Step 1: Gain experience related to the work of bailiffs

Applicants for appointment as a bailiff must have at least two years of experience related to the work of bailiffs. For example, a registered assistant bailiff who has worked in the role for at least two years would have likely developed the minimum required experience to be appointed as a bailiff.

Step 2: Write and pass the mandatory exam

Applicants must write and pass a mandatory exam. This requirement applies to individual applicants, their partners, and in the case of corporate applicants, at least one director who will be appointed as a bailiff and actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the corporation.

The exam:

To register for the exam:

  • send your résumé outlining your experience by email to CPOLicensing@ontario.ca with the subject line “Resume Review for Bailiffs Act Exam” and indicate that you wish to register for a Bailiffs Act exam
  • your experience will be reviewed and confirmed as part of the exam registration process. In most cases, you will receive an email within 10 business days regarding your eligibility

Exams are scheduled for three hours. The exam may be conducted remotely or in-person in Toronto, at the ministry’s discretion. In either case, instructions will be provided to you on how to access and write the exam.

The exam is open-book, meaning you can refer to your notes (hardcopy or electronic) and reference material and consult them during your exam.

After your exam

In most cases, you’ll receive an email with your exam results within 20 business days after writing the exam.

If you pass the exam, include a copy of your exam confirmation letter with your bailiff appointment application package.

If you fail the exam, you are encouraged to take the time to review the requirements before you contact CPOLicensing@ontario.ca to request to rewrite the exam.

Step 3: Complete the application form

You will need to download, save and/or print the Application for Registration or Appointment (Business).

Review and complete the form carefully as some sections may not pertain to your bailiff appointment application.

Here are some tips for completing the application:

  • Section 7: Name of the single-tier or upper-tier municipality (i.e., territorial division) where you intend to act as a bailiff in your application.
  • Sections 9 to 18: These sections must be completed for each key individual (officer, director, partner, sole proprietor). Ensure the information in the application matches exactly what is listed on your corporation’s profile on the Ontario Business Registry: for example, you will need to provide the director(s) names, business addresses, etc.

Step 4: Gather your supporting documentation

In addition to the application form, you must provide the following supporting documentation:

  • A copy of the letter(s) confirming that all required individuals have written and passed the mandatory exam.
  • Letters from potential clients supporting the need for additional bailiff services. The number of letters needed may vary with the circumstances of each appointment. The Registrar’s office may reach out to request additional information, if necessary.
  • An original bond in the amount and form set out in Regulation 53 under the Bailiffs Act.
  • Amount of bond:
    • Bailiff corporation: $5,000
    • Owner or partner of the business in which the person acts as a bailiff: $5,000
    • Individual applicants (not a corporation or owner or partner of a business): $1,000
    • Bailiffs that are also appointed as a small claims court bailiff: $1,000
  • Form of bond:
    • Use Form 1, if the bond is a personal bond accompanied by collateral security
    • Use Form 2, if the bond is a bond of an insurer licensed under the Insurance Act to write surety and fidelity insurance; or
    • Use Form 3, if the bond is a bond of a guarantor, other than an insurer, accompanied by collateral security.
  • A detailed résumé of education and employment history for each of the following individuals, as applicable:
    • the individual applicant
    • all partners in a partnership, or in the case of corporate applicants, at least one director who will be appointed as a bailiff and actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the corporation
  • Documentation from a financial institution that demonstrates that there is a trust account in the name of the applicant for bailiff noted in your application and designated “Bailiffs Act – Trust Account”. The trust account may be set up after the appointment with the Registrar’s prior written consent
  • Other supporting documents, as applicable

Step 5: Submit your application and supporting documents and pay the application fee

For your application to be considered complete, you must:

  • submit a completed application form
  • submit all supporting documentation
  • pay the $190 application fee

Submit your application package by email to CPOLicensing@ontario.ca with the subject line “Bailiffs Act application for appointment - your business name” (for example, “Bailiffs Act for appointment– Bailiffs Company ABC”).

Step 6: Ministry reviews your application and processes the application fee

Your application is considered complete once staff at the ministry, acting on behalf of the Registrar, have verified that you have submitted all of the requested information and documentation to support your application. If any information is missing or if clarification is required, a ministry representative will contact you by email or telephone. Your application will not be reviewed until all required information is received.

As part of the application process, the ministry will also conduct a credit check and criminal record check for the applicant, partners, or active directors and officers, as applicable. 

To pay the application fee:

  • payments by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) can be processed over the phone by calling the Licensing Unit at 416-326-6203 or 1-800-889-9768
  • money orders and cheques (payable to “Minister of Finance”) are accepted
  • do not send cash or payment information, such as credit card information, by mail or email

Step 7: Receive the results of your application

The Registrar will review your application and decide whether to recommend the appointment. It can take as little as 10 business days or up to 50 business days to process and receive the results of your application.

The amount of time needed to process an application depends on factors such as the complexity of your application, the number of other applications received, and if any follow-up is required.

Under the Bailiffs Act, the minister (or their delegate) has discretion in whether to appoint an applicant as bailiff. The Act sets out key considerations, including: the applicant’s compliance with the Bailiffs Act and its regulation, the qualifications of the bailiff (practical experience and exam),and the need for additional bailiffs to support public convenience.

If your appointment is approved by the ministry or their delegate, your certificate of appointment will be emailed to the email address provided on the application form.