Criminal Record Check FAQ's

1) Can anyone apply at Victoria Police Department for a Criminal Record check?

No. We provide this service to residents of the City of Victoria and Township of Esquimalt only. If you reside in another municipality please attend your local police department.

2) May I submit my application by email or fax?

No. You must apply in person and present the required identification.

3) Do I need an appointment?

No appointment is necessary. The hours of operation are as follows:

Victoria Police Main Headquarters

Employment Criminal Record Checks
Tuesday to Thursday 8:30am to 3:30 pm
 (please note the office is closed from noon to 1:15)

Volunteer Criminal Record Checks
7:00am to 8:00pm daily at our Front Desk

Esquimalt West Division Office

Both Volunteer and Paid Criminal Record checks
8:30am to 4:30 Monday to Friday

4) How long are the Criminal Record Checks good for?

Victoria Police Department does not put an expiry date of these documents. The employer or volunteer agency must determine how old a record check can be that they will still accept.

5) Can someone else drop off my application or pickup the results?

No. You must attend in person for identification verification (except for those applying from outside Canada).

6) Will the results of the check be mailed to the organization requesting it?

No. We release the results to the applicant only. It is your responsibility to pick up your check and provide it to the organization.

7) If I have a Criminal Record will I get a print out of it with my Criminal Records Check?

No. The response of the completed form will indicate either “none located” or “may or may not exist”. If “may or may not exist” is indicated you must submit your fingerprints to RCMP Ottawa. They will then send you a certified copy or your Criminal Record. This process can take up to 6 months.

8) How do I obtain my fingerprints?

We conduct civil fingerprinting on Wednesdays only. Please attend the main Victoria Police Headquarters at 850 Caledonia Avenue at 1pm. Please note you may be at the police department for up to 90 minutes depending on client volume.

9) What is the current processing time for Police Record Checks?

We try and process the checks in 5 business days however it may take up to 14 days. Applicants with past residences outside BC can often expect even longer delays. 

10) Is there a student rate for Police Record Checks?

No. You must pay the $50 fee. You may be able to submit the receipt with your income tax return if the check is a requirement for your schooling.

Additionally – practicum placements are not volunteer positions as you will receive education credits – you will need to pay to have your police record check done.

11) I previously had a Criminal Record check, do I need to pay for another one?

Yes. Each time you are required to have one you will have to start the process again. We do not keep copies of previous checks.

12) What if I can’t make it during you business hours?

Applications are only accepted during the noted business hours.

13) How can I pay?

We accept cash, debit, Visa and Mastercard. We do not accept personal cheques.

14) I am a student with a temporary address in Victoria, can I get my check done here?

Yes. There may be delays in processing time however if we need to contact your home police agency and it is outside of BC.