Do all business licences in Burlington require a criminal record check?

No. Requirements depend on the licence class and the potential for public safety or contact with vulnerable persons; check licence conditions.

Where do I get a police records check for a licence?

Apply through Halton Regional Police Records Unit for employment or municipal licence purposes; follow the police instructions for vulnerable sector checks when required.

Can I appeal a licence suspension based on a records check?

Appeal and review routes depend on the citys licensing bylaw and the decision type; time limits for appeals are set out in the bylaw or decision notice and are not specified on the cited municipal page.

Criminal Record Checks for Burlington Business Licences

Business and Consumer Protection Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026

· By Daniel Roy

Burlington, Ontario requires criminal record checks for certain business licences and regulated activities overseen by the Citys By-law and Licensing services. This guide explains which licences commonly require a police records check, how to obtain and submit checks, enforcement and appeal pathways, and where to find official forms and contacts for Burlington and Halton Regional Police.^[1]

Who needs a criminal record check

Businesses and individuals applying for licences that involve public safety, vulnerable persons, or direct public contact often must provide a criminal record check or a vulnerable sector check. Typical categories include drivers for passenger-carrying services, personal service premises, security and guard licences, and certain entertainment or adult-oriented businesses. The exact requirements depend on the licence class and conditions set by City of Burlington licensing bylaws and licence conditions.

Check your specific licence class early to confirm whether a records check is required.

How to obtain a criminal record check

Most applicants obtain a police records check from Halton Regional Police or an accredited provider. The police process commonly requires photo ID, proof of address, and an application indicating the purpose (employment, volunteer, municipal licence). For vulnerability-sector requests, a separate vulnerable sector check is required and may have additional identification steps.^[2]

Apply online or in person through Halton Regional Police Records Unit for a Police Records Check.
Provide government-issued photo ID and any licence-specific authorization letter from the City when requested.
Pay applicable police processing fees as listed by the police service.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of licensing conditions and any criminal-record-related requirements is carried out by City of Burlington By-law and Licensing Services and, where relevant, Halton Regional Police. Specific fine amounts and daily penalties for breaches of licence conditions are not specified on the cited municipal pages; where numeric penalties are required by provincial offences or bylaw schedules they appear in the applicable bylaw or Provincial Offences Act charge specification and must be checked on the consolidated bylaw or the municipalitys enforcement notices.^[1]

Enforcer: By-law and Licensing Services (City of Burlington) and Halton Regional Police for criminal matters.
Fines: not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult the consolidated bylaw or the Provincial Offences schedule for amounts.
Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences guidance not specified on the cited municipal pages.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, licence suspension or revocation, court prosecution, and injunctive remedies are typical enforcement options.
Inspection and complaints: report licensing or records-check non-compliance to By-law Enforcement via the Citys complaint channels.

If youre unsure which check you need, confirm with Licensing before applying.

Applications & Forms

Applicants should use the Citys business licence application form where required and obtain the police records check form or certified result from Halton Regional Police. The municipal pages list licence application forms and processing instructions; specific form names and fees are provided on the City and police pages respectively. If a municipal name or a bylaw section is not published on the City page, it is not specified on the cited page.^[1]

City business licence application: name and purpose vary by licence class; see City application PDFs or contact Licensing.
Police records check request: apply through Halton Regional Police Records Unit for employment/licence purposes.^[2]
Fees: municipal licence fees and police processing fees are listed on respective official pages; amounts not specified here if absent on the cited page.

Common violations

Failing to submit a required criminal record check by a licence deadline.
Holding a licence when the holder is ineligible due to disqualifying convictions.
Obstructing inspections or providing false information on applications.

Keep originals or certified copies of records checks for at least the licence renewal period.

FAQ

Do all business licences in Burlington require a criminal record check?: No. Requirements depend on the licence class and the potential for public safety or contact with vulnerable persons; check licence conditions.
Where do I get a police records check for a licence?: Apply through Halton Regional Police Records Unit for employment or municipal licence purposes; follow the police instructions for vulnerable sector checks when required.^[2]
Can I appeal a licence suspension based on a records check?: Appeal and review routes depend on the citys licensing bylaw and the decision type; time limits for appeals are set out in the bylaw or decision notice and are not specified on the cited municipal page.^[1]

How-To

Confirm with City of Burlington Licensing whether your licence class requires a criminal record or vulnerable sector check.
Gather required ID and any municipal authorization letter or licence application reference.
Apply to Halton Regional Police for the appropriate records check and pay the processing fee as listed by the police.
Submit the results or certified copy to the City as part of your licence application or renewal package.
Keep proof of submission and follow up with Licensing or By-law Enforcement if processing delays affect your licence.

Key Takeaways

Not all licences require a check — verify the licence class first.
Halton Regional Police processes police records checks for licence purposes.
Enforcement and appeals follow the Citys licensing bylaw and Provincial Offences procedures.