Criminal Check Online
Apply For A Criminal Background Check Online
Start with your state criminal history repository, then use the FBI identity history summary or court indexes if required, and know the limits of online requests.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
Apply online for an official criminal background check.
Quick Answer
- Start with your official state criminal history repository; some states let you apply online, others require mail or fingerprinting.
- If you need a nationwide or identity check, use the FBI identity history summary route.
- For police incident reports or letters of good conduct, use a local police records request, not the state repository.
- When no online option exists, submit fingerprints through an approved vendor or mail the request as instructed by the agency.
Best Start Route
title
state criminal history repository route
best for
Official statewide criminal background checks requested online where available.
why this is usually first
It is the primary state source for criminal history. Many states allow online requests with identity verification or fingerprints.
when to move on
Use the FBI identity history summary for federal or multi-state needs, or a court index or local police records request for case details or incidents.
Official vs Private Sources
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | Official statewide criminal history checks | Arrests, charges, or convictions reported to the state repository, subject to state disclosure rules | May exclude recent cases, sealed records, or out-of-state events; online access varies by state |
| FBI identity history summary route | Identity-based federal check for personal review or roles that require it | Arrests and criminal events submitted to federal systems tied to your fingerprints | Not a substitute for state or court records; some roles still require state checks |
| court index and case-search route | Checking specific cases or recent filings | Docket entries, case numbers, parties, and case status | Name matches need review and it is not a certified criminal history |
| local police records request route | Incident reports, accident reports, or local clearance letters | Copies of incident or accident reports held by the department | Does not produce a statewide criminal history |
| commercial background-check site | Quick contact and address history when you do not need official records | Data compiled from public listings and private sources | Not an official database; results can be incomplete or mismatched |
Access Notes
- Online criminal-history applications are not offered in every state; some require fingerprints or notarized forms.
- Name-based checks can misidentify people; fingerprint-based checks match identity more reliably.
- A national check often means using multiple sources; there is no single public nationwide database.
- After a self-check, use the reporting agency’s correction process if you find an error.
How to Apply Online
Start at the state repository
Find the state criminal history repository and see if it offers online requests; complete identity verification or fingerprinting as required.
Add federal if required
If the purpose requires a nationwide identity check, submit the FBI identity history summary using fingerprints.
Supplement with courts or police
Search court indexes for recent cases and request local police incident reports as needed; avoid people-search sites for official checks.
Common Questions
Can I apply for a criminal background check online from any state?
No. Some states offer online requests, while others require fingerprints or mail. Check the state criminal history repository for its current process.
Do I need fingerprints for an online application?
Often. Many official checks require fingerprinting, even if the request is started online. Name-only options may be limited.
Is a national criminal background check available online?
Not as a single public search. Use the FBI route for identity-based results and combine it with state and court sources when needed.
Will a people-search site work for an official check?
No. People-search sites are not official and do not replace state, court, or FBI routes for employment or licensing checks.