Criminal Records
Personal Criminal History
Get your own criminal history by requesting a state repository record or FBI summary, and cross-check court case indexes to confirm charges, dispositions, and recent updates.
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obtain and verify own criminal history record
First Source
Start with the state criminal history repository for an official self-record; add the FBI Identity History Summary if a federal or multi-state check is requested.
What You Can Check Online
Many courts provide name or case number indexes to verify charges and dispositions; some agencies post recent arrest logs or jail rosters.
Requires Request and ID
State repository and FBI summaries typically require a formal request with fingerprints and identity verification; responses are issued directly to the requester.
Not the Same as Certified Court Records
A criminal history report is not a certified court judgment; obtain certified case documents from the court clerk if a certifiable record is required.
Start Here
- Start with the state criminal history repository to request your own record, following the agency’s fingerprint and identity instructions.
- Request an FBI Identity History Summary if a federal or multi-jurisdiction self-check is needed.
- Search state or county court portals to confirm case numbers, final dispositions, and sentencing details.
- Check recent arrest logs or jail rosters for events that may not yet appear in repository reports.
- Verify personal identifiers used in each search to avoid mixing records with other individuals.
Record Routing
- State-level criminal history report → State criminal history repository (central records).
- Federal identity history summary → FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (Identity History Summary).
- Case disposition and sentencing → Trial court case search or docket portal.
- Recent arrests and booking status → Sheriff, police, or jail roster pages.
Search Inputs and Identifiers
- Fingerprints (rolled or live scan)
- Government-issued ID details (name, DOB)
- State repository selection
- Aliases and prior names
- Case number or docket ID
- Date range or filing year
Source Map
| Where To Check | Best For | How To Search | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| State criminal history repository (central records) | Official state-level criminal history for the requester | Fingerprint-based self-request; some allow name-based checks with identity verification | Primary source many employers and licensing bodies consult; ensures accurate match to your identity |
| FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (Identity History Summary) | Federal and state-submitted arrest and disposition events tied to your fingerprints | Fingerprint-based request submitted by mail or electronic portal | Provides a consolidated federal-level summary useful when a multi-jurisdiction self-check is required |
| State or county court case portals | Viewing case indexes, charges filed, dispositions, and calendar histories | Online search by name, DOB, case number, or citation | Confirms what the court recorded and helps reconcile or correct repository entries |
| Sheriff, police, or county jail rosters | Recent arrests, bookings, and custody status | Online roster or name search; some require direct inquiry | Captures very recent events that may not yet be reported to state or federal repositories |
| Commercial people-search or background tools | Broad name-based scans across public-facing sources for potential matches | Online name and location search with optional filters | Useful for a preliminary view, but not a substitute for official state or FBI self-records |
Common Questions
Which source should I use first to check my own record?
Start with the state criminal history repository for an official self-record. If a multi-jurisdiction check is requested, add the FBI Identity History Summary.
Do I need fingerprints to get my record?
Most official self-record requests require fingerprints and identity verification. Some states also offer name-based checks, but fingerprint submissions reduce false matches.
Why do court portals show cases that my state report doesn’t?
Court systems can display case activity before repository updates are processed, and some minor or dismissed matters may be reported differently. Use court records to verify dispositions.
Can I get a certified copy of my criminal history?
Repositories issue official reports, but certification of individual judgments or dispositions comes from the court clerk. Request certified case documents if a certifiable record is required.