Where Can I Get My Criminal History Record
United States personal criminal history record guide
Where Can I Get My Criminal History Record? FBI, State Police and Court Records
If you are wondering where can I get my criminal history record, the answer depends on the document you need. For your own FBI criminal-history record, request an Identity History Summary from the FBI. For your record in one state, contact that state’s criminal-history repository. For a certified conviction, dismissal or other court outcome, contact the court clerk that handled the case.
You generally cannot download a complete official U.S. criminal-history record using only your name. Government agencies often require fingerprints to verify that the record belongs to you.
Get the right record first
Where Should You Request Your Criminal History Record?
Before paying a fee, ask the organization requesting your record exactly which document it accepts. A state rap sheet, FBI Identity History Summary, police clearance letter and certified court disposition are not interchangeable.
My FBI Identity History Summary
Best for: Reviewing your FBI fingerprint-based history, correcting errors, or obtaining an FBI record or no-record response for an accepted personal or overseas purpose.
Official starting point: FBI electronic request.
My State Criminal History or Rap Sheet
Best for: Checking the arrest, charge and disposition information maintained by the state where your case occurred.
Official starting point: FBI state identification bureau directory.
A Certified Criminal Case Disposition
Best for: Proving that a specific case ended in conviction, dismissal, acquittal or another official result.
Official starting point: The county, city or federal court clerk where the case was filed.
Employment, Licensing or Adoption
Best for: Completing the authorized background-check process required by the employer, licensing authority or adoption agency.
Official starting point: The requesting organization and its authorized fingerprinting instructions.
Federal personal record request
How to Get Your FBI Criminal History Record
The FBI calls your personal criminal-history record an Identity History Summary, often referred to as a rap sheet. The summary can include an arresting agency, arrest date, charges and disposition information if it was reported to the FBI.
The FBI accepts requests through its online portal, by mail or through eligible FBI-approved channelers. The basic FBI processing charge is $18.
Option 1: Request your FBI record online
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Start at the FBI electronic request portal
Go to edo.cjis.gov and select the process for obtaining your Identity History Summary. Use the official portal rather than an unrelated background-search website.
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Enter your identifying information
Follow the FBI’s prompts for your legal name, date of birth, contact information and requested result delivery options. Use the name you want shown on the response, particularly if it must match a passport or another document.
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Pay the $18 FBI processing charge
Complete the payment through the official request process. Optional fingerprint capture and third-party services may cost extra.
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Submit your fingerprints
After completing the application and payment, you can visit a participating U.S. Post Office to submit fingerprints electronically. Alternatively, obtain a completed fingerprint card and mail it using the instructions supplied in your electronic confirmation.
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Keep your confirmation
Save the confirmation email and any request reference. If mailing a fingerprint card for an online request, include the confirmation printout as the FBI instructs.
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Receive and review your result
The electronic process provides an online result, with an optional mailed response. Review the reported arrests, charges and dispositions carefully. If no Identity History Summary exists, the FBI provides a response stating that it found no prior arrest data on file.
Option 2: Request your FBI record by mail
Mail applications are useful when you prefer paper forms, have access to fingerprint-card services but not electronic submission, or need a method suitable for your circumstances outside the United States.
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Download the FBI applicant information form
Use the form available through the FBI Identity History Summary page. Complete the required information and signature.
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Obtain a current fingerprint card
Use the FBI’s FD-1164 fingerprint form or an acceptable current fingerprint card. A qualified fingerprinting technician can help capture legible rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingers.
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Prepare the FBI payment
Include the exact $18 fee by an accepted method. The FBI accepts a qualifying credit-card payment form, money order or certified check. Do not send cash or personal checks.
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Mail the completed application package
Include the signed application, current fingerprint card and payment. For a fully mailed application, use the FBI’s official mailing address below.
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Review your response
The FBI sends the mail-request result by U.S. Postal Service first-class mail. Account for outbound and return-mail delivery time.
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
United States
For an electronic application with a mailed fingerprint card, use the mailing instructions printed in your confirmation email instead of assuming every request uses identical packaging.
Option 3: Use an FBI-approved channeler
An FBI-approved channeler is a private company authorized to transmit eligible fingerprint submissions to the FBI and deliver Identity History Summary results to the individual.
Channelers may charge more than the FBI’s $18 base processing fee. They also have eligibility restrictions: the FBI states that approved channelers for this personal-review service may process requests only for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents located in the United States or its territories. They cannot use this process for employment or licensing checks.
Cost and processing expectations
How Much Does It Cost to Get My Criminal History Record?
Current FBI processing timelines
| FBI request method | Published processing estimate | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| Online request with participating USPS electronic fingerprints | Within 48 hours after the USPS fingerprint appointment | Additional USPS fingerprinting charge may apply; application and payment must be completed beforehand. |
| Online request with mailed fingerprint card | Approximately 10 days after the FBI receives the fingerprint card | Allow additional time for mailing the card. |
| Fully mailed FBI application | Up to 15 days for processing | Mail delivery takes additional time in both directions. |
| FBI-approved channeler | Depends on provider and method | Extra fees and eligibility rules apply. |
These are FBI-published processing estimates, not guaranteed delivery dates. Incomplete paperwork, unreadable fingerprints, mail delays or requests for additional information can increase the total time.
State criminal history repositories
Where to Get Your State Criminal History Record
If your record involves an arrest or criminal case in a particular state, the state police, Department of Justice, Department of Public Safety, state identification bureau or comparable state agency is usually the correct place to request your personal record.
The process varies significantly. Some states offer online checks of limited public information, while a personal complete-record review requires fingerprints and may disclose information unavailable to an ordinary public search.
Official examples from major states
| State | Where to request your own record | Important state-specific detail |
|---|---|---|
| California | California DOJ — Request Your Own Criminal Record | Residents use the Record Review Live Scan form. DOJ charges $25, with possible fee waiver; fingerprint vendor fees are separate. Out-of-state applicants use a fingerprint-card process. |
| New York | New York DCJS — Record Review | Fingerprint-based personal criminal history, with suppressed or unsuppressed record options. The official DCJS record is not a public name-search service. |
| Florida | FDLE — Personal Review | FDLE charges no agency fee for personal review. Fingerprints from a law-enforcement or criminal justice agency are required, and fingerprint collection may cost extra. |
| Texas | Texas DPS — Personal Criminal History Review | Follow the Texas Personal Review fingerprint procedure. The public name-based conviction search is a different service and can produce possible rather than identity-confirmed matches. |
| Illinois | Illinois State Police — Viewing My Record | Illinois Access and Review uses fingerprints. ISP does not charge for processing the personal review, though fingerprint providers may charge for their services. |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania State Police — Criminal History Requests | A standard PATCH check costs $22. For your complete personal Access and Review record, use mail-in form SP 4-170; the published fee is $20. |
| Georgia | Georgia Bureau of Investigation — Criminal History | GBI directs individuals to most local Sheriff’s Offices or Police Departments for copies of their Georgia criminal history. Requirements and charges vary by agency. |
| Ohio | Ohio Attorney General — Request Your Own Records | Ohio BCI offers an authorized fingerprint-based request process for individuals reviewing their own computerized criminal history. |
These states illustrate why there is no universal application form or uniform state fee. For a state not listed above, use the FBI’s state identification bureau directory, which includes all states and the District of Columbia.
How to apply through your state
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Identify the state that reported the record
Use the state where you were arrested, prosecuted or otherwise had a criminal-history event. If you have records from multiple states, you may need separate state requests.
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Find its personal record-review instructions
Look for labels such as “Request Your Own Criminal History,” “Record Review,” “Access and Review,” “Personal Criminal History” or “Rap Sheet.” Avoid automatically selecting the public conviction name search.
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Check identity and fingerprint requirements
Complete the state-specific form, provide identification and schedule fingerprints if required. Some states accept electronic Live Scan submissions while others require mailed fingerprint cards.
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Pay the proper state processing fee
Confirm the amount and whether the fingerprinting provider charges separately. Some states waive their agency fee for personal review, but that does not necessarily make fingerprint collection free.
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Review the record and dispute inaccuracies
Compare reported arrests and final dispositions with your court documents. Use the state’s record challenge or correction instructions when necessary.
Case-specific proof
Where Can I Get a Certified Copy of My Criminal Court Record?
If you need proof that a particular criminal case was dismissed, resulted in a conviction, ended with a not-guilty verdict or otherwise reached a final disposition, the correct source is usually the court clerk where the case was handled.
The FBI or state criminal-history repository may contain only a summarized disposition, or the disposition may not have been reported yet. A certified court order provides direct documentation from the court.
How to find the correct clerk
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Identify the county and court
Find the county, municipality or federal district where the case was filed. Your charging documents, court notices, attorney’s paperwork or existing case number may identify the court.
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Find the official court website
Use your state’s judicial website or the USA.gov courts directory. Avoid unofficial sites that charge just to display ordinary court contact information.
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Locate the case
Search by the case number if available, or ask the clerk whether a public name or case-date search is supported.
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Request the correct document
Ask for a certified disposition, judgment, sentencing order, dismissal order, docket sheet or another specific filing. Explain what the receiving organization requires.
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Confirm the fee and delivery method
Copy and certification fees vary by court. Ask whether the court allows online orders, mail requests or in-person pickup.
Avoid ordering the wrong check
Which Criminal History Record Do I Need for Employment, Immigration or Travel?
The reason you need the record affects the request procedure. Always confirm the exact document, issuing agency, age limit and certification requirements with whoever is requesting it.
| Your purpose | Usually appropriate first step | Important warning |
|---|---|---|
| I want to see what is on my criminal record. | FBI Identity History Summary and/or state personal record review. | Each system has different coverage and may omit unreported information. |
| I need a background check for a U.S. employer. | Use the employer’s authorized background-check instructions. | A personal FBI review is not the substitute for an authorized domestic employment check. |
| I am applying for a professional license. | Ask the licensing authority which state and federal fingerprinting process it requires. | Submitting an unrelated personal record review may not satisfy licensing rules. |
| I need a police clearance for overseas immigration or residence. | Check whether the foreign authority requires an FBI Identity History Summary, state police certificate or both. | Some destinations also require authentication, apostille or translation. |
| I need proof of dismissal or conviction. | Obtain the court’s certified case disposition. | A public name search is not necessarily sufficient proof. |
| I think a background report contains an error. | Request the underlying state/FBI record and dispute the consumer report if applicable. | Correcting the court record alone may not automatically update every database. |
Using an FBI criminal history record outside the United States
The FBI’s Identity History Summary is commonly used for some foreign visa, residence and immigration requirements. However, the receiving country or immigration authority determines what it will accept.
If the foreign authority requests an apostille, that is a separate authentication step. The U.S. Department of State authenticates qualifying federal documents, including FBI background checks.
If you are currently outside the United States
You can begin the FBI electronic request process from outside the United States and mail a completed fingerprint card with your electronic-request confirmation. The FBI also accepts mail-request applications.
U.S. embassies and consulates generally do not provide fingerprinting services for these requests, so arrange fingerprints through an appropriate local provider and follow the FBI’s current card instructions.
Employment background reports and your rights
If an employer obtains a consumer background report from a background-check company, the Fair Credit Reporting Act may apply. The FTC explains that covered employers generally must obtain written permission, and special notices and dispute rights apply before certain adverse employment decisions.
If an employer rejects your application based on a consumer report, you may have the right to obtain a copy and dispute inaccurate or incomplete information with the reporting company.
Before starting your request
What Documents Do I Need to Get My Criminal History Record?
The specific requirements depend on the agency and the request type, but the following checklist covers the information applicants commonly need.
- Full legal name and prior names or aliases where the form requests them
- Date of birth and other required identifying details
- Current mailing address and contact information
- A valid identity document for an in-person fingerprint appointment
- Completed agency-specific application form
- Current fingerprint card or electronic fingerprint submission if required
- Correct payment method and processing fee
- Case numbers or court documents if you are correcting a reported disposition
- The requesting organization’s instructions if the record is for employment, licensing or immigration
Do not email fingerprints, Social Security numbers, copies of identity documents or complete criminal-history records to an unrelated records directory. Supply sensitive personal information only through the official agency’s approved process.
Review and correct your record
What If My Criminal History Record Is Wrong or Incomplete?
Criminal-history repositories often rely on information supplied by arresting agencies, prosecutors and courts. Errors can occur if an arrest belongs to another person, a charge was entered incorrectly or the final court disposition was never transmitted.
Common problems to look for
Missing dismissal
Your report lists the original charge, but the case was later dismissed and the final result has not been recorded.
Incorrect identity
A record is associated with your name even though the arrest or case belongs to another individual.
Old or incomplete disposition
A plea, sentence, acquittal or other final judgment is missing or incorrectly reported.
Record sealing update
A court has entered a sealing, expungement or restriction order, but the relevant repository has not yet updated its information.
How to correct the information
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Read the complete record
Identify exactly which arrest, case number, date, agency or disposition is incorrect. Keep the official response and note any record identifiers.
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Obtain proof from the original court or agency
Request certified dismissal orders, judgments, sentencing documents or other evidence that establishes the correct information.
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Contact the state identification bureau
For state-origin records, the FBI generally directs individuals to the state’s central criminal-history repository. The state may need to update its own record before supplying corrected information to the FBI.
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Use the FBI challenge procedure when applicable
Follow the FBI’s Identity History Summary correction process, identifying the disputed information and submitting available supporting documentation.
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Confirm that the change was made
Keep correspondence and updated records. If a separate consumer background-check company has reported the same error, dispute it directly with that company as well.
What if the FBI says I have no criminal record?
If the FBI returns a no-record response, it means the FBI did not find an Identity History Summary matching your fingerprints. It does not necessarily prove that no arrest, unreported court case or other local record exists anywhere in the country.
If you know of a particular case and need to confirm its disposition, check the original court or state repository separately.
Frequently asked questions
Where Can I Get My Criminal History Record? FAQs
Where can I get a copy of my own criminal history record?
For your FBI Identity History Summary, apply through the FBI’s electronic request portal or its mail process. For your criminal history in one state, contact the state’s identification bureau, state police, Department of Justice or other authorized criminal-history repository.
How do I request my FBI criminal history record online?
Go to edo.cjis.gov, complete the electronic application, pay the $18 FBI fee and submit your fingerprints through a participating U.S. Post Office or by mailing a completed fingerprint card with your electronic request confirmation.
Can I get my criminal history record for free?
Some states waive their agency fee for personal record review. For example, Florida FDLE and Illinois State Police do not charge their own personal-review processing fee, although fingerprint providers may charge. The FBI’s standard personal Identity History Summary fee is $18, with a possible hardship waiver process.
How much does it cost to get my FBI rap sheet?
The FBI charges $18 per person for a direct Identity History Summary request. USPS fingerprinting, private channelers or other fingerprint providers may charge additional fees.
Do I need fingerprints to get my criminal history record?
FBI Identity History Summary requests require fingerprints. Many state personal-record review processes also require them. Some states offer separate name-based public checks, but those do not always provide complete or positively identified records.
How long does it take to receive my FBI criminal history record?
The FBI currently lists processing within 48 hours after electronic fingerprints at a participating U.S. Post Office, approximately 10 days after receiving fingerprint cards for online requests, and up to 15 days for fully mailed applications. Mailing and other delays can add time.
Can I request my FBI criminal history record from another country?
Yes. The FBI allows applicants outside the United States to start an electronic request and mail completed fingerprint cards with the confirmation, or to follow the direct mail-request process. U.S. embassies and consulates generally do not provide fingerprinting services for this purpose.
Can I use my personal FBI record for a job or professional license?
Not as a substitute for an authorized domestic employment or licensing background check. Such checks often must be requested through the applicable state identification bureau, employer, licensing authority or another authorized channel.
Where do I get proof that my criminal case was dismissed?
Contact the court clerk in the jurisdiction where the case was handled. Ask for the certified final disposition or dismissal order. That document is different from an FBI or state criminal-history summary.
How do I correct errors on my criminal history record?
Identify the error, obtain supporting court or agency documents, and use the state criminal-history correction process or the FBI Identity History Summary challenge procedure. If a background-check company has also reported the error, dispute that report separately.
Government instructions and official portals
Official Criminal History Record Request Links
These links lead to the actual agencies responsible for personal criminal-history records, fingerprint procedures, state reviews, record corrections and document authentication.
Start your own FBI criminal-history request.
Electronic, mail and approved-channeler methods, processing times and forms.
Costs, payment, fingerprints, corrections and common questions.
Find the state agency responsible for criminal-history records.
Eligible private fingerprint submission and delivery providers.
Find the court that maintains a particular criminal case.
Authentication of qualifying U.S. federal documents for use abroad.
Employment consumer-report notices, access and disputes.