Criminal Check
Can I Get A Criminal Background Check Online?
You can start online with state criminal record repositories and court indexes, understand what each source can show, and decide when an official or private follow-up is needed.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
Learn if a criminal background check can be done online and where to start.
Quick Answer
- Yes. Parts of a criminal background check are available online through official sources.
- Start with the state criminal history repository, if it offers public online searches.
- If that is limited, use court index and case-search tools for places the person lived.
- For a self-check, use the FBI identity history summary route; commercial sites are optional for addresses and aliases.
Best Starting Route
title
State Criminal History Repository Route
best for
Checking statewide arrest and conviction records from an official source, when public access is offered online.
why this is usually first
It is the most direct official source for statewide criminal history, and many states provide an online request or search.
when to move on
If no public online search exists, or results lack case detail, move to court index searches for counties and states where the person lived.
Official vs Private Sources
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | An official statewide check in one state | Arrests, charges, and convictions reported to the state repository | Not all states allow public online access; updates and dispositions can lag |
| court index and case-search route | Finding case numbers and status by county or statewide court | Case listings, charges, parties, basic status, sometimes dockets | Often name-only matching; not every court posts complete records online |
| local police records request route | Local incident or arrest reports from a city or county | Incident details, arrest or report numbers, narratives when releasable | Not a statewide check; some reports are restricted or require in-person steps |
| FBI identity history summary route | A self-check of your own federal identity history | Arrests and dispositions submitted to the FBI for your fingerprints | Only for your own record; not a general public search or state-complete |
| commercial background-check site | Fast aggregation of names, addresses, and public-record pointers | Linked addresses, aliases, and possible court or arrest references | Not an official record; data can be outdated or incomplete |
Access Notes
- There is no single public national criminal database to search online.
- Match by full name, date of birth, and past addresses to reduce false matches.
- Online court sites may omit older cases, sealed records, or certain charge details.
- If your own record has errors, use the source agency’s correction or update process.
How to Search Online
Start with the state repository
Search the state criminal history repository for the person’s current or most recent state of residence, if an online public option exists.
Check court indexes
Use state or county court case-search tools for every place the person has lived or been charged.
Fill gaps and self-check
If results are unclear, pull local police reports where relevant; for your own record, request the FBI identity history summary.
Common Questions
Is there a single national criminal check I can run online?
No. Public access is pieced together from state repositories, court indexes, and local records; national checks combine multiple sources.
Can I get someone else’s criminal record online?
Sometimes. Some states allow public searches, and many courts post case indexes. Access and detail vary by state and record type.
Do I need fingerprints for an online check?
Usually not for court indexes and many state searches. Fingerprints are required for the FBI identity history summary and some authorized purposes.