Ontario security guard background check online — What You Need to Know

If you’re applying for or renewing a security guard licence or private investigator licence in Ontario, you’ve likely come across the term CRJMC — the Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. Since February 2024, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General has required this enhanced check for security guard and private investigator licensing, and since July 2024 applicants have been able to get it through approved third-party providers rather than only through police services.

This guide explains what a CRJMC actually checks, how it’s different from a standard criminal record check, and how to get one processed even if you don’t live near a location that offers it.

What Is a CRJMC?

A CRJMC is a more thorough version of a standard name-based criminal record check. Where a basic CPIC check shows only convictions, a CRJMC also discloses:

  • Outstanding charges and warrants
  • Peace bonds and probation orders
  • Judicial orders and prohibition orders
  • Absolute and conditional discharges (within their disclosure period)

Ontario requires this enhanced level of screening for security guard and investigator applicants because these are positions of trust that may involve access to private property, vulnerable people, or sensitive information.

Do I Need Fingerprints for a CRJMC?

In most cases, no. A CRJMC is a name-based check — sometimes described as a “criminal record check without fingerprints” — that matches your name, date of birth, and identification details against the national CPIC database. Fingerprints are only required if your name and date of birth closely match another individual’s record, so your identity needs to be confirmed before results can be issued.

How to Get a CRJMC If You’re Not Near a Testing Location

You don’t need to be physically present at a police station to get a CRJMC. Because the check is name-based, RCMP-accredited fingerprinting and background check agencies — including agencies outside Ontario — can process your application by mail or online, provided your licensing body accepts a third-party-issued certificate.

The typical process looks like this:

  1. Confirm the requirement. Check with the Ontario licensing authority (or your employer) that a CRJMC, specifically, is what’s required — not a standard CPIC check.
  2. Apply online or by mail. Submit your application along with two pieces of government-issued ID, at least one with your photo.
  3. Identity verification. Your name and date of birth are searched against the CPIC database. If there’s a partial match to another record, fingerprints will be requested to confirm your identity.
  4. Receive your certificate. Most name-based checks are completed within 15 minutes to 48 hours, and the certificate is delivered digitally.

Looking for an Alternative to Your Current Provider?

If you’ve previously used an online CRJMC provider such for Ontario security licensing and are looking at other RCMP-accredited options, Surrey Fingerprint Company processes both CPIC ($40 + tax) and CRJMC ($50 + tax) checks the same way — by mail or online, for clients across Canada, not only in British Columbia. Before applying, confirm with your Ontario licensing body that a certificate from an out-of-province provider will be accepted for your specific application.

How Long Is a CRJMC Valid?

For Ontario security guard and investigator licence applications, a CRJMC typically needs to be dated within 6 months of your application. Always confirm the exact requirement with the Ministry or your employer, as this can change.

Get Started

Contact Surrey Fingerprint Company to confirm your CRJMC requirements and start your application. Learn more about our CPIC and CRJMC criminal record checks, available across Canada.

📞 (604) 825-8882 | ✉️ info@surreyfingerprint.com