In Canada, the Local Police Records Check (LPRC) is a mandatory step for a record suspension, but fees vary drastically across the country. Because local municipal bylaws and provincial regulations govern city police departments, each detachment sets its own administrative price, ranging from $0 CAD to over $100 CAD per check.
When applying for a federal record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), applicants are often surprised to discover that the process is not financially standardized. To prove that you have been of good conduct and have not had any recent interactions with law enforcement, you must obtain a Local Police Records Check (LPRC) from every city or town you have lived in during the past five years. However, the cost of this mandatory form is completely inconsistent across the country.
This price discrepancy exists because Canadian police forces are funded and managed at different levels of government. 📍 Whether you are dealing with the Toronto Police Service in Ontario, the Calgary Police Service in Alberta, or a rural RCMP detachment in British Columbia, each department uses its own municipal or provincial fee schedule. They are legally allowed to charge you an administrative processing fee to search their local databases, and the federal government does not cap how much they can charge.
Step-by-Step Process for the Local Police Records Check
Gathering your LPRC forms requires organization, especially if you have moved frequently. Most applicants and their law firms follow these exact steps to ensure they do not miss any jurisdictions.
Step 1: Download the Official PBC Form
First, you must download the official Local Police Records Check form directly from the Parole Board of Canada website. You must fill out page one of this form yourself, detailing your personal information and current address. Do not sign it yet, as some police departments require you to sign it in front of them.
Step 2: Identify Your Past Jurisdictions
You must map out exactly where you have lived for the last five years. 📝 If you lived in Mississauga, Ontario, but then moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, you will need a separate LPRC form filled out by the Peel Regional Police and the Vancouver Police Department. Missing a jurisdiction will cause the PBC to return your entire record suspension application.
Step 3: Contact the Local Detachments
Before mailing the form or showing up in person, call the non-emergency line of each specific police station. Ask them about their specific procedure for a “Record Suspension Police Check.” Some stations require you to apply online through a third-party portal, while rural RCMP detachments may require you to drop off the physical paper form in person with two pieces of government-issued ID.
Step 4: Pay the Municipal Fee and Wait
You must pay the administrative fee requested by that specific municipal or provincial police force. 💳 Once paid, the police will search their local intelligence databases (such as CPIC and local dispatch records) to see if you have been involved in any recent summary conviction or indictable offence investigations. They will fill out page two of the form, stamp it, and return it to you.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The cost of the Local Police Records Check varies entirely based on local municipal bylaws. As of May 2026, here is an overview of what Canadians can expect to pay:
- Major Urban Centres: Large municipal forces like the Toronto Police Service or Calgary Police Service typically charge between $65 and $115 CAD to process a single LPRC.
- Regional Police Forces: Mid-sized forces, such as the Halifax Regional Police, generally charge around $50 CAD.
- Rural RCMP Detachments: If you live in a rural area of Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba policed by the RCMP, the fee is often much lower, sometimes ranging from $0 to $30 CAD.
- Multiple Addresses: If you have lived in three different cities over the last five years, you must pay the local fee to all three different police forces, which can easily total over $200 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing timelines are just as variable as the costs. ⏳ A rural RCMP detachment might process and return your stamped LPRC form in just 1 to 2 weeks. Conversely, massive metropolitan departments like the Toronto Police Service are heavily backlogged; it is common to wait 3 to 6 months for them to return your form. Because LPRC forms expire 12 months from the date they are signed, you must time your submissions carefully so your older documents do not expire while waiting for a backlogged city.
Comparing Police Record Check Fees
| Large Municipal Police (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver) | Municipal Bylaws / Police Services Board | $65 – $115 CAD |
| Regional Police (e.g., Peel, Halifax) | Regional Police Board | $45 – $80 CAD |
| Provincial Police (e.g., OPP, Sûreté du Québec) | Provincial Ministry | $40 – $70 CAD |
| Rural RCMP Detachments | Federal/Provincial Contract | $0 – $30 CAD |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just get a regular criminal background check instead?
No. A standard employment background check or vulnerable sector check is not accepted. You must use the specific Local Police Records Check form provided by the Parole Board of Canada for a record suspension.
What happens if the police find a recent police contact on my file?
If the local police note that you were recently questioned as a suspect or involved in a disturbance, the Parole Board of Canada will review this carefully. It may negatively impact their assessment of your good conduct.
Do I have to pay the fee if I was never charged in that city?
Yes. Even if you have a perfectly clean record in that specific municipality, you are paying for the administrative labour of the police clerk searching the database and stamping your official federal form.
Will the Parole Board of Canada refund my local police fees if denied?
No. All fees paid to local police stations, fingerprinting agencies, and courthouses are completely non-refundable, regardless of whether your federal record suspension is ultimately approved or denied.
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