Online Self Criminal Check
Check Your Criminal Background Online
Start with your state criminal history repository for an official self-check, then use court indexes for case details and the FBI route if needed.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
See your own criminal record online through official sources
Quick Answer
- Start with a state criminal history repository self-request; that is the official online path for your record in most states.
- If you need a federal identity history, use the FBI identity history summary route.
- For case details or confirmation, search the court index and request copies from the court.
- Commercial people-search sites are not official and may miss or mislabel records.
Best Start Route
title
state criminal history repository route
best for
An official self-check of arrests and dispositions recorded at the state level.
why this is usually first
It is the core state source used for screening, and many states allow online self-requests with identity verification.
when to move on
Use the court index for missing case details or the FBI identity history summary if a federal self-check is requested.
Official vs Private Sources
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | Your official statewide record as maintained by the state repository. | Arrests and convictions reported to the state, often with dispositions and status notes. | Covers only that state; some states require fingerprints or steps that are not fully online. |
| court index and case-search route | Case numbers, charges, parties, and docket activity. | Case listings and basic docket entries; sometimes calendars or filings. | Indexes can be name-based and incomplete; certified records require a request to the court. |
| FBI identity history summary route | A federal identity-linked summary of your record for self-review. | Arrest events submitted to federal systems with available dispositions. | Not a nationwide court search; identity verification and fingerprints are required. |
| local police records request route | Incident or arrest reports from a city police or sheriff office. | Narratives, arrest reports, and local logs. | Local only; usually lacks court outcomes and other jurisdictions. |
| commercial background-check site | Finding possible matches and addresses to guide official checks. | Names, aliases, address history, and links to potential records. | Not official; data can be outdated, mismatched, or missing key court outcomes. |
Access Notes
- Online name searches can match the wrong person; use date of birth or other identifiers when the system allows.
- Some official self-requests require fingerprints or mail-in steps; online availability varies by state.
- A state repository rarely includes federal or out-of-state records; run those separately if needed.
- Courts may limit online views of certain case types; request documents from the clerk for the official record.
Search Flow
Start at the state repository
Complete the self-request through your state criminal history repository and download or receive your record.
Check court details
Search the court index for listed cases and request case documents if you need dispositions or specifics.
Add federal summary if required
If an employer or license asks for it, request the FBI identity history summary and review it against your state and court results.
Micro FAQ
Is there one national criminal database I can search online for myself?
No. Use your state repository for state results, court indexes for case details, and the FBI identity history summary for a federal self-check.
Will a people-search site show my official criminal record?
No. It compiles public data and links to possible records, but it is not an official criminal history source.
How do I fix an error I find?
Follow the state repository’s correction process and contact the court clerk to update the case, then rerun your self-check to confirm.