Police record check Ontario: checklist tool and prep guide

Ontario police record checks aren’t “one form for everyone.” What you need depends on where you live (jurisdiction) and what the organization asked for (CRC, CRJMC, VSC). The tool above does the annoying part — it points you to the most likely police service and generates a checklist you can copy or print before you apply.

Ontario Police record check checklist tool

Use the tool in 60 seconds

1. Select your Ontario city/region (where you live).
2. Choose your purpose (employment, volunteer, student placement).
3. Pick the check type (or choose “Not sure”).
4. Click Generate checklist, then Copy or Print.

If your city isn’t listed, choose “My city/town isn’t listed”. The tool switches to “finder mode” and gives you the safest next steps to find the correct official page.

Before anything else: apply to the right police service

In Ontario, police checks are tied to service of jurisdiction. Your workplace might be in Toronto — but if your address is in Peel, York, Durham, Halton, Niagara, etc., the correct service may be different.

This sounds small. It isn’t.

A simple rule that helps:

• VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check) is the most likely to be jurisdiction-based (apply where you live).
• Basic checks (CRC/CRJMC) can sometimes be more flexible — but don’t assume. Use the official link inside your tool result card.

Police record check Ontario check types

These names show up in emails from schools, placements, and employers. Match the words first. Then apply.

Ontario check type	Also called	Usually requested for	Ask your org this
CRC (Level 1)	Criminal Record Check	General employment, some volunteering	“Is a basic CRC enough for this role?”
CRJMC (Level 2)	Criminal Record & Judicial Matters	Roles of trust (not full VSC)	“Do you specifically need CRJMC?”
VSC (Level 3)	Vulnerable Sector Check	Roles involving vulnerable persons	“Do you require a VSC for this placement?”

If the email says “CRC + VSC”, most people only apply for VSC because it’s the more thorough request. If you’re unsure, ask — don’t guess.

Read: How to get a police check in Ontario

Copy-paste message you can send:

“Can you confirm whether you need CRC, CRJMC, or VSC, and whether you need a volunteer letter or an agency/organization code?”

What to gather before you click “Apply”

1) Two pieces of ID

Most Ontario services ask for two pieces of ID, and at least one usually needs a photo.

Small but important: many services don’t accept an Ontario health card as ID for this purpose. If you’re not sure, use the official list on the police service page linked in your tool result.

2) Proof of address (if needed)

If your address isn’t clearly shown on your ID, be ready to provide proof (common examples are lease/utility-type documents, but each service sets its own acceptable list).

3) Volunteer/agency letter (if you’re volunteering or doing a placement)

A lot of people skip this, then wonder why the portal asks for fees or rejects the “volunteer” option.

Your letter should include:

• organization name and contact info
• your role/title and duties
• confirmation it’s volunteer/unpaid (if applicable)

4) Organization details (especially for VSC)

For VSC applications, have this ready:

• organization name
• role and duties
• sometimes an agency/organization code (if that service uses one)

“Free volunteer checks” in Ontario: what to watch

Volunteer pricing is one of the most confusing parts — because it varies by police service and by check type.

In general:

• Volunteer CRC/CRJMC are often free through police services (when you qualify and provide the letter).
• VSC is different: many services still charge a fee, even for volunteers (sometimes reduced, sometimes not).

Don’t rely on rumours. Your tool result card links the official page — check it before you pay.

Fingerprints: what it means (and what not to do)

If the portal flags fingerprints, it usually means the service needs additional confirmation. It can add time and extra fees.

Two practical tips:

• Don’t book fingerprinting “just in case.” Wait until you’re specifically instructed for your file.
• If fingerprints are required, move quickly — this is the step that can stretch your timeline.

Pre-submit checklist (use this right before you pay)

• Correct police service for your home address
• Correct check type (CRC / CRJMC / VSC)
• Name and date of birth match your IDs (no typos)
• Volunteer/placement letter uploaded (if applicable)
• Receipt / reference number saved

If your city isn’t listed

Use Other Ontario city/town in the tool. You’ll get:

• a general Ontario checklist (IDs, address proof, letter)
• a search link to find the correct official page for your municipality

If you selected “OPP-policed community”

Only use the OPP option if your community is actually policed by OPP. Many larger cities/regions have their own police services. Applying to the wrong jurisdiction can mean delays — and sometimes no refund.

Police record check Ontario FAQ