You can apply for a criminal record check from Halifax Regional Police online or in-person.
Regardless of the application method, all criminal record checks are completed by Halifax Regional Police and there’s no difference in the cost. Call Halifax Regional Police at 902.490.5016 if you have questions on criminal record checks or want to check on the status of your criminal record check.
Criminal record checks are usually processed in 14 days depending on service delivery volumes.
If you require clearance to work in a vulnerable sector, allow one week for processing, two weeks if fingerprints are required. You must also provide a letter from your employer or organization requesting the vulnerable sector check.
If you require fingerprints, please call 902.490.2466 to schedule an appointment. Please leave a voicemail for a call-back option.
Criminal record check for volunteer positions: $30 (Requires a memorandum of understanding between the volunteer organization and Halifax Regional Police.)
Students who require a background check for their program of study: $30 (Proof of enrollment is required)
You can pay with cash, debit card or credit card (Visa, MasterCard) when you apply in-person.
Criminal record check or vulnerable sector check: $50 + service fee + tax.
You must use a credit card to pay online.
You can apply in-person for a criminal record check Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following location:
You must present two pieces of identification (hard copies) with your current address. The address must be within Halifax Regional Municipality. Accepted identification includes:
If you are a new resident to the Halifax-area and your ID has your old address on it, you must bring some form of proof of residence, e.g. a tenant agreement.
The results of your criminal record check will be shared with you and then you can decide whether you want to share it with the organization requesting the check. Halifax Regional Police won’t share the results of the criminal record check without your consent.
Before you apply online, make sure the organization requesting the record check will accept an electronic copy of the results. Some organizations may not accept online criminal record checks.
The online criminal record check process is convenient and easy:
Your criminal record check will be completed by Halifax Regional Police.
Different employers or institutions require different types of background checks.
A criminal record check simply verifies whether or not you have a criminal record.
A vulnerable sector check is a special type of criminal record check required for situations where you will be in a position of trust or authority over children, the elderly, the disabled, or another vulnerable group.
A vulnerable sector check involves a name-based search of the national repository of criminal convictions, a search of locally held convictions at Halifax Regional Police and a query of the pardoned sex-offender database. In some cases, you may be required to submit your fingerprints if there is a match based on either your name or a combination of your gender and date of birth to a pardoned sex offender record. Applicants with a potential match will be contacted by Halifax Regional Police and asked to come to Police Headquarters to have their fingerprints taken electronically. You can have your fingerprints taken Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Find out more about vulnerable sector checks from the RCMP.
