Criminal Check Online
Criminal Background Check Online In The Us
Learn how to start a US criminal background check online using official state repositories and court indexes, what national really means, and when private sites fit.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
Find how to run a US criminal background check online using official sources.
Quick Answer
- There is no single public US-wide criminal background check online; start with state criminal history repositories and court indexes.
- Use the FBI identity history summary only when a fingerprint-based self-check is needed.
- Private people-search sites compile public and commercial data but are not official criminal-history sources.
- Confirm records with the court of record before relying on any online summary.
Best Starting Point
title
state criminal history repository route
best for
A first statewide criminal record check for a person, where public access is offered online or by request.
why this is usually first
It is the official statewide source for arrests and convictions reported by agencies and courts; many states provide public search portals or request options.
when to move on
Move on if public access is limited, if you need case-level detail, or if you must search multiple states; then add court indexes and other states.
Official vs Private Routes
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | Official statewide arrest and conviction history under one state. | Reported arrests, charges, and dispositions received by the state repository. | Coverage is one state only; access and detail vary by state and eligibility. |
| court index and case-search route | Finding case details, dispositions, and docket history. | Case listings, charges, statuses, and sometimes documents from specific courts. | Not a background check; may be county-by-county and may omit recent or sealed cases. |
| local police records request route | Police incident reports, local arrests, or clearance letters within one jurisdiction. | Incident or arrest reports held by a city police or sheriff office. | Not statewide; policies vary and some records may be restricted. |
| FBI identity history summary route | Your own fingerprint-based criminal history for jobs or licensing that require it. | Arrest and disposition data submitted to the FBI for your fingerprints. | Available to the subject only; not a general background check on others. |
| people-search site | Finding addresses, aliases, and leads to where to search officially. | Name, age, addresses, associates, and links to public records. | Not official criminal history; data may be outdated, mismatched, or incomplete. |
Access Notes
- There is no single public national criminal database; search states and courts tied to the person’s residences.
- Match on full name, date of birth, and other identifiers to avoid mixing similar names.
- Online indexes can lag; verify current status with the court of record.
- Sealed, juvenile, or expunged records will not appear in public searches.
How to Search Online
Start with states
List recent states of residence and check each state criminal history repository for public search or request options.
Add court checks
Search statewide or county court indexes in those states to confirm case details and dispositions.
Fill gaps
If you need a self-check with fingerprints, use the FBI identity history summary; use people-search sites only to find where to check officially.
Common Questions
Can I run one nationwide criminal check online?
No. Use state repositories and court indexes for each relevant state; there is no public one-stop national criminal database.
When should I use the FBI route?
Use it for your own fingerprint-based check when an employer, license, or program specifically requires it.
How do I verify a record I found online?
Go to the court of record, confirm the docket and disposition, and request official copies if needed.