Our current processing time for record checks is approximately four (4) weeks. 

To check the status of your application, click the button below.

Check your application status

Police Record Checks

A police record check helps an employer or organization decide if a person is suitable for a job, volunteer role or other opportunity. The organization must tell you which type of record check you need. You only need to apply for the type that matches the opportunity.

Application Process

  • You must be a current resident within the city limits of Guelph and have proof of that Guelph address
  • Applications must be submitted online and fees are non-refundable
  • If identity verification or required fingerprints are not completed within 90 days, the application will be cancelled
  • Applications not completed within 90 days will be cancelled
  • Processing may take up to 4 weeks
  • Vulnerable Sector Checks require a letter from the requesting agency

You can also access support by phone at 226‑314‑0672 or email if you need assistance.

APPLY FOR A RECORD CHECK STATUS OF RECORD CHECK

Types of Record Checks

There are 3 types of police record checks that Guelph residents may apply for. It is the applicant's responsibility to know what level of check they require.

Click on any of the links below or watch our "Differences in Types of Record Checks" video for more information.

  1. Criminal Record Check
  2. Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
  3. Vulnerable Sector Check

Two pieces of government-issued identification, as well as proof of residency within the City of Guelph (see below for acceptable pieces of identification), are required to complete your record check.

Currently, broad record check applications are being accepted with no estimated date for completion. Please email us for instructions if you would like to apply.

Identification

You must provide in two pieces of identification: one piece of photo I.D. and one piece of I.D. proving proof of Guelph residency. Your proof of address identification must include your name and the City of Guelph Address. If your current Guelph address is not on your identification, you must bring proof of residency (Utility bills, rental lease agreement, University of Guelph My Housing, Student Report Cards, Bank Statements, etc.)

You must provide original identification documents. No photocopies will be accepted.

  • Federal, Provincial, or Municipal identification card
  • Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) identification card
  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Certificate of Indian Status
  • Driver's Licence
  • FAST/Nexus cards
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)
  • Military Family identification (MFID)
  • Permanent Resident (PR) card
  • Police Service issued warrant card
  • Valid student identity card from a Canadian or foreign institute
  • Ontario Photo Card

Note: Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) are not acceptable for identification purposes. Ontario Health Cards cannot be accepted for identification purposes (Health Cards and Numbers Control Act, 1991 section 2.2(1))

Fees

Fees for applying for a Police Record Check are established under By-law No. 149 (2013)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Guelph Police service only accepts applications for police record checks online.

Contact the agency/organization requesting the check so they can clarify what type of record check they require from you.

The Guelph Police Service will accept applications for police record checks if the applicant has proof of Guelph residency. Residency proof can take the form of such items as: rental agreements, correspondence or bills addressed to the application. Applicants living outside of the city must attend their local police service to apply for a record check.

You must currently be a resident of Guelph to apply, otherwise your application will be voided. To ensure you reside within the boundaries of the City of Guelph, please check the Guelph City Boundary Map.

Enter your one name as both the surname and first name on the application.

School placement is restricted to individuals completing job placements as part of their college / university / continuing education curriculum. Employment at a school is a paid position and as such the fee schedules differ.

Volunteering means a person who performs a service but who receives no compensation for doing so and excludes school placement.

A pre-paid credit card may be purchased anywhere gift cards are available for purchase and can be used to pay online.

VSC checks are restricted to applicants seeking employment and/or volunteering within Canada only. In this case, applicants will need to contact the RCMP.

The Criminal Records Act does not allow vulnerable sector checks to be conducted for the purpose of Adoption.

Our current processing time for record checks is up to four (4) weeks. You can check the status of your application online. 

The Guelph Police Service is unable to make changes to an application once it has been submitted. Please ensure that all information is accurate prior to submission.

Record checks are non-refundable. It is essential that you are aware of which type of record check you require and that you check your address is within the city limits of Guelph before applying for a record check.

You will receive an email explaining the reason your application was voided. If you have further questions, please contact Customer Service.

Applicants will be requested to come in to be fingerprinted in two circumstances.

  1. To confirm the applicant’s criminal conviction if applicable:
    • If an applicant has criminal convictions, the RCMP requires fingerprints to confirm the criminal record. Once confirmed, data from the criminal record will be put on the requesters police record check.
  2. To complete a Level 3 - Police Vulnerable Sector Check:
    • The vulnerable sector query is based on gender and date of birth. To clarify inconclusive results, applicants are required to be fingerprinted. Results will be indicated on the completed Level 3 Police Vulnerable Sector Check.

The Guelph Police Service only does fingerprinting for police record checks. Otherwise, applicants will need to attend an accredited fingerprinting company to have their fingerprints taken for the purposes of adoptions, foreign travel, citizenship, record suspension, and permanent residency. You can email the RCMP to get a list of accredited fingerprint companies.

Sometimes the system generated email is considered as spam by your service provider and goes to your junk folder. Please check your junk folder, otherwise give us a call.

Click on the forgot password option. A link will be sent to your email account. Access your email and click on the link to reset the password. If you require further assistance, please email or call 226-314-0672 .

Customer Service can be contacted by email or by phone at 519-824-1212 extension 7321.

For more information about Ontario’s legislation on Record Checks, please see the Police Record Checks Reform Act.

For information about RCMP processes, please visit the RCMP website for more information on criminal record checks.

For further information regarding the GPS record checks process, please contact Customer Service.

Contact Us

Guelph Police Service
15 Wyndham St S, Guelph, Ontario
N1H 4C6

T: 519-824-1212
F: 519-763-0516
TTY: 1-866-513-8062