Is It Really Possible to Get a Criminal Record Check in 15 Minutes?

Picture a scenario: you’ve been offered a new job, an adventure abroad, or a volunteer position, but there is one condition and that is a verified criminal record check. The twist? You need it as fast as possible. In the past, a criminal record check in Canada was a time-consuming process that could take several days or even weeks, required many trips to police stations and loads of paperwork. However, now some services say you can get a criminal record check in just 15 minutes. Could it be true? Let us find out what the truth is behind speedy criminal record checks and how technology makes this possible. 

A standard criminal record check in Canada is processed through local police departments and the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). The traditional process often includes:

• Visiting a police station in person.
• Filling out manual forms and providing government-issued ID.
• Waiting for police staff to verify the information against CPIC databases.
• Receiving results, sometimes days later, or in the case of fingerprint-based checks, up to several weeks.

While thorough, this method can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and prone to delays, especially for applicants outside their local jurisdiction.

So, can a criminal record check really be completed in 15 minutes? The answer is yes - but only under certain conditions:

Name-Based Criminal Record Checks (Fastest Option)

• A name-based criminal record check uses your full name, date of birth, and supporting ID to search the RCMP’s national police database.
• For individuals with no criminal record and no ID conflicts, the result can be generated within minutes using secure online systems. This is why same-day - and even 15-minute  results are achievable.

Possible Outcomes:

Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Checks (Not 15 Minutes)

• A fingerprint-based check is required for immigration, permanent residency, citizenship, vulnerable sector roles, and certain federal positions.
• Even when submitted electronically, RCMP processing typically takes up to 72 hours + mailing time, and may take longer if manual review is needed. These checks cannot be completed in 15 minutes.

What Makes 15-Minute Results Possible

Fast turnaround is achievable only when using a platform that:

• automates identity matching,
• reduces manual errors, and
• securely connects to the national police database for instant processing.

This is why same-day results are limited to name-based checks, while fingerprint-based checks follow longer RCMP timelines.

Platforms like Globeia have revolutionized criminal record checks by combining automation, secure online submission, and RCMP accreditation. Here’s how it works:

1. Online Application: You submit your personal information - full name, date of birth, gender, and contact details, through a secure, mobile-friendly portal.
2. ID Verification: Upload a valid government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity.
3. Photo Verification: Take a selfie that matches your ID to ensure accuracy.
4. Automated Processing: The system instantly validates your information and connects with police databases for verification.
5. Results Delivery: For eligible name-based checks, the criminal record check is delivered in as little as 15 minutes, ready for download and official use.

This approach eliminates the need for multiple visits, paperwork, and waiting, making same-day criminal record checks a reality for individuals who meet the criteria.

Fast criminal record check is a must for people who need verification urgently. The most common users are:

• People seeking jobs: Employment requirements at the last moment or short contracts.
• People who want to volunteer: Some volunteer positions may request a name-based CRC for basic clearance.
• Landlords screening tenants quickly: Property managers may request a basic background check before approving rental applications.
• Freelancers and independent contractors: Some clients - especially in finance, tech, education, and caregiving, may require a basic CRC before hiring.
• College or university placements: Students entering practicums, internships, or clinical rotations may need a name-based CRC for clearance.

Despite the speed, accuracy and legal recognition are not compromised. Platforms that provide fast checks are:

• Officially recognized across Canada and by many organizations.
• Use encrypted portals to protect your personal information.
• Automated verification reduces human error and ensures correct matching with CPIC databases.
• Real-time updates let you know exactly where your application is in the process.

This combination of speed, security, and accuracy ensures that a fast criminal record check is both practical and trustworthy.

Traditional police stations may take a few days or even weeks to complete the process of a criminal record check, but the new online service can do it in just 15 minutes if the situation is ideal. Fast criminal record checks give convenience, reliability, and peace of mind more than ever for urgent employment, travel, or volunteer needs. By filling out your application on the portal, authenticating your identity, and taking advantage of the automatic systems, you will be able to get the official, RCMP-certified results really fast and safely.