May 13, 2025 . 5 mins read

A Complete Know-How for Ottawa Police Check

Individuals seeking to relocate to Ottawa, Canada, for employment, volunteering, adoption, or immigration purposes must obtain an Ottawa police check as part of the application process. For comprehensive knowledge and details, it is essential to understand that there are different types of checks and how they can be used with the help of the Ottawa Police Service, or OPS.

Types of Police Checks in Ottawa

Criminal Record Check: Any criminal convictions recorded in the Canadian Police Information Centre are listed under the criminal record check and will be shown in your certificate, in case you are guilty. This check is generally conducted for general employment that does not include working with vulnerable adults and children.

Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check: This check includes arrest warrants, judicial orders, and outstanding charges in your record. The use case of this type of check is for jobs or positions of trust and authority. A third-party company can also do this check for you without any hassles of driving down to the police station.

Vulnerable Sector Check: In addition to the details in CRJMC, this check includes suspensions (pardons) for sexual offences and non-conviction records (where authorized). The local police only conduct this type of check for volunteer and employment cases that involve working closely with children and vulnerable adults.

Eligibility for Police Check in Ottawa

To apply through the Ottawa Police Service, you must be an Ottawa resident. During the police check, they will require proof of residence for individuals in Ottawa. Another requirement is that candidates requesting a Police check in Ottawa must be at least 12 years old. Only government-related activities, such as volunteer projects or school programs, are eligible for check requests from youth (ages 12 to 17).

Employees versus Volunteers

A volunteer letter on official letterhead is required of volunteers.

The check is considered employment-related and is subject to a cost if a volunteer letter is not submitted.

How To Apply For a Police Check in Ottawa?

There are several ways in which you can apply for a police check in Ottawa.

Online Application: The easiest way to apply for a police check is through an online service portal. You can use Electronic Identity Verification (eIDV) for secure ID verification. This version of the criminal record check in Ottawa is open for volunteers and employment applicants.

In-person Application: If you need a fingerprint-based check, or if the applicants cannot verify their identity online. You need to book an appointment for the fingerprint-based check online on their website.

Third Party Accredited Company: If you wish to skip the fingerprint-based check and appointment process, you can apply with a third-party accredited company that will do the checks on your behalf. These companies are equipped with the latest technology that can help verify the police check in Ottawa with the least resistance.

Fingerprint-based Check: This check is generally required for employment, adoption, immigration, travel visas, legal name changes, and record checks when other checks raise a red flag. The central authority for conducting this check is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The fingerprint collection can be done with the help of an accredited third-party agent. These third-party agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding with the police stations to maintain the integrity of the information and apply on behalf of the RCMP.

List of Documents for a Police Record Check in Ottawa

You must present two valid forms of government-issued ID, one of which must include:

A photo
Your name and birth date

Accepted IDs include:

Passport
Driver’s License
Citizenship Card
Permanent Resident Card
Ontario Photo Card

For Volunteers

An original, signed volunteer letter must be included to qualify for the volunteer fee waiver.

Fees for Police Record Checks in Ottawa

The pricing structure given below is only for the Ottawa police station.

Type of Check	Fee (CAD)
Volunteer Record Check	Free (with a valid volunteer letter)
Employment Record Check	$72
Adoption Record Check	$118
Record Suspension Application	$72

You can check the details of the fee on this link

For a third-party accredited agency, the police check will cost $30 or more, depending on the type of check you would like. The upside of hiring these agencies is that they will eliminate the hassle of visiting the police station for updates. They take up your documents and fingerprints and do the work for you.

Processing Time For Ottawa Police Check

Internet-based applications require processing, which usually takes five to ten business days.

Applications made in person could take longer if fingerprinting is necessary or if there are problems with verification. OPS advises that you apply at least 3-4 weeks before your deadline, allowing sufficient time for processing. A third-party company that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the RCMP can complete the criminal record check in two hours if no detailed information is involved. It will save you a lot of time.

Police Check in Ottawa for Youth

Youth aged 12 to 17 can only apply for police records checks for employment or volunteering with government agencies (federal, provincial, or municipal). According to the latest norms set by the Ottawa Police Service, Youths will no longer be able to request any level of police records check, and non-governmental organizations are prohibited from obtaining the results of any youth records.

Conclusion

Getting a police check in Ottawa is a simple process once you understand the types of record checks and make an informed decision for the one you deem fit. Preparing well in advance with all the documents is the best way to apply for a police check. It reduces the turnaround time and gives you a breather while prepping for the new job. You can use Globeia's trusted services to check a police record in Ottawa right away.

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

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