Record Checks

How long will it take to process my record check?

Most record checks can be completed within 5 business days. Processing times may take longer if you have a criminal record or if you have resided outside of Woodstock in the last 5 years.

How will I receive the results of my record check?

If your application was submitted online, your results will be uploaded to your online account. 

If you application was completed in person, your results will be picked up in person. You will be advised at the time of your application, when you can expect your record check to be completed by.

What Identification is acceptable?

The following is a list of items that are considered acceptable forms of identification:

• Passport
• Driver's licence
• Birth Certificate
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Immigration Documents (i.e. work or study permits)
• Military Family ID card (MFID)
• Record of Landing for Citizenship Applicant
• Certificate of Live Birth
• Nexus card
• Ontario Identification Card
• Photo Health Card

You may be required to provide a recent utility bill with your address on it.

Record Check for Adoption

Adoptions do not meet the legal requirements for vulnerable sector checks; however, the Criminal Record Act has a different process that allows the RCMP to determine if adoptive parents have record suspensions for sex offences.

Fingerprint submissions are required for all adoption requests and are submitted to the RCMP by the Woodstock Police Service. The RCMP then conducts the appropriate database searches. These searches include pardoned sex offences and record suspensions for each applicant.

If you reside in the city of Woodstock, you can contact the Records Unit regarding fingerprints.

What payment methods are accepted?

Debit and Credit are acceptable methods of payment. Exact cash can be accepted for in person applications.

What are the hours for getting a record check in person?

The Records Department is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. The office is closed on all statutory holidays.

Can I get a record check if I am under 18 years old?

You can apply for a record check if you are applying to volunteer or for employment with a government agency (municipal, provincial or federal). A letter from the government agency is needed.

How do I get a background check if I do not live in Canada?

If you live outside of Canada, the only way to get a record check is by submitting your fingerprints to the RCMP. Please contact the Records Unit.

Does your service offer fingerprints?

Civil fingerprint services are offered to residents of Woodstock and the cost is $65.00.

Declaring a criminal record

There are two methods for verification of a criminal record; either through the submission of fingerprints or by self-declaration.

Self-declaration of a criminal record is a process whereby the Applicant declares their adult criminal convictions to the Police Service in accordance with the CCRTIS Dissemination of Criminal Record Information policy.

A self-declaration must include all convictions for offences under Federal Law.

The self-declaration must not include:

• A conviction for which the applicant has received a Record Suspension in accordance with the Criminal Records Act
• A Finding of Guilt where the applicant was a “young person” under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, however, the RCMP will provide a response if fingerprints are submitted
• An Absolute or Conditional Discharge, pursuant to section 730 of the Criminal Code
• An offence for which the applicant was not convicted
• Any Provincial or Municipal offences
• Any charges dealt with outside of Canada

In order to release criminal convictions identified through a name based query, the Police Service must be satisfied that the applicant's declared criminal record information is a match to their registered criminal record held at the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records.