Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check

Updated December 1, 2023

One of the key elements of consumer protection is to verify any criminal record history that registrants/applicants may have. As such, RECO relies on Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Checks, also known as a level 2 Check, to assess an individual’s suitability for registration, under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA).

In order to provide the appropriate level of consumer protection, the following applicants/registrants are required to obtain an original Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC), from their local police service and submit it to RECO in support of their application, or as requested by the Registrar:

• New salesperson applicants.
• Applicants for broker registration who have pending charges and/or a criminal history.
• Registrants applying to renew their registration who have pending charges and/or a criminal history.
• Applicants who are former registrants, if the applicant’s registration has been terminated in excess of sixty (60) days.
• Newly appointed officers, directors and individuals holding 10% or more shares of a real estate brokerage.
• Newly appointed brokers of record (for all ownership types, including partnership and sole proprietorship) and branch managers.
• Any registrant, when deemed necessary by RECO, upon request.

How to obtain a Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check

• Obtain a CRJMC well in advance (3-4 months is recommended) of applying for registration as some services experience a high volume of requests and it may take many weeks or more to issue the report. Note: the CRJMC must be dated within six (6) months of the date your application is received by RECO.
• Most local police services offer online options to obtain your CRJMC.
• Visit your local police service online/in-person, or an RCMP accredited fingerprinting agency (if fingerprint verification is required). If you have a criminal record, fingerprint verification will likely be required.
• Bring two pieces of identification to verify your identity. Both forms of identification must confirm your name, date of birth and address, and one piece of identification must include a photo. Check the website of your local police service to confirm their particular requirements.
• Specify your request is for employment and a vulnerable sector search is NOT necessary (unless it was specifically requested by RECO). Make it clear that you require a level 2 Check – a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. 
• Completion of an application for a CRJMC is typically required. The application forms and related fees will vary between police services.

Submit your CRJMC with your RECO application. RECO cannot start processing your application without it. To avoid unnecessary delays, please ensure that it is sent by a traceable method such as courier or registered mail or, if submitted electronically, it is verifiable as an original document and submitted in the same format it was received from the police service.

For additional information, or to self-assess your suitability for registration, read the Registration Policy: Applicant/Registrant Criminal History.