Criminal Background Self Check
Get My Criminal Background Check
Start with your state criminal history repository, then confirm court records and consider an FBI identity history summary if needed; learn what each route shows and its limits.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
Get my own criminal background record through official sources.
Quick Answer
- Start with your state criminal history repository to get your official record.
- If you need a nationwide self-check, request an FBI identity history summary.
- Check court index and local police records for case details not shown in repository results.
Start Here
title
State criminal history repository route
best for
Getting your own official state criminal record for jobs, licensing, or a personal review.
why this is usually first
It is the central state source used for many official checks and commonly supports self-requests.
when to move on
Move on if you lived in multiple states, a nationwide check is requested, or court dockets show cases missing from the repository.
Official vs Private Routes
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | Your official state-level criminal record | Arrests and dispositions reported to the state repository | Covers one state and depends on reporting from courts and agencies |
| FBI identity history summary route | Fingerprint-based nationwide self-check | Arrests and outcomes reported to federal systems by states and agencies | Not a full court search; relies on agency reporting and may lack local detail |
| court index and case-search route | Verifying charges, case status, and dispositions | Dockets, filings, charges, and outcomes by court | Not a background check; coverage varies by court and may need multiple searches |
| local police records request route | Incident or arrest reports from a specific jurisdiction | Incident details, narratives, and basic arrest info | Not statewide; may exclude dispositions and require a formal request |
| people-search site | Finding names, addresses, and possible places to search | Addresses, associates, and public profile clues | Not an official criminal record and can include outdated or mismatched data |
Access Notes
- Repository results are state-specific; out-of-state cases will not appear.
- Name matches can be wrong; confirm with fingerprints or case numbers when offered.
- Court indexes may list cases without full documents; check the docket for outcomes.
- If something is wrong or missing, use the state repository correction process after you self-check.
Simple Search Flow
1) State Repository
Request your record from your state criminal history repository following its self-request instructions.
2) Nationwide Option
If required or you lived in multiple states, request an FBI identity history summary.
3) Court and Local Check
Search court indexes where you have lived and request local police reports for incident details if needed.
Common Questions
Is there one national criminal background check I can get online?
No single public database covers everything. Use your state repository first and the FBI identity history summary for a nationwide self-check.
Will dismissed or sealed cases show up?
Coverage varies by source. Many show arrests and dispositions, but sealed or expunged records usually do not appear. Confirm status with the court docket.
What if my record is wrong?
Follow the state repository correction process. Gather court documents, submit required identification or fingerprints, and request an updated copy.