Toronto residents applying for a federal Record Suspension must obtain a Local Police Records Check from the Toronto Police Service (TPS). Unlike standard background checks, this application must be submitted in person at TPS Headquarters or by mail. The federal PBC fee is $50 CAD, plus a local police fee of $45 CAD.
Living in a massive city like Toronto comes with incredible opportunities, but having a criminal record can severely limit your ability to find housing, secure a career, or travel outside of Canada. Applying for a federal Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is the best way to permanently seal your past and move forward.
To prove to the federal government that you have been living a law-abiding life, you are required to submit a Local Police Records Check. 👮 If you live within the City of Toronto, this step is managed by the Toronto Police Service (TPS). Over the last few years, TPS has streamlined its services to handle these requests more efficiently. In this guide, updated for June 2026, we will walk you through exactly how to get your records check from the TPS without unnecessary delays.
Step-by-Step Process in Toronto
While the overall Record Suspension process is federal, the Local Police Records Check requires you to deal directly with municipal authorities. Here is the correct way to navigate the Toronto Police Service system.
Step 1: Obtain Your RCMP Criminal Record First
You absolutely must have your official RCMP Criminal Record before you contact the Toronto Police. The TPS needs to review your federal RCMP record to cross-reference it with their local Toronto databases. If you submit a request without the RCMP document, your application will be immediately rejected.
Step 2: Prepare for In-Person or Mail Submission
You cannot use the standard TPS online background check portal for a Record Suspension, as that portal is strictly for standard employment or volunteer checks. Instead, you must submit your request either in person by booking an appointment at the Toronto Police Service Headquarters (40 College Street) or by mailing your application package directly to their records department.
Step 3: Present Your Form, ID, and RCMP Fingerprint Results
You must provide the paper copy of the official Local Police Records Check form from the Parole Board of Canada with your personal information completed on page 1. Along with this form, you must submit the original copy of your fingerprint-based criminal record results issued by the RCMP, two pieces of valid government-issued identification (one of which must have a photo), and the local processing fee.
Step 4: Receive and Verify the Stamped Form
Once the TPS completes their local database search, they will physically return the finalized form to you. It will be signed and stamped by an authorized Toronto Police official. Review it to ensure your name and date of birth are correct, but do not alter the document. Add this official record to your final application package to be mailed to Ottawa.
How Much Does it Cost in Toronto?
Getting your paperwork together in the GTA requires paying a mix of federal application fees and local municipal processing fees. Here is the expected cost breakdown in Canadian dollars (CAD).
| Service Needed | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| PBC Record Suspension Fee | $50.00 |
| Toronto Police Service (TPS) Fee | $45.00 |
| RCMP Fingerprinting (Third-Party in GTA) | $50.00 to $75.00 |
| Hiring a Toronto Pardon Lawyer (Optional) | $800 to $2,500+ |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Because Toronto is the largest city in Canada, the TPS processes thousands of background checks every single week. 📅 You should expect the Local Police Records Check to take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. If you recently moved to Toronto from Mississauga, you will also need to request a separate check from the Peel Regional Police, which will add more time to your overall application gathering phase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I have lived in Toronto for less than 5 years?
The Parole Board of Canada requires a Local Police Records Check from every local police force where you have lived during the past 5 years. If you lived in Ottawa before Toronto, you must contact both the TPS and the Ottawa Police Service.
Can I go to a local TPS division instead of headquarters?
No. Local community police divisions do not process Local Police Records Checks for Record Suspensions. You must submit your application package directly to the Toronto Police Service Headquarters at 40 College Street, either in person (by appointment) or via mail.
Will the TPS check show local 911 calls?
The Local Police Records Check looks for recent criminal behaviour, outstanding warrants, and pending indictable or summary conviction charges. It generally does not penalize you for simply being the victim of a crime or calling 911.
Do I need a lawyer to deal with the Toronto Police?
No, you have the right to apply for your own police records. However, many Toronto residents choose to hire a Canadian law firm to ensure all forms are uploaded correctly and to manage the strict timelines set by the PBC.
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