New York Criminal History Records Search: Checks & Access
New York State • Official records access guide
New York Criminal History Records: Search Your Rap Sheet, Public Cases and Background Checks
Need a New York criminal history check? The right website depends on whether you are looking for your own fingerprint-based record, a public statewide court-history search, a current criminal case, or a certified court outcome.
Start with the official route below. New York does not allow unrestricted public access to the fingerprint-based criminal histories maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
A public OCA CHRS result is not the same as the official DCJS fingerprint-based rap sheet. An OCA report also is not a Certificate of Disposition. All three serve different purposes, and none should be substituted automatically for the others.
Start with the actual task
Which New York Criminal History Search Do You Need?
Check your own NY criminal history
Request a fingerprint-based DCJS Record Review. Choose suppressed or unsuppressed as appropriate.
See record review instructions →Search statewide public criminal cases
Use the Office of Court Administration Criminal History Record Search. Exact name and birth date are required.
See CHRS steps →Find an upcoming criminal court date
Check WebCrims for supported courts. It will not give you a complete conviction history.
Learn WebCrims →Get proof of what happened in a case
Request a Certificate of Disposition from the court that handled the matter.
See certified-copy steps →Quick Official Route Finder
This selector does not request or collect anyone’s name, birth date, fingerprints, or criminal record.
Understand before you pay
DCJS vs OCA CHRS vs WebCrims vs Certificate of Disposition
| Service | What it provides | Who may use it | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCJS Record Review | Fingerprint-based New York State criminal history or no-record response | The individual whose record is requested, using the authorized process | Not an unrestricted third-party background-search service |
| OCA CHRS | Public open/pending cases and convictions meeting court-search criteria | General public and eligible organizations | Exact name/DOB search, not certified, omissions and coverage limits apply |
| WebCrims | Future appearances and selected pending case information | Public users of supported courts | Not a complete record of finished cases or warrants |
| Certificate of Disposition | Official sealed court certificate identifying case outcome | Eligible requesters, subject to restrictions | Covers an identified case, not all state convictions |
Official fingerprint-based record
How to Request Your New York DCJS Criminal History Record
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is the official custodian of New York State fingerprint-based criminal history records. The record may describe arrests, indictments, convictions, sentences, and information supplied by reporting criminal justice agencies.
What to do after opening the DCJS website
Choose a suppressed or unsuppressed response
Read DCJS’s explanation of both options. A suppressed response excludes certain sealed information, while an unsuppressed response may include records unavailable in ordinary public searches. Choose according to your actual purpose.
Use the correct IdentoGO service code
Choose 15464Z for a suppressed record or 15465F for an unsuppressed record. Confirm the service code on the official instructions before booking.
Schedule fingerprinting
Follow the IdentoGO instructions linked by DCJS, or call 877-472-6915. Individuals outside New York should read the separate out-of-state section.
Bring identification and pay the correct processing charge
DCJS lists $17.50 for in-state processing as of February 2, 2026. For out-of-state enrollment, the published fee is $57.45. Check the specific Cardscan instructions if no enrollment center is available.
Receive your response by mail
DCJS states a response is normally returned by U.S. mail within approximately three to four weeks after receiving the request. This may be a history report or a no-record response.
Inspect the report for errors
Compare charges, dispositions, identities and sealed-record status. Follow the accuracy-challenge instructions supplied with your record if something is incorrect.
Cannot afford the fingerprint fee?
DCJS provides a process to request a fingerprint processing fee-waiver application packet.
Email: RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov
Include your complete mailing address, and follow the instructions in the packet. Applying is not a guarantee of approval.
DCJS Record Review mailing contact
Record Review Unit
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
80 South Swan Street, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12210
This is the fee-waiver correspondence address. Fingerprint-card submissions use the separate address specified by DCJS/IdentoGO.
Public statewide court history
New York OCA Criminal History Record Search (CHRS): $95 Public Check
The New York State Office of Court Administration operates a statewide court-based criminal history search covering qualifying public pending cases and convictions originating in County/Supreme, City, Town and Village Courts throughout the state’s 62 counties. The service is not the confidential DCJS fingerprint-based repository.
Additional online payment convenience fees may apply.
Court type, reporting history, and data availability vary.
Aliases and alternate dates of birth may require additional searches.
How to submit an OCA CHRS search
Open the Direct Access information page
Read the terms, limitations and fees. Choose the option to create an account or submit a search.
Choose Public Account or Corporate Account
The public option permits up to five searches per request and uses debit/credit card payment. Corporate accounts have separate eligibility and payment arrangements.
Enter the person’s full first name, last name and exact date of birth
Do not assume nicknames, alternative spellings or date-of-birth variations will be caught automatically. OCA matches the provided information strictly.
Review the fee and submit
The official base search fee is $95. Online payment may include a separate convenience charge. Additional aliases or DOB searches can result in further fees.
Save your confirmation and review the report
Online no-result requests can be returned in real time. A request with matching records undergoes further review, generally during the next business day.
Confirm any consequential case outcome with the court
The CHRS result is not certified. Request the actual Certificate of Disposition from the originating court if official proof is required.
Mail-in CHRS alternative
Download the application form from the official CHRS page, complete the requester details and subject’s full name and date of birth, include payment according to instructions, and send it to:
Division of Technology and Court Research
Criminal History Record Search Unit
25 Beaver Street, Room 940
New York, NY 10004
General inquiries: 212-428-2943
There is no walk-in CHRS service at the Beaver Street address. Do not send cash.
Case-calendar search
Search Pending New York Criminal Cases Using WebCrims
WebCrims is useful when you know a criminal case is pending and need the next court appearance, courthouse, or case information. Coverage is limited to supported courts and available public data; it is not a statewide rap-sheet database.
Open the official WebCrims page
Follow the linked WebCrims service from the New York Courts website.
Select Defendant Name or Case Number
If using a name, start with the person’s first and last name. If you have a complete docket or indictment number, use that for greater precision.
Select the court when known
Choose the relevant criminal court from the available options, such as a supported NYC or suburban court. Do not assume the wrong court means no record.
Compare the case result
Check court, appearance date, docket or indictment number, party information and case status where shown.
Contact the clerk if results are missing
WebCrims does not display all finished matters, warrants or sealed cases. The court maintaining the case can explain available public records and how to request documents.
Official proof of case outcome
How to Get a New York Certificate of Disposition
A Certificate of Disposition is an official court document bearing the court’s seal and stating the outcome of a criminal matter. It can identify original charges, conviction, judgment and sentencing details when applicable.
What to prepare
- Full defendant name
- Docket, indictment or SCI number if available
- County and original criminal court
- Government photo ID where required
- Approximate arrest or case date
- Correct payment method
Expected charge
$5–$10New York Courts describes a typical certificate fee of $5–$10 depending on the court. Extra search or copy charges may apply.
Some people receiving public assistance may qualify for a waiver.
Find the original criminal court
Use the official Court Locator. Filter by county and criminal case type.
Contact that court’s criminal clerk
Ask for its current Certificate of Disposition request form, document requirements, accepted payment types and in-person or mail options.
Provide identifying case details
Supply the docket number and required identity information. If the case is sealed, special permission and identity rules apply.
Pay and receive the certified document
Check the document for case number, charges, disposition and court seal before using it for a consequential application.
Fee comparison
New York Criminal History Search Fees and Processing
| Service | Published charge | Delivery / timing |
|---|---|---|
| WebCrims public case lookup | No search fee | Publicly available online information |
| OCA CHRS statewide public search | $95 base fee, possible online convenience charge | No-results online may be immediate; record matches require business-day review |
| DCJS personal record review (NY enrollment) | $17.50 fingerprint processing as of February 2, 2026 | Generally mailed 3–4 weeks after receipt |
| DCJS personal record review (out-of-state enrollment) | $57.45 as published February 2, 2026 | Generally mailed 3–4 weeks after receipt |
| Certificate of Disposition | Typically $5–$10, court-dependent | Depends on original court and request method |
| PACER federal court access | Usage-based; quarterly waiver may apply | Online records as available |
Prices and processing estimates are published agency information, not guaranteed costs or deadlines for every request. Verify at checkout or with the record custodian.
New York law and access limitations
Clean Slate Act, Sealed Criminal Records and Background Checks
New York’s Clean Slate Act became effective on November 16, 2024. The Unified Court System has until November 16, 2027 to implement automatic sealing of qualifying conviction records.
Eligibility timing generally begins after sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later, subject to conditions.
Eligibility timing generally begins after sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later, subject to conditions.
November 16, 2027 is the statutory deadline to implement eligible automatic sealing.
Eligibility also depends on having no pending qualifying criminal charges and not being on probation, parole or post-release supervision. Sex offenses and most non-drug Class A felonies are generally excluded.
Location-specific routes
New York City, Long Island and Upstate Criminal Record Access
New York covers 62 counties, but public search tools and court procedures are not uniform. An NYC Criminal Court case, a Nassau County matter, and a rural Town or Village Court case may require different research paths.
New York City: Five boroughs
Manhattan (New York County), Brooklyn (Kings), Queens, Bronx and Staten Island (Richmond) have distinct court locations. Use WebCrims for supported active cases and the court clerk for certified records.
Find NYC criminal courts →Long Island
Nassau and Suffolk have local Criminal, District or County Court structures. WebCrims may display supported pending matters, while certificates and case files are requested from the originating court.
Find Nassau or Suffolk court →Hudson Valley
Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and Putnam are part of the Ninth Judicial District. Check available WebCrims coverage and the actual filing court.
Ninth District WebCrims →Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and other counties
Use court-specific City, County, Supreme, Town or Village Court records. OCA CHRS may help with statewide public results, but older and local reporting coverage can differ.
Search NY court directory →Practical troubleshooting
Why Your New York Criminal History Search Returns No Results
| Problem | Possible explanation | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| OCA CHRS reports no match | Exact spelling/DOB mismatch, sealed record, limited older or local court data | Review official CHRS limitations; contact the case court if known |
| WebCrims case missing | Case finished, sealed, unsupported court, no future hearing shown | Find originating court using Court Locator |
| Background report shows wrong outcome | Stale disposition, identity mismatch or incomplete court reporting | Obtain certified disposition and follow report dispute procedure |
| Sealed case still appears | Sealing not implemented or updated yet; different legal access standards | Review Clean Slate/record-sealing guidance and ask the court or DCJS |
| Need record for immigration or overseas purpose | Ordinary public CHRS is not necessarily accepted for foreign official uses | Check destination’s requirements; DCJS has international-purpose instructions |
| Federal conviction not found | State criminal-case indexes do not replace federal records | Search PACER and the appropriate federal court |
Employment, housing and accuracy
Using New York Criminal History Information Responsibly
New York has additional restrictions on how criminal history can be considered for employment and other decisions. The Fair Credit Reporting Act may apply when an employer or landlord obtains a consumer report from a background-screening company. New York and local laws may impose further obligations.
For applicants
- Consider reviewing your own DCJS record.
- Check whether old convictions qualify for sealing.
- Obtain dispositions to correct inaccurate outcomes.
- Dispute errors in consumer background reports.
- Check applicable New York rights concerning criminal-history discrimination.
For employers and landlords
- Use legally authorized procedures.
- Check FCRA obligations before ordering consumer reports.
- Follow applicable fair-chance and anti-discrimination rules.
- Consider case outcome rather than just charges.
- Follow required notice and dispute processes.
Answers to common problems
New York Criminal History Records FAQs
1. How do I get my official criminal history record in New York?
Use DCJS Personal Record Review, schedule fingerprinting using the specified IdentoGO service code, submit identification and the required processing fee, then receive your record or no-record response by mail.
2. Can I search someone else’s New York DCJS rap sheet?
No. DCJS official fingerprint-based criminal history records are not unrestricted public records. Third-party access requires a separate legally authorized process. Public OCA CHRS has different access and limitations.
3. How much does a New York statewide criminal history search cost?
The New York Office of Court Administration charges $95 for its public statewide Criminal History Record Search. The online Direct Access process may add a convenience fee.
4. Is New York WebCrims free?
Yes, public WebCrims case lookup does not require the $95 CHRS payment. However, WebCrims covers selected pending court matters and future appearances, not a complete criminal history.
5. What is the difference between suppressed and unsuppressed DCJS records?
Suppressed records omit certain information that is sealed or otherwise excluded under applicable rules. Unsuppressed records may include additional information. DCJS describes the appropriate uses for each request type.
6. How do I get a Certificate of Disposition in New York?
Contact the criminal court that handled the original case. Provide the docket or case identifier, required identity documents and applicable fee, usually $5–$10 depending on the court.
7. Will New York’s Clean Slate Act automatically seal my conviction?
Qualifying convictions may become eligible under the Act after the statutory waiting period and other conditions are met. The Unified Court System has until November 16, 2027 to implement the required automatic sealing processes. Some crimes are excluded.
8. Why does my OCA CHRS report say no results found?
The system uses exact name and date-of-birth matching. Records may also be sealed, excluded, older than available coverage, or incompletely reported by certain local courts. No results is not proof that no criminal history exists.
9. Can I request my New York criminal record from outside the state?
Yes. DCJS publishes out-of-state fingerprinting and Cardscan directions. Check the latest IdentoGO instructions, published fee and mailing process before applying.
10. Are New York criminal history records suitable for employment background checks?
It depends on the type of record and purpose. Official DCJS access is restricted, public OCA CHRS has coverage limitations, and FCRA plus New York employment laws may govern screening and decision-making. Employers should use appropriate authorized procedures.
Primary government resources
Official New York Criminal History Resources
- DCJS — Request Your Criminal History Record
- OCA — Criminal History Record Search
- OCA — CHRS Online Direct Access
- OCA — CHRS Frequently Asked Questions
- New York Courts — WebCrims
- New York Courts — Certificate of Disposition
- New York Courts — Court Locator and Addresses
- New York Courts — Clean Slate Act
- DCJS — New York Sex Offender Registry
- DOCCS — Parolee Lookup
- U.S. Courts — PACER Federal Records
- FTC — Employment Background Check Requirements