Self Check
How To Check My Criminal Background Online
Start with your state criminal history repository, add court index searches, use the FBI identity history summary if needed, and do not confuse people search sites with records.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
Check my own criminal record online.
Quick Start
- Start at your state criminal history repository and request your own record online where available.
- Search your name in statewide or local court index tools to see case listings and dispositions.
- Use the FBI identity history summary for a fingerprint-based, nationwide self-check when required.
- Avoid people-search sites for official results; they are not government records.
Best Start Route
title
State Criminal History Repository Route
best for
Checking your own statewide criminal record from official law enforcement sources.
why this is usually first
It is the authoritative state-level record and many states offer an online self-request.
when to move on
If online self-request is unavailable, results seem incomplete, or you need multi-state coverage; then add court index searches and the FBI route.
Official vs Private Sources
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | Official statewide criminal record under your name or fingerprints. | Arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by agencies to the state repository. | Limited to one state; some access requires fingerprints or is not fully online. |
| court index and case-search route | Seeing case listings, statuses, and basic docket details. | Public case entries, party names, charges, and disposition notes. | Not a certified background check; name-based indexes can be incomplete or outdated. |
| FBI identity history summary route | Nationwide self-check tied to fingerprints. | Arrests and dispositions reported to federal systems from many jurisdictions. | Requires fingerprints and identity proof; some local or recent updates may lag. |
| commercial people-search site | Finding prior addresses and possible aliases to guide manual checks. | Compiled public data like addresses and possible record pointers. | Not official criminal records; data may be wrong, outdated, or mismatched. |
Access Notes
- Name matches can misidentify you; confirm details like date of birth or other identifiers.
- Online portals may show summaries; certified copies usually require a separate request.
- Sealed or expunged records generally do not appear in public results.
- If you find an error, contact the reporting agency or repository to request a correction.
Simple Search Flow
Step 1
Locate your state criminal history repository and complete the self-request; use any online option or schedule fingerprinting if required.
Step 2
Search statewide and local court indexes for your name to confirm case statuses and dispositions; save available summaries.
Step 3
If you need broader coverage, submit an FBI identity history summary request and review results; follow up with agencies to fix errors.
Micro FAQ
Is there one national criminal database I can search online?
No. Use your state repository and court indexes, and add the FBI identity history summary for a nationwide, fingerprint-based self-check.
Do I need fingerprints to check my record?
Some states require fingerprints for official state records, and the FBI identity history summary always requires them.
Will dismissed or sealed cases show up online?
Dismissed cases may appear in court indexes; sealed or expunged cases are usually not released to the public.