Online Criminal Check
Check My Criminal Background Online
See how to check your own criminal history online through official routes, what each source shows, and when you may need court or police records.
Trending:
Criminal Records
Self Check
Court Search
Identity History
Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
See my criminal history online from official sources.
Quick Answer
- Yes, you can check your own criminal history online through official portals, but coverage and access rules vary by state and source.
- Start with the state criminal history repository self-request if offered.
- If that is limited or unavailable, use court case search and local police records requests.
- Use the FBI identity history summary route only when a federal self-check is needed.
Best Starting Route
title
state criminal history repository route
best for
Checking your own statewide arrests and convictions in one official request where public self-requests are available.
why this is usually first
It is the official statewide source and often mirrors what agencies use. Some states allow online self-requests.
when to move on
If no public access, results are convictions-only, or you need case details, use court index and local police routes next.
Official vs Private Sources
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | Official statewide self-check of arrests and convictions | Reported arrests, charges, and dispositions kept by the state repository | May exclude some local or out-of-state events; access rules differ by state |
| court index and case-search route | Verifying case numbers, charges, and outcomes | Case listings, charges, and status; some systems show basic dockets | Often index-only; full documents may require a separate request |
| sheriff or local law-enforcement records route | Local incident or arrest reports not in court or state files | Incident logs, arrest reports, or calls for service where available | Highly local; privacy rules and availability vary |
| FBI identity history summary route | A federal identity-history self-check when specifically needed | Arrest and fingerprint-based events reported to federal systems | Not a general nationwide court search; identity verification required |
| people-search site | Finding names, addresses, and possible jurisdictions to search | Basic profile data, addresses, and possible records references | Not an official criminal database; data can be incomplete or outdated |
Access Notes
- Expect identity verification; some routes require fingerprints.
- There is no single public nationwide criminal database.
- Online court tools often show summaries; documents may require a request.
- If something looks wrong, use the agency’s record challenge or correction process.
How to Search Online
Step 1: State Repository
Find your state criminal history repository self-request option and submit if it allows online requests.
Step 2: Court Cases
Search statewide or local court indexes by your name and date of birth to confirm charges and outcomes; request documents if needed.
Step 3: Fill Gaps
If arrests or incidents are missing, request records from local police or sheriff; use the FBI identity history summary only when a federal self-check is required.
Common Questions
Will an online check show expunged or sealed cases?
Usually no, but rules vary by state and source. Check each source’s disclosure policy.
Do I need fingerprints for a self-check?
Some state repositories and the federal identity-history route require fingerprints. Court and police index lookups usually do not.
Is a people-search site the same as a criminal background check?
No. It aggregates public data and may be outdated. Use official repositories and courts to confirm results.