Online Criminal Check
Can You Get A Criminal Background Check Online?
See what parts of a criminal background check you can do online, which official routes to start with, and when private sites are only summaries.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
Find out if a criminal background check can be requested online and where to start.
Quick Answer
- Yes, parts of a criminal background check can be requested online, but there is no single public national database.
- Start with your state criminal history repository route if it offers online requests.
- Use court index and case-search routes for case-level details when available online.
- People-search sites are private summaries, not official criminal records.
Best Start
title
state criminal history repository route
best for
Official statewide criminal record checks where public access is offered.
why this is usually first
It is the central state source for arrests and convictions and may support online requests or remote identity steps.
when to move on
If online requests are unavailable, require fingerprints, or you need specific case details, use the court index and case-search route.
Official vs Private Sources
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | Official statewide criminal history checks. | Arrests and convictions reported to the state repository. | May require identity steps; not all states allow public online access; does not cover other states or federal courts. |
| court index and case-search route | Finding case-level charges, status, and dispositions. | Docket entries and basic case information by court. | Coverage varies by court; name matches can be unreliable; sealed or older cases may be missing. |
| local police records request route | Incident reports or local arrest logs from one agency. | Police reports, local arrests, and calls for service where available. | Not a statewide check; other agencies and courts are excluded. |
| FBI identity history summary route | Self-check of your own fingerprint-based identity history. | Your federal identity history based on reported arrests. | For your record only; not a general background check on others. |
| people-search site | Finding names, addresses, and possible record leads. | Compiled public data and pointers to possible records. | Not official; may be outdated or wrong; does not replace government records. |
Access Notes
- There is no single public nationwide criminal database you can search online.
- Online portals often require exact name details; add date of birth or other identifiers to reduce mismatches.
- A court search is not a statewide background check; check multiple courts if needed.
- If you find an error, follow up with the state repository or the court that created the record.
How to Start Online
Step 1
Check your state criminal history repository route for a public online request option and complete any identity or consent requirements.
Step 2
If you need case details or the repository is limited, use the court index and case-search route for the relevant court.
Step 3
For a personal self-check across states, use the FBI identity history summary route, then verify details with state or court sources as needed.
Common Questions
Is there one national criminal background check I can do online?
No. Use state criminal history repositories and court indexes. Add federal or local routes only if relevant to your search.
Can I run a federal criminal check online?
There is no general federal criminal-history search. For yourself, use the FBI identity history summary route; for cases, check federal court case indexes.
Do commercial background-check sites count as official records?
No. They compile data from many sources and can be wrong. Confirm results with official state repositories or courts.