How to Get a Police Check in Mississauga: A Complete Guide
Whether you are applying for a new job, volunteering with a local school, or processing a visa application, you will likely be asked to provide a Police Check. For residents of Mississauga, navigating the requirements can sometimes be confusing.
Do you need a standard background check, or are you required to provide RCMP-certified fingerprints? This guide breaks down exactly how to get your police check in Mississauga efficiently.
Types of Police Checks in Mississauga
Before you apply, it is essential to know which type of check the requesting organization requires:
- Criminal Record Check (Name-Based / CPIC): This search is based on your name and date of birth in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. It is typically used for general employment, housing, or volunteer roles.
- Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check: A more detailed search that includes convictions, findings of guilt, absolute/conditional discharges, and outstanding charges.
- Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): Required if you are working or volunteering in a position of trust with children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities. Note: VSCs can only be processed by your local police service (Peel Regional Police).
- Fingerprint-Based Certified Criminal Record Check: Often required for immigration, citizenship, U.S. Entry Waivers, or record suspensions (pardons). This is the most accurate method, as it confirms identity through biometrics.
Where to Get Your Police Check
- Peel Regional Police (For VSCs and Official Records)
If you live in Mississauga or Brampton, the Peel Regional Police are the official authority for most record checks, especially those involving the Vulnerable Sector. You can apply online through their portal. Be prepared to provide two pieces of government-issued ID and pay the associated processing fees.
- F.I.P.S. (For Faster, Private-Sector Solutions)
For non-vulnerable sector employment, licensing, or personal background screening, third-party agencies like F.I.P.S. (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services) offer a faster, more convenient alternative to standard police station visits.
Why choose F.I.P.S. for your background check?
- No Appointments Needed: Walk in at your convenience six days a week.
- Speed: Most name-based Criminal Record Checks are processed and emailed within minutes during business hours.
- Digital Accuracy: We use RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting technology for high-priority applications.
- Expert Guidance: Our staff ensures your application meets the specific requirements of the requesting agency, reducing the risk of errors or delays.
What You Need to Bring
To process your check at F.I.P.S., please ensure you have the following ready:
- Primary ID: A valid government-issued photo ID (Passport, Driver’s License, PR Card, etc.).
- Secondary ID: A second piece of identification.
- Requesting Documents: Any specific forms or reference numbers provided by your employer or the requesting authority.
Start Your Application Today
Don’t let paperwork delay your next career move or travel plans. At F.I.P.S., we specialize in fast, secure identification services for the Greater Toronto Area.
Click here to start your online Criminal Record Check or visit one of our GTA locations today—no appointment necessary.
Quick Summary Table: Which Check Do You Need?
Requirement | Type of Check | Provider |
Volunteering with children | Vulnerable Sector Check | Peel Regional Police |
General Employment | CPIC Name-Based Check | F.I.P.S. |
Immigration / Citizenship | RCMP Fingerprints | F.I.P.S. |
U.S. Entry Waiver | RCMP Fingerprints | F.I.P.S. |
Need help determining which check is right for you? Our team is here to help. Contact us at F.I.P.S. today to speak with a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Residents of Mississauga can obtain different types of police checks depending on the purpose of their application. Name-based Criminal Record Checks and RCMP fingerprinting services are available through RCMP-accredited agencies like F.I.P.S., while Vulnerable Sector Checks must be obtained through Peel Regional Police.
A Criminal Record Check is usually a name-based search using your name and date of birth. An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check uses digital fingerprints to verify your identity and is often required for immigration, citizenship, international travel, and other official purposes.
Not always. Fingerprints are generally required only when an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is requested or when a name-based search cannot conclusively verify your identity.
No. Vulnerable Sector Checks for Mississauga residents must be processed through Peel Regional Police, as required by Canadian regulations.
You should bring at least one valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, driver’s licence, or permanent resident card. Some applications may also require a second piece of identification and documents from the requesting organization.
Processing times depend on the type of police check requested. Name-based Criminal Record Checks may be completed quickly, while fingerprint-based RCMP Certified Criminal Record Checks may take longer depending on RCMP processing times.
A CPIC Criminal Record Check searches the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database using your name and date of birth. It is commonly requested for employment, volunteer positions, licensing, and other routine background screening.
An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is commonly required for immigration applications, Canadian citizenship, permanent residence, adoption, international employment, Record Suspensions, and U.S. Entry Waiver applications.
Yes. Many employers require Criminal Record Checks or background screening as part of the hiring process. The type of check required depends on the employer and the position.
F.I.P.S. is an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency with over 30 years of experience providing digital fingerprinting, Criminal Record Checks, identity verification, and application support services throughout Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and the Greater Toronto Area.