Criminal Record Request: Copies, Access & Verification
Criminal Record Request: How to Get Copies, Access Your History & Verify Records
How can you get a copy of your criminal record? In the United States, you can request your own FBI Identity History Summary, obtain a state criminal-history report from the appropriate state agency, or contact the court where your criminal case was filed for an official judgment or disposition.
The best option depends on what you need. For your own fingerprint-based FBI record, apply directly through the FBI for $18. For one case’s official outcome, request a copy from the court clerk. If you’re checking whether your state’s criminal history contains errors, use that state’s personal record-review procedure.
Updated October 17, 2026. This is an independent educational guide, not an official records-request service.
Which Criminal Record Should You Request?
The most common mistake is requesting a background check when the receiving organization actually needs a certified court disposition—or ordering a court record when you need an FBI or state fingerprint-based history.
| Your goal | Where to request | Expected document |
|---|---|---|
| See your own national fingerprint-supported history | FBI Identity History Summary | FBI rap sheet or response stating no FBI Identity History Summary was found |
| Check or correct your state criminal history | State identification bureau | Personal state criminal-history record or record-review response |
| Get proof a case was dismissed or resolved | Clerk of the court that heard the case | Certified dismissal order, judgment, sentencing order or final disposition |
| Get an arrest or incident report | Police department, sheriff or arresting agency | Available arrest or incident report, subject to disclosure restrictions |
| Review a federal criminal case | PACER or the federal court clerk | Federal docket or court documents; certified copies through the court |
| Dispute an employment background report | The consumer reporting company named in your report | A copy of the consumer report and investigation of disputed items |
| Meet immigration or overseas document requirements | FBI, state agency or issuing court, depending on requirements | Specified official history, clearance or certified record, potentially with authentication |
How to Get a Copy of Your FBI Criminal Record Online
The FBI calls its personal criminal-history report an Identity History Summary, commonly called a rap sheet. The record is based on fingerprints and information submitted by authorized criminal justice agencies. It can include reported arrests, charges and dispositions, where that information is available.
The FBI permits individuals to request their own summaries under Departmental Order 556-73. You cannot use this personal-review process to obtain another person’s private FBI history.
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Open the FBI’s official Electronic Departmental Order system.
Go to edo.cjis.gov. Follow the section for obtaining your Identity History Summary.
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Enter your personal information.
Complete the FBI application and identity-related fields using accurate legal information. Provide an email address that you control and can access.
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Pay the FBI’s $18 processing fee.
The FBI charges the same $18 basic processing fee for an online or mail request. Separate fingerprint-collection or channeler charges may apply.
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Choose how to submit fingerprints.
After completing the online application, visit a participating U.S. Post Office for electronic fingerprint collection or mail an acceptable completed fingerprint card using the instructions in your FBI confirmation email.
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Complete fingerprint submission.
Ensure your fingerprints are clear and properly captured. A rejected fingerprint submission can delay the request.
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Monitor your FBI request.
The electronic application offers email status notifications. Follow the official messages rather than relying on a third-party tracking website.
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Receive your response.
The FBI provides an electronic response for electronic requests and an available mailed-response option. The response may be an Identity History Summary or confirmation that no FBI arrest data was found.
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Review the record for accuracy.
Check all recorded arrests, agency names, charges, dispositions and identifying information. Follow the challenge procedure if something appears wrong.
How long does the FBI take?
The FBI’s published processing estimates are within 48 hours after electronic fingerprints are submitted at a participating U.S. Post Office, approximately 10 days after a mailed fingerprint card is received for an electronic application, and up to 15 days for a standard mail request. Shipping, fingerprint problems and other circumstances may add time.
The FBI does not provide expedited processing for an extra FBI fee. An approved channeler may offer a faster submission or delivery workflow for eligible applicants, with its own charges.
Can you request your FBI record from outside the United States?
Yes. The FBI permits electronic applicants outside the United States to mail a completed fingerprint card with the confirmation printout to the address specified in their electronic application.
Participating U.S. Post Office electronic fingerprinting locations are for domestic submission. FBI-approved channelers also have eligibility limitations: the FBI says they may process applicable personal requests only for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents located in the United States or its territories.
When abroad, arrange acceptable fingerprints locally and follow the direct FBI mail-fingerprint instructions. U.S. embassies and consulates generally do not offer fingerprinting services.
How to Request an FBI Criminal Record by Mail
If you prefer a traditional paper application, you can request your FBI Identity History Summary by mailing the required application, fingerprints and payment directly to the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division.
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Download the FBI applicant information form.
Use the current form linked from the FBI’s Identity History Summary webpage. Sign and complete it with your identifying and contact information.
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Obtain a current fingerprint card.
The FBI accepts its FD-1164 card. Have fingerprints recorded by a trained technician where possible, including rolled and plain impressions of all ten fingers.
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Include the required payment.
The fee is $18 per person. For a mailed application, follow the FBI’s credit-card form or certified check or money order procedure. Money orders and certified checks must be payable to the Treasury of the United States.
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Do not send unsupported payment methods.
The FBI does not accept cash, personal checks or business checks for these applications.
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Mail the complete request package.
Use the official CJIS mailing address provided below or the current address on the FBI application instructions.
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Retain your mailing information.
Keep any tracking information, payment record and a copy of the nonsensitive application details for your files.
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
Telephone: 304-625-5590
Email: identity@fbi.gov
How many FBI copies can you receive?
An electronic FBI response can be printed as needed. For mailed hard-copy responses, the FBI supplies one sealed response per request. If you require multiple separately sealed mailed responses, the FBI requires additional requests and the $18 fee for each response.
The FBI authenticates its fingerprint-based responses with an FBI watermark and the signature of an official. Individuals cannot order the special law-enforcement-only certified copy of FBI fingerprint or Identity History Summary information.
How to Request a Copy of Your State Criminal Record
Every state has its own laws and procedures for accessing criminal-history records. Many use a State Identification Bureau, state police, Department of Justice or Department of Public Safety. Some allow electronic applications; others require fingerprints, mail-in forms or in-person identity verification.
General state criminal record request steps
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Identify the state where the arrest or prosecution occurred.
If you have lived in several states, you may need more than one state record. Your current state of residence does not necessarily hold the history of an arrest made elsewhere.
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Find the official state agency.
Use the FBI’s State Identification Bureau Listing and follow the state’s official criminal-history page.
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Choose personal review or right of access.
Look for terms such as “Request Your Own Record,” “Access and Review,” “Record Review” or “Personal Criminal History.”
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Prepare the agency’s required information.
This may include an official form, government-issued identification, fingerprints and a payment or fee-waiver application.
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Submit through the state-approved method.
Use the agency’s secure online portal, authorized fingerprint provider or designated mailing address.
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Check the response for missing or incorrect outcomes.
If an arrest has no final court disposition, obtain supporting documentation from the court and follow the state agency’s correction procedure.
State-by-state examples: Fees and personal-record access
These examples demonstrate why there is no national fee or single procedure for getting a state criminal-history record.
| State | Personal record-review procedure | Published fee or distinction |
|---|---|---|
| California | California DOJ Record Review | $25 DOJ processing fee; eligible California residents can seek a DOJ fee waiver. Fingerprint service charges remain separate. |
| Florida | FDLE Personal Review | No FDLE fee for a personal-review application. Fingerprints are required, and fingerprinting agencies may charge. |
| Illinois | ISP Access and Review | No Illinois State Police processing fee for Access and Review or Record Challenge; fingerprinting-provider fees may apply. |
| New York | DCJS Record Review | Fingerprint-based personal review with service fees depending on location. Choose suppressed or unsuppressed history as appropriate. |
| Texas | Texas DPS Fingerprinting Services | Use the personal fingerprint-based record-review route for identity verification. Public name searches use a separate paid DPS service. |
| Utah | Utah BCI Criminal Records | Published $20 Right of Access fee for requesting your own Utah criminal history. |
For another state, use the complete FBI state bureau directory. Confirm the exact fee on the state’s own website rather than assuming another state’s rate applies.
How to Get a Copy of a Criminal Court Record or Certified Disposition
If you need proof that a criminal case ended in dismissal, acquittal, conviction, deferred adjudication, a plea or another outcome, the issuing court is usually the authoritative source.
The relevant document might be called a certified disposition, judgment of conviction, sentencing order, dismissal order, disposition sheet or certified docket, depending on the jurisdiction.
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Determine which court handled the case.
Identify the state, county, municipality and court level. State trial courts, municipal courts and federal courts have separate records custodians.
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Find the case number.
Search the court’s public online index or use case documents you already have. For older cases, ask the clerk whether archival indexes are available.
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Contact the Clerk of Court.
Use the court’s official website. Ask whether copies can be requested online, in person, by mail or through another approved process.
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Request the precise document.
If you need evidence a charge was dismissed, ask for the dismissal order. If you need proof of sentencing, ask for the judgment and sentencing order.
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Specify certification when needed.
Certification usually involves a court-issued seal, certificate or approved electronic authentication. An ordinary downloaded PDF may not meet a recipient’s requirements.
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Confirm access restrictions and fees.
Public docket viewing can be free even when copying, archive retrieval or certification costs money. Sealed, juvenile and protected documents may not be available to the general public.
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Verify the completed copy.
Check the court, case number, defendant name, relevant charges, final disposition and certification before submitting it to another organization.
Where do you find the correct court?
Use USA.gov’s court directory and the state’s official judicial branch website to identify the filing court. If you know only the arresting agency, ask where the case was prosecuted.
For municipal ordinance violations, the record may be in a city court rather than a county’s felony or misdemeanor trial court. If the case occurred in federal court, use PACER or the federal clerk.
How to get federal criminal court documents
The federal judiciary’s PACER service lets registered users search publicly accessible federal cases. The current published charge is $0.10 per page, with a $3 cap for many case-specific documents. Charges totaling $30 or less in a quarter are waived.
Federal courthouses also provide free access to view case information. For a certified federal court document, contact the clerk of the federal court that issued it. Certified copies and staff-prepared requests have their own applicable fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Copy of Your Criminal Record?
| Request | Typical or verified charge | Possible extra cost |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary | $18 | Fingerprint collection, approved channeler or delivery-related charges. |
| State criminal-history record | Varies by state | Fingerprinting, authentication or state administrative charges. |
| State no-fee personal review | $0 agency fee in qualifying states | Fingerprint service provider may charge, even when agency processing is free. |
| Public online court docket | Free or paid | Account, per-search and document access charges depend on the court. |
| Certified court disposition | Jurisdiction-specific | Per-page copies, certification, mailing or records retrieval. |
| FBI-approved channeler | Provider-specific | Channeler service fees beyond the FBI processing cost. |
| FBI apostille or authentication | Separate government service | Applicable authentication fees, mailing and international delivery. |
When cost matters, try the official court’s free public portal first for a specific case, ask whether you qualify for a personal-review fee waiver, and avoid paying private websites simply to locate an official records-request form.
How to Verify a Criminal Record Copy Is Genuine and Accurate
There are two different verification questions: Was the document really issued by the claimed agency? And does it accurately reflect the person’s criminal history or the outcome of the case? Both matter.
1. Verify the issuer and identifying details
Check that the record identifies the correct FBI, state agency or court. Confirm the case number, court location, subject’s name and identifying information available to you.
For FBI Identity History Summaries, the FBI says its response carries an official watermark and the signature of a division official. The FBI does not issue its current summaries on special blue security paper.
2. Match the court record to the criminal-history entry
An arrest may be listed under its original charge even when the court later dismissed, amended or reduced it. Compare the repository entry with the court’s final signed order rather than assuming the initial arrest charge was the final conviction.
3. Verify certification
Where a certified court document is required, check that the issuing clerk provided the proper court certification. For an electronic certified copy, use the issuing court’s verification service when available.
4. Check whether the record is current
Criminal-history repositories rely on information submitted by authorized agencies. A recent dismissal, corrected disposition or expungement may not yet be reflected in every system. Note the report date and ask the custodian whether later records are available.
How to Correct a Criminal Record That Contains Wrong Information
Common errors include incorrect identity details, another person’s record appearing under your name, missing dismissal information, an outdated pending charge, duplicated charges or an expungement that has not been reflected in the repository.
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Get your complete personal record.
Request your FBI Identity History Summary and, where appropriate, the state record involved in the error.
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Identify the exact disputed entry.
Record the agency, arrest date, offense, case number, reported disposition and reason you believe it is wrong.
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Obtain authoritative evidence.
Request the certified dismissal order, corrected judgment, expungement order or other supporting document from the original court.
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Contact the state identification bureau.
The FBI explains that most state-originated record changes must go through the responsible state criminal-history agency.
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Submit an FBI challenge when appropriate.
Use the FBI’s Identity History Summary challenge process to identify incorrect or incomplete information and provide supporting documentation.
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Ask the reporting agency to update its submission.
When a repository lacks the final disposition, the court, prosecutor or submitting criminal justice agency may need to confirm the outcome.
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Request a fresh copy after correction.
Verify that the state or FBI response now reflects the accurate information. Keep copies of correction correspondence and official court orders.
What if the error is in an employment background report?
If the mistake appears in a report supplied by a consumer reporting company, dispute it with that company as well as the underlying government source where appropriate.
The Federal Trade Commission explains that, before taking adverse employment action based on a background report, an employer covered by the FCRA must provide a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. You may dispute inaccurate or incomplete information with the reporting company.
If an employer denied a job or promotion because of the report, the FTC explains that you can request an additional free copy from that reporting company within 60 days of the decision.
FTC Background Report Dispute Rights ↗Criminal Record Copies for Jobs, Immigration, Travel and Licensing
Use the authorized screening process
An ordinary FBI personal Identity History Summary request is intended for personal review and correction—not as a replacement for a legally required employment or licensing background check.
Ask the employer, licensing board or requesting agency which authorized fingerprint or criminal-history procedure is required.
Confirm the destination’s requirements
Some immigration and foreign residency procedures require an FBI history, a state police clearance, a certified court disposition or a combination of documents.
Do not assume that a local court docket or ordinary personal state record-review printout meets those rules.
Gather arrests and final dispositions
Personal state and FBI reviews can help identify relevant arrests. Obtain the actual court disposition and check the jurisdiction’s eligibility rules for sealing or expungement.
A criminal history request does not itself seal or expunge a record.
Request the certified original
When a court requires proof that another case was dismissed, resolved or sentenced, request a certified document from the court that issued the order.
A noncertified public search page may be insufficient.
How to authenticate a criminal record for use abroad
The U.S. Department of State explains that foreign authorities may require an apostille or another form of authentication. For federal FBI documents, use the Department of State Office of Authentications process if the destination requires it.
For state-issued or local police documents, authentication may involve the issuing state’s Secretary of State. The correct route depends on the issuing authority and the destination country’s requirements.
Sample Letter to Request a Certified Criminal Court Record
Some courts provide an online form or portal. If the clerk accepts requests by letter, you can adapt the following wording. Follow the court’s own instructions if it requires a particular form, identification or payment.
Subject: Request for Criminal Court Record Copy / Certified Disposition
To the Clerk of Court,
I am requesting a copy of the following criminal court record:
- Case number: [Enter case number]
- Name on the case: [Enter full name]
- Filing court: [Enter court and county]
- Approximate case year: [Enter year]
- Requested document: [Judgment, dismissal order, sentencing order or final disposition]
- Certification required: [Yes / No]
Please confirm whether the record is available to me, the applicable copying and certification fees, accepted payment methods, and delivery options.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your preferred contact information]
Common Criminal Record Request Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Likely reason | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| FBI reports no record but you remember an arrest | The event may not be represented in available FBI fingerprint submissions. | Check the state criminal-history bureau and arresting agency. |
| Record lists an arrest with no final outcome | Court disposition information may not have reached the repository. | Obtain the certified final court disposition and use the agency’s correction procedure. |
| State report differs from FBI summary | State and FBI systems have different reporting and updating arrangements. | Contact the state bureau and identify the source entry. |
| Fingerprint submission rejected | Poor fingerprint quality, missing information or unacceptable card. | Have a trained fingerprint technician prepare a current acceptable submission. |
| Court says it has no online case | Wrong court, old case, indexing issue, sealing or confidentiality. | Check the filing jurisdiction and ask about historical records. |
| Need proof a record was expunged | A blank public search cannot prove expungement occurred. | Seek the original expungement order or authorized confirmation. |
| Recipient rejects a downloaded PDF | It may require certified or authenticated records. | Ask the recipient for its document specifications and request the proper certified version. |
| Cannot afford the processing charge | Agency processing and fingerprinting charges vary. | Check fee-waiver eligibility or a no-fee personal-review route before applying. |
| Background report contains another person’s case | Inaccurate name matching or another identification error. | Dispute the report and provide reliable identity information through the authorized process. |
Criminal Record Request FAQs
1. How can I get a copy of my criminal record?
Request your own FBI Identity History Summary through the FBI, or obtain a state criminal-history record through your state’s identification bureau. For a specific case’s judgment or dismissal, contact the court clerk that issued it.
2. How much does it cost to request your FBI criminal record?
The FBI currently charges $18 per Identity History Summary request. Fingerprinting providers and approved channelers may charge additional fees. The FBI also offers a fee-waiver process for eligible individuals facing financial hardship.
3. Can I get a copy of my criminal record for free?
Some state agencies provide no-fee personal reviews, including Florida FDLE and Illinois State Police, although fingerprint collection may cost extra. Certain courts also offer free public case viewing. The FBI’s standard processing fee is $18 unless a waiver is granted.
4. Can I request my criminal record online?
Yes. The FBI offers an electronic application at edo.cjis.gov, and many state agencies provide online services. The FBI still requires fingerprints, submitted electronically through an eligible location or by mailing an acceptable fingerprint card.
5. How do I get a certified copy of a criminal conviction or dismissal?
Contact the clerk of the court that handled the case. Provide the case number, name, court and document requested. Ask for a certified judgment, dismissal order or final disposition and confirm the applicable fee.
6. Can I request someone else’s FBI criminal history?
No. The FBI’s personal Identity History Summary request process is for the individual whose fingerprints are submitted. Authorized third-party criminal-history checks are governed by separate procedures and legal requirements.
7. How long does it take to receive a criminal record copy?
The FBI publishes processing estimates ranging from about 48 hours after participating U.S. Post Office electronic fingerprint submission to approximately 10 days after a mailed fingerprint card is received for an electronic application, or up to 15 days for a standard mail request. Mailing and other delays are additional. State and court processing times vary.
8. How do I correct an error on my criminal history?
Identify the inaccurate entry, obtain supporting court documents and contact the state criminal-history repository or the FBI through the appropriate challenge procedure. If the error appears in an employment background report, also dispute it with the consumer reporting company.
9. Can I request my U.S. criminal record while living abroad?
Yes. The FBI permits applicants outside the United States to apply electronically and mail an acceptable fingerprint card with the application confirmation. U.S. embassies generally do not provide fingerprinting services.
10. Is an FBI rap sheet the same as a certified court disposition?
No. The FBI Identity History Summary compiles certain fingerprint-supported criminal-history information. A certified court disposition is issued by the court and establishes its official recorded outcome in a specific case.
Criminal Record Request: Verified Forms and Official Links
- FBI — Identity History Summary Checks
- FBI — Electronic Departmental Order Application
- FBI — Identity History Summary FAQs and Corrections
- FBI — Approved Channeler Directory
- FBI — State Identification Bureaus
- FBI — State-Maintained Criminal Records
- USA.gov — U.S. Courts Directory
- USA.gov — State Government Directory
- PACER — Federal Court Case Search
- PACER — Fees and Free Viewing Rules
- California DOJ — Request Your Own Criminal History
- California DOJ — Personal Record Review Fee Waiver
- Florida FDLE — Personal Criminal History Review
- Illinois State Police — Access and Review
- New York DCJS — Request Your Criminal History
- U.S. State Department — Criminal Record Checks for Overseas Use
- U.S. State Department — Federal Apostille Requirements
- Federal Trade Commission — Background Checks and Your Rights