of birth against RCMP and local police databases. The results may include:

  • Criminal convictions without a Record Suspension (pardon)

  • Findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)

  • Outstanding charges and warrants

  • Judicial orders - peace bonds, probation orders, prohibition orders

  • Absolute and conditional discharges within their disclosure window

Under Ontario’s Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015, summary conviction disclosures are generally omitted after five years. However, proposed legislative changes (see Bill 75 below) may affect which convictions fall under this protection going forward.

Bill 75 - Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act (Proposed)

On November 25, 2025, the Ontario government introduced Bill 75, the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act. If passed, this legislation would significantly change what appears on a CRJMC.

Key Proposed Changes

  • Non-disclosure narrowed: The current five-year non-disclosure protection for summary convictions would be narrowed so that it applies only to offences that can exclusively be prosecuted by summary conviction. Hybrid offences - those that the Crown can elect to prosecute either by indictment or summarily - would no longer qualify for the five-year non-disclosure window, even if they were actually prosecuted summarily. This means more information could appear on a CRJMC.

  • Service standards: The Solicitor General would gain the power to set processing-time standards for police record checks, potentially reducing wait times across Ontario.

Current Status (February 2026)

Bill 75 has passed Second Reading and has been debated in committee. Public consultation closed on December 29, 2025. The bill is not yet law. We will update this guide when the bill receives Royal Assent or if it is amended.

If you have a hybrid offence on your record that was prosecuted summarily more than five years ago, it currently does not appear on a CRJMC. Under Bill 75, it would. Monitor this closely if it applies to you.

Eligibility and Process

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a CRJMC in Ontario you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: You must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Residency: You must be an Ontario resident. Your current or recent Ontario address is required on the application form.

  • Identification: You must possess a valid government-issued photo ID such as an Ontario Driver’s Licence, Ontario Photo Card, Canadian passport, citizenship card, or military ID.

Requirements may differ slightly based on the intended use of the check (employment, volunteering, licensing). Always confirm with the requesting organization what type of check they need.

Application at a Local Police Station

Municipal police services process CRJMC applications submitted at their station. The police service you apply to is determined by your residential address. For example, Toronto residents apply through Toronto Police Service; residents of Peel, York, Ottawa, and other regions apply through their respective services.

What to expect when applying in person:

  1. Bring your valid government-issued photo ID and proof of residency.

  2. Complete the CRJMC application form at the station.

  3. Pay the applicable fee (varies by municipality; see the price table below).

  4. Wait for processing. Typical turnaround ranges from 1 to 6 weeks depending on the police service.

Toronto Police Service update: As of November 2025, Toronto Police closed their Information Access counter on Wednesdays. As of February 2026, they are working through a roughly two-week processing backlog. Plan visits accordingly - check the TPS website for the most current counter hours before going in person.

Fees and Payments

Fees for a CRJMC vary significantly between municipalities. As of early 2026, prices range from approximately $29 (Toronto) to over $70 (London, Brantford). Most police services accept credit card, debit card, and online payment for digital applications. In-person applications may also accept cash or certified cheque. Always verify accepted payment methods with your local police service before visiting.

Online Application - The Fastest Option

You can also get a CRJMC through an authorized third-party provider - without visiting a police station, waiting weeks, or dealing with limited counter hours.

CRJMC.net is an authorized online CRJMC provider. The process is fully digital:

  • Cost: $54.99

  • Turnaround: as fast as 15 minutes

  • 100% online - complete from anywhere in Ontario

  • Accepted for security guard licences, PI licences, employment, and more

Since July 2024, the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB) has officially accepted CRJMCs from authorized third-party providers for security guard and private investigator licence applications. This was a major policy change that means you no longer need a police-issued CRJMC for your security licence.

An example of CRJMC check locality from Durham Regional Police. Only residents of Durham Region can apply for CRJMC on Durham Regional Police's website. Online CRJMCs do not have such restriction
An example of CRJMC check locality from Durham Regional Police. Only residents of Durham Region can apply for CRJMC on Durham Regional Police's website. Online CRJMCs do not have such restriction

RECO Partnership for Real Estate Registrants

In June 2025, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) announced a partnership with Triton Canada to provide fully online CRJMCs for real estate registrants. If you are registering or renewing with RECO, check their portal for the integrated CRJMC option. Alternatively, a CRJMC from CRJMC.net is also accepted for RECO purposes.

School Board Background Checks - O. Reg. 298/25

In December 2025, Ontario finalized O. Reg. 298/25, a regulation overhauling background check requirements for school board employees and volunteers. The regulation establishes the following framework:

  • Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) - required for positions of trust involving direct contact with pupils.

  • CRJMC - required for other school board positions that do not involve direct contact with pupils but still require background screening.

Implementation is staggered, with compliance deadlines rolling out through 2026 and 2027. If you work for or volunteer with an Ontario school board, confirm which check your board requires and the applicable deadline.

CRJMC Passing Criteria

To receive a clear (or “clean”) CRJMC in Ontario, you must not:

  • Have any outstanding charges or warrants. All pending criminal charges and warrants must be resolved before a clear result is possible.

  • Have non-discharged criminal convictions within the disclosure window. Summary convictions are currently not disclosed after five years (subject to Bill 75 changes). Indictable convictions remain on record unless a Record Suspension is obtained.

  • Be subject to active judicial orders. Peace bonds, probation orders, and prohibition orders will appear on a CRJMC while active.

If you have a past conviction, a Record Suspension (formerly called a pardon) can remove it from your CRJMC result. Consult a legal professional to determine your eligibility.

CRJMC Fees Across Ontario - 2026 Price Comparison

The table below compares CRJMC fees and typical processing times across major Ontario municipalities and CRJMC.net. Prices were last verified in early 2026. Note that fees may change - always confirm with your local police service.

Price:

$54.99

Processing Time:

15 minutes

Toronto Police Service

Price:

$29

Processing Time:

1-2 weeks*

Peel Regional Police

Price:

$34

Processing Time:

5 weeks

York Regional Police

Price:

$69

Processing Time:

1-2 weeks

Ottawa Police Service

Price:

$69

Processing Time:

1-2 weeks

Durham Regional Police

Price:

$59

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Hamilton Police Service

Price:

$50

Processing Time:

2 weeks

London Police Service

Price:

$74

Processing Time:

2 weeks

Waterloo Regional Police

Price:

$43

Processing Time:

1-2 weeks

Halton Regional Police

Price:

$33

Processing Time:

4 weeks

Windsor Police Service

Price:

$55

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Niagara Regional Police

Price:

$60

Processing Time:

6 weeks

Greater Sudbury Police

Price:

$42

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Guelph Police Service

Price:

$42

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Thunder Bay Police

Price:

$60

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Brantford Police Service

Price:

$67

Processing Time:

2 weeks

Barrie Police Service

Price:

$59

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Peterborough Police

Price:

$46

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Sarnia Police Service

Price:

$52

Processing Time:

2 weeks

Chatham-Kent Police

Price:

$55

Processing Time:

2 weeks

Sault Ste. Marie Police

Price:

$50

Processing Time:

2 weeks

North Bay Police Service

Price:

$45

Processing Time:

5 weeks

Kingston Police

Price:

$40

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Owen Sound Police

Price:

$55

Processing Time:

3 weeks

* Toronto Police Service is experiencing a ~2 week backlog as of February 2026. Their Information Access counter is closed on Wednesdays since November 2025.

London Police Service increased their CRJMC fee from $47 to $74 effective January 1, 2026.

Privacy and Security

Police record checks involve processing sensitive personal information. Several Ontario and federal privacy laws protect this data:

  • Information collected during a police record check is only disclosed as originally requested and authorized. Unauthorized access is prohibited.

  • Police services and authorized third-party providers implement encryption, secure data storage, and strict access controls.

  • Ontario’s Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 sets rules about what can and cannot be disclosed, limiting the scope of checks to relevant information.

When using an online provider like CRJMC.net, ensure they are authorized and compliant with Canadian privacy regulations. CRJMC.net uses industry-standard encryption and does not share your information with unauthorized third parties.

Travel and Immigration Implications

A criminal record can have serious consequences for international travel. Many countries require a police clearance certificate as part of their visa application process.

  • United States: The U.S. has strict entry rules for individuals with criminal records. Certain offences may result in denied entry or the need for a special waiver.

  • Other countries: Many nations, including the UK, Australia, and EU member states, require police clearance as part of immigration applications.

  • Record Suspensions: Obtaining a Record Suspension (pardon) in Canada can lessen the impact a criminal record has on travel. However, a Canadian pardon is not recognized by all foreign governments.

Always confirm the entry requirements for your destination country. If you have a criminal record, seek legal advice before travelling.

Are There Different Types of CRJMC?

No. There is only one type of CRJMC. The same result document is accepted for all purposes and professions - security guard licences, private investigator licences, loss prevention roles, healthcare positions, school board employment, real estate registration, and more. You do not need a different CRJMC for different employers.

A picture of a security guard filling paperwork
A picture of a security guard filling paperwork

FAQ: CRJMC for Security Guard and PI Licences

How do I submit my CRJMC for a security guard or PI licence?

For online licence applications through ServiceOntario, upload a digital copy of your CRJMC. For paper applications, mail the physical copy to the ServiceOntario Licensing Portal.

Can I use an online CRJMC for my security guard licence?

Yes. Since July 2024, the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB) officially accepts CRJMCs from authorized third-party providers. A CRJMC from CRJMC.net is fully accepted for security guard and private investigator licence applications.

Does a criminal record prevent me from getting a security guard licence?

A CRJMC will reveal any relevant criminal offences. Having an unresolved charge or a conviction within the disclosure window will prevent you from obtaining a security guard licence. Summary convictions are currently not disclosed after five years (subject to potential Bill 75 changes). A Record Suspension can also clear your record for licensing purposes.

Consult the Criminal Code of Canada for the full list of offences that may affect your eligibility. If in doubt, speak with a legal professional before applying.

How long is a CRJMC valid?

There is no legislated expiry date for a CRJMC. However, most employers and licensing bodies require one that is no older than 6 months, and some may require one issued within 30 or 90 days. Check with your specific employer or licensing body for their requirements.

What is the fastest way to get a CRJMC?

The fastest option is through an authorized online provider. CRJMC.net provides results in as little as 15 minutes for $54.99 - compared to 1-6 weeks through most police services.

Get Your CRJMC Today

Whether you need a CRJMC for a security guard licence, a private investigator licence, school board employment, real estate registration, or any other purpose, the fastest and most convenient option is to apply online through CRJMC.net. For $54.99, you can receive your CRJMC in as little as 15 minutes - fully accepted by PSISB, RECO, and employers across Ontario.

This guide is updated regularly to reflect the latest legislative changes, fee updates, and policy developments. Last updated: February 6, 2026.

K

Kane Nate

Security Expert & Author

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