In addition to the federal government, each state keeps a RAP sheet.
To find out about how to get your RAP sheet, select the state where your criminal record is located using the drop-down menu below:
In addition to the federal government, each state keeps a RAP sheet.
To find out about how to get your RAP sheet, select the state where your criminal record is located using the drop-down menu below:
In California, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) keeps your official arrest and conviction history called a RAP sheet. You must provide your fingerprints to get this record.
The DOJ will only provide your RAP sheet to law enforcement for law enforcement purposes, to certain employers or licensing agencies, or to you, the subject of the record. Most private employers cannot get a copy of your CA DOJ RAP sheet and you should not be asked to give them a copy. If an employer asks you to get a copy of your CA DOJ RAP sheet and give it to them, you should contact an attorney for assistance.
Here is how to get your CA DOJ RAP sheet if you are a California resident:
California Department of Justice
Record Review Unit
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
Here is how to get your CA DOJ RAP sheet if you are not a California resident:
California Department of Justice
Record Review Unit
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
The CA DOJ will send your RAP sheet in one to eight weeks after they have received your fingerprints and associated information.
For more information, go to the CA DOJ website: DOJ website.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection's (DESPP) State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI) maintains all criminal record information in Connecticut.
The State of Connecticut offers three types of criminal history record searches:
Here are the six steps to get your fingerprint-based criminal history record from the SPBI:
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
State Police Bureau of Identification
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457-2389
It takes approximately three to five weeks after the DESPP SPBI receives your Criminal History Record Request form to get your criminal history record by mail.
The State Police criminal history record lists most of the convictions obtained in the state of Connecticut. It does not list out of state or federal charges. There may be other convictions that are not listed on the State Police criminal history record such as certain Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), and Reckless Driving offenses. Some non-fingerprinted convictions may not be on the criminal history record. If all of your convictions are not listed on the State Police criminal history record, contact:
For more information on accessing your Connecticut criminal history record or fingerprint identification, contact the DSEPP at (860) 685-8480 or (860) 685-8270.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps all criminal records. The FDLE provides two types of criminal records:
Each type is available to you for different purposes.
Florida law allows you to review your criminal record for free. Only you and your attorney can get this record. It is important to check your record for accuracy. If you think something on your record is wrong, you can submit a "records challenge" to the FDLE. They will investigate and correct your record if necessary.
A Personal Review record is not a Certified Criminal record. That means it cannot be used for immigration, employment, licensing, or skills certification.
Here is how to get your free record for personal review:
You will receive your criminal record from the FDLE, but it may take up to 30 days. The FDLE will also return your fingerprint card.
You can apply to the FDLE for a Certified Criminal record either online or by mail. The FDLE will send your record by return mail. Certified Criminal records are usually required for employment, licensing, certification, immigration, and adoptions.
Each search for a record costs $24. You must use a credit card to pay for a Certified Criminal record online. If you don't have a credit card, you need to ask for your record by mail.
Here is how to make a request online for a Certified Criminal record:
You will receive your Certified Criminal record by mail in about a week.
Here is how to make a request by mail for a Certified Criminal record:
There are three types of criminal records in Georgia, including:
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), a division of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), keeps your official criminal history record.
Here is how to make a request to get your official Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) RAP sheet from your local law enforcement agency:
Anyone may request a Georgia Technology Authority's (GTA) online felony record from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) database using the "Georgia Felon Search." The system keeps records of felony convictions in Georgia that were reported to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). The system is designed for businesses searching by name, but anyone can use it. Fingerprints are not required. You'll need a credit card to pay the fee of $15.00 for each search.
Here is how to get your GTA online felony record:
For more information about this online system, visit the GTA site and click on the link to "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)."
The Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) is an online service used by Georgia, and out-of-state agencies and employers to do background checks for licensing or evaluating Georgia job applicants.
Here is how the GAPS online record is requested:
If you are a Georgia resident and you need a Georgia fingerprint based background check for out-of-state employment, a visa, or immigration purposes, here is how to access the website:
For more information, contact the Georgia Criminal Information Center (GCIC) by phone at (404) 244-2639 or email them at GAAplicant@gbi.ga.gov.
In Illinois, there are three types of criminal records:
Where you go to get your criminal record depends on what information you need, how much time you have, whether you can go in person, and how much money you can afford to pay for your record.
Although there are several places in Illinois where you can get a criminal record, the best place to get it is from the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification (BOI). The BOI keeps all criminal history information. They have the most comprehensive records of all arrests and convictions that occurred in Illinois. So if you get your record from the state police, you’ll get your entire criminal record.
The process to get your record from the state police is called "Access and Review." It requires fingerprinting and is free.
For more information about reviewing a criminal record, visit: Illinois State Police.
If you live in Chicago:
If you don’t live in Chicago:
Use this Sample Criminal Record Request Letter to submit to the Chicago Police:
To get a court disposition, first check to see if the court has records available online. To find a circuit (county) court’s website, you must first know the name (number) of the court. For example, the 1st Judicial Circuit. To find local circuit courts, visit: Illinois Courts.
If you can’t get a record online, then go to the court in person. Go to the circuit court of the county where your case was filed. Go to the Circuit Clerk’s office and ask the clerk for copies of your court dispositions.
You can also use the public computer at the courthouse to look up your dispositions and print them out. Looking up the dispositions is free.
The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) keeps all state criminal history records in a computerized database called internet Criminal Offender Record Information (iCORI). These records are open to the public, but the Commonwealth limits the amount of information released depending on who requests the record.
The CORI records are created by the courts and include only Massachusetts offenses such as all adult and youthful-offender convictions and adjudications, pending cases, and civil and lesser offenses that did not result in incarceration. CORI criminal history records are based on names and dates-of-birth. Only authorized agencies get fingerprint-based records.
You can get your personal CORI record online or by mail.
Here are the three steps to get your criminal history record online using the iCORI database from the Massachusetts DCJIS:
Here are the six steps to get your CORI criminal history record by mail from the Massachusetts DCJIS:
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Attn: CORI Unit
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
You will get your record in about two weeks after the CORI Unit receives the request. If you have any questions, call the CORI Unit at (617) 660-4704.
In Massachusetts, you can do a CORI self-audit to find out who is looking at your criminal history record. This information can help you prepare for job or landlord interviews. You are entitled to one free audit every 90 days.
Here are the four steps to get your CORI self-audit:
Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Attn: Self-Audit
200 Arlington Street
Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
The Nevada Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Criminal History Repository keeps all state criminal history records. These records are open to the public, but they are only available to those who are authorized under Nevada law. This includes law enforcement, courts, and some employers, such as schools, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare providers. The repository keeps records only for Nevada offenses.
To get your criminal history record in Nevada, you must submit a form and your fingerprints to the DPS division of Records, Communications, and Compliance.
Here are the six steps to get your criminal history record from the Nevada DPS:
Department of Public Safety
Records, Communications, and Compliance Division
333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100
Carson City, Nevada 89706
The DPS accepts requests only by mail and will respond to your request only by mail. After DPS receives your request, you will get a letter and your record in 45 days. If you have any questions, call DPS at (775) 684-6262.
You can also go to the central repository to see your records. This process is called a "record inspection." You cannot copy the record or take it with you. The record inspection is free and does not require fingerprints. When you go to the repository, make sure to fill out the the online DPS-008-1 form and bring a valid government-issued ID with you. To access the form, visit the DPS website here: Request Inspection of Nevada Criminal Record Information
The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Criminal Information Unit (CIU) holds all state criminal history records. These records are not open to the public, but they are available to certain authorized individuals under state law; including law enforcement, courts, and some employers. The NJSP only keeps records for New Jersey offenses, including convictions, pending arrests, and charges.
To get your criminal history record, submit a form and your fingerprints to the NJSP. To access the NJSP online instructions, visit the NJSP website here: Instructions for Obtaining your Criminal History Record.
Here are the five steps to get your criminal record from the NJSP:
You will receive your criminal history record by mail after 10 business days. If you do not receive your criminal history record within 10 business days, or if you have any questions regarding your criminal history record, contact the CIU of the NJSP at (609) 882-2000, ext. 2918.
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Courts keep all state criminal record information.
The records held by the DPS are “arrest record information,” and include information regarding arrests, indictments, filing of information, and other formal criminal charges.
Court records are publicly available and can be accessed online, although you need to go to the court where the case was heard to get copies of court documents.
Here are the six steps to get your arrest record information from the Department of Public Safety (DPS):
Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 1628
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628
Here are the three steps to get your criminal history record from the New Mexico Courts online:
In New York, the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) keeps your official arrest and conviction history called a RAP sheet. You must provide your fingerprints to get this record.
Here is how to get your RAP sheet from DCJS, located in Albany, NY, if you are a New York State resident:
Here is how to get your RAP sheet from DCJS if you are not a New York State resident:
IDENTOGO
Cardscan Department
6840 Carothers Parkway, Suite 650
Franklin, TN 37067-9929
DCJS will send you your Personal Review Record within 30 U.S. mail business days after they have received your fingerprints and associated information.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) keeps all North Carolina state criminal history records. These records are not open to the public, but they are available to anyone who is authorized under North Carolina law to access them. This includes law enforcement, courts, and some employers. The SBI keeps records only for North Carolina offenses.
There are three ways to get your criminal history record in North Carolina:
The best way to get a complete record of all North Carolina offenses is to ask the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) for a fingerprint-based records check.
Here are the five steps to request your record from SBI:
The SBI accepts requests only by mail and will respond to your request only by mail. You will get a letter on SBI stationery and your record in about seven business days after SBI receives the request. Check the status of your record request by sending an email to CIIShelp@ncsbi.gov or call the SBI at (919) 582-8600.
You can get a certified background check from the Clerk of a Superior (county) Court. This record only shows criminal offenses that occurred in that county. If your criminal offenses occurred in just one or two counties, then this may be the best way to get your reocrd. The cost of the certified record is $25.
Here are the two steps to get your certified county record from the court:
You can search, review, and email criminal records using the public computer at the clerk's office at any Superior (county) courthouse. This method is free. If you want a record printed, you will probably pay a small fee. These records are not certified.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) keeps computerized criminal histories (CCH). These records are not open to the public, but they are available to authorized employers and law enforcement. The BCI keeps records for only Ohio offenses, including non-convictions, convictions, and penalties. In some cases, official records may include sealed or expunged offenses. Some employers may see sealed or expunged records, depending on what type of employer requests the record. For example, if a school or healthcare provider asks for the record, the record will include sealed or expunged offenses.
You can get a copy of your BCI computerized criminal history by either submitting your request directly to BCI or by submitting your request at any BCI-approved WebCheck location. At either location, you must submit your fingerprints electronically.
Here are the six steps you will need to take to request your BCI record:
Here is a list of BCI locations where you can submit your request:
BCI London
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, Ohio 43140
BCI Bowling Green
750 North College Drive
Bowling Green, OH 43402
BCI Richfield
4055 Highlander Parkway
Richfield, Ohio 44286
BCI Youngstown
20 W. Federal Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
To request your BCI record at a WebCheck location, submit the same information as above at a BCI approved WebCheck location. To find a list of Webcheck locations, please visit: Webcheck Locations.
There are other places to get your Ohio criminal record. However, these criminal records are incomplete because they only show contacts with the criminal justice system in one county.
For example, you can request a record from your county sheriff's office. These records are often called "police checks." They include only convictions that occurred in that county. The cost is typically $5 to $10.
You can also request a free record from the clerk-of-courts website. Most counties in Ohio have a court clerk's website. Your record here will show everything that has your name on it, including convictions, non-convictions, and civil cases that occurred in that county. The online record may not go back far enough to be considered complete.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) keeps all state criminal history records. These records are open to the public. They include all arrests and convictions for serious misdemeanors and felonies. The OSBI keeps records only for Oklahoma offenses.
There are two ways to get your criminal history record in Oklahoma:
Here are the four steps to get your criminal history record from online from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI):
You will then get a digital copy of your criminal history record immediately.
Here are the four steps to get your criminal history record from the OSBI by mail:
The record will be sent to you by mail. You will wait about four weeks to receive it.
Here are the four steps to get your criminal history record from the OSBI by fax:
You will receive your record within two to five business days.
Here are the three steps to get your criminal history record from the OSBI in-person:
The record will be available within 10 to 15 minutes.
The Oregon State Police, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) keeps all state criminal history records. Oregon State law provides public access to Oregon criminal history record information through the CJIS.
Here are the seven steps to get your criminal history record information from Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS):
Note: If you get your fingerprints taken at CJIS, you can also submit your request at that time so long as you complete the Request Own Record form and pay the $33.00 fee.
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) keep all commonwealth criminal history records. These records are open to the public, but that does not mean that the public sees everything. A record request may take a few months for the state police central repository to review and edit the record information. The PSP keeps records only for Pennsylvania offenses.
There are three ways to get your criminal history record:
There are advantages and disadvantages to each. The best way to get a complete record of all Pennsylvania offenses is to ask the PSP for an "Individual Access and Review" record. This is the most comprehensive record you can get. It contains all arrest and conviction information from every local police department, state law enforcement agency, sheriff's department, and constable. Getting the record by mail is the only way to get a notarized record, which you may need to apply for a license, expungement, or pardon.
Here are the six steps to get your criminal record from the PSP by mail:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository, RCPU
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
Here are the four steps to get your criminal record from PSP's Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) Online:
Here is how to get your criminal record for free from the County Courts:
You can get records from a county court (Court of Common Pleas) by searching the court’s docket sheets online. You can search by your state identification number (SID). This is free. It is not the same as a criminal history from the state police. Records are by county only, where each record was initiated. They are often not up-to-date. You can visit the website here: The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal.
The Puerto Rico Police Department keeps all the Commonwealth's criminal history records for Puerto Rico offenses. In Puerto Rico, a criminal history record is called a "police certificate" or a "criminal record certificate." In Spanish, it is called a "Certificate de Antecedents Perales." These records are available to you and to anyone who has your permission.
Here are the four steps to get your Puerto Rico name-based criminal record certificate online through the Puerto Rico Police Department:
Here are the two steps to get your Puerto Rico name-based criminal record certificate by mail through the Puerto Rico Police Department:
Puerto Rico Police Department
Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 601
Curtail General
San Juan, PR 00936-8166
You can also get your criminal record certificate in person at any Puerto Rico Police Department.
Your certificate will show only offenses in Puerto Rico. If you have federal offenses or other state offenses, get your FBI criminal history record known as the “Identity History Summary Check”. To learn more about the FBI record, see section: FBI Rap Sheet.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) keeps computerized criminal histories. These histories include arrests, charges, convictions, and nonconvictions that occurred in South Carolina. The records are permanent unless erased by expungement. South Carolina sheriffs, police, courts, and other agencies report to SLED. The SLED offices are closed to the public. The only ways to communicate with SLED are by telephone or mail.
You can get a copy of your SLED computerized criminal history two ways:
SLED CATCH is available to the public. The results are based on name, not fingerprints. The records are not certified or notarized. You can pay only by credit card.
To request your record from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Citizens Access To Criminal Histories (CATCH) online, follow these two steps:
To request your record from SLED by mail, follow these four steps:
SLED will certify or notarize your criminal history record for free upon your request.
Here is another way to get your record for free or at very low cost:
South Carolina's Public Index is a free website that has traffic tickets, arrests, charges, and court appearances listed by county. Most county courthouses have computers that are available for free public use. If you ask the court clerk for printed copies, you will probably have to pay a small fee.
The Public Index lists records by county. It could be difficult to get a complete, statewide criminal record. It may be easier to get a certified, statewide criminal record from SLED.
To view the public index, click here: South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) keeps all state criminal history records. These records are open to the public and include misdemeanors and felonies, arrests, charges, guilty pleas, and convictions that are based on fingerprints collected by Tennessee law enforcement agencies. The TBI keeps records only for Tennessee offenses.
Tennessee allows anyone to do an "open records check." This is a name-based check only. Tennessee does not accept fingerprints for a criminal history record unless a job application requires fingerprinting.
Here are the four steps to get your criminal history record from TBI:
TBI—TORIS
901 R.S. Gass Blvd
Nashville, TN 37216
The TBI will respond to your request by mail. You will get your record about a week after TBI receives the request. If you asked for a notarized copy, you will get your record an additional week later.
For more information about how to get your criminal history record, please review the Tennessee State Government website here: TORIS Additional Information. For additional information, call the TBI at (615) 744-4057.
A RAP sheet is a criminal record. In Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) keeps computerized Criminal History Record Information (CHRI). These records are open to the public, employers, judges, and law enforcement. The DPS keeps records for Texas offenses, including non-convictions, convictions, arrests, and sometimes even juvenile records.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the best place to get your criminal history record. You can get a copy of your criminal history record from the DPS two ways:
To get your DPS criminal history record by mail, follow these steps:
To get your DPS criminal history record electronically, follow these steps:
You can also get your RAP sheet from the county clerk of the Texas county where you were charged. This is a good way to get your record if you were charged in only one or two Texas counties.
Finally, you can get your criminal history record by going to the public website for criminal record searches called the Crime Records Service Public Site (CRS) and doing a name based search.
In Utah, the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) keeps all state criminal history records. You can obtain your criminal history information from the BCI in person or through the mail.
Here are the three steps to request your criminal history record from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) in person:
Here are the five steps to get your criminal history record by mail:
The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) keeps all state criminal history information. There are two types of criminal history records:
Here are the four steps to get your criminal history report in person from the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC):
Here are the six steps to get your criminal conviction record online from the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS):
Here are the six steps to request your criminal conviction record by mail from the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC):
Criminal Records Section
Vermont Crime Information Center
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1300
Here are the three steps to request your criminal conviction record in person from the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC):
The Virginia State Police (VSP) Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) keeps all state criminal history records. These records are not open to the public, but they are available to anyone authorized under Virginia law. This includes law enforcement, courts, state licensing agencies, and some employers. The CCRE keeps records only for Virginia offenses.
Here are the ten steps to get your criminal history record from the VSP:
Virginia State Police
CCRE
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23261-5076
You may also go in person to the VSP headquarters to obtain the Criminal History Records Check form, get your fingerprints taken, and pay the fees all at once. The headquarters is located at this address:
The Virginia State Police Headquarters
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Once the VSP receives your Criminal History Records Check form, it takes 15-20 business days to receive your criminal history record by mail.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) keeps all state criminal history records. There are two types of criminal history records:
Here are the three steps to get your conviction criminal history record online from the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH):
You should receive your conviction criminal history form immediately. For more information on how to obtain your criminal history conviction record, email the WSP at crimhis@wsp.wa.gov.
Here are the four steps to get your conviction or nonconviction criminal history record by mail:
Washington State Patrol
Identification and Background Check Section
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
The WSP will send your nonconviction record to the address on your fingerprint card.
Here are the five steps to get your conviction or nonconviction record in person at the Washington State Patrol (WSP) office.
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau (CIB) keeps all state criminal history records. These records are open to the public, but not without your written consent. The records are available without consent to anyone who is authorized under West Virginia law. This includes law enforcement, courts, and some employers. The CIB keeps records only for West Virginia offenses.
You can get your criminal history record from the CIB by using a service that takes your fingerprints and submits them to the bureau electronically. The service is called "IdentoGO," and it is the only way to get your West Virginia record. You cannot get your record online or by going to the State Police headquarters.
Here are the five steps to get your criminal history record:
For more information on how to obtain your record, contact the CIB at (304) 746-2170.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau (CIB), keeps all state criminal history records. These records are open to the public. They are available to employers, landlords, schools, licensing agencies, courts, and law enforcement. The CIB keeps records only for Wisconsin offenses. The database includes arrests, charges, prosecutions, court findings, sentences, and state correctional system admissions and releases.
There are two ways to get your criminal history record from the CIB. Both are name based searches. Wisconsin does not typically do fingerprint-based searches.
Here are the four steps to get your criminal history record from CIB online using the Wisconsin Online Record Checks System (WORCS):
Here are the four steps to get your criminal history record from CIB by mail:
Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau
Criminal History Records Unit
P.O. Box 2718
Madison, WI 57301-2718
The record will be sent to you by mail in about 10 business days.
If you need a fingerprint-based criminal history record for immigration or adoption purposes, you must ask for a "police certificate."
Here are the six steps to get your fingerprint-based criminal history record from CIB by mail:
Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau
Criminal History Records Unit
P.O. Box 2718
Madison, WI 57301-2718
The Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) maintains criminal history records.
Any person may request a copy of their Wyoming background check and criminal history information for states within the Western Identification Network. The network includes Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Nevada. Arrest and conviction information is available from these states.
The records maintained by CJIS are not public records.
To get your criminal history information from the Wyoming Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), you must make a fingerprint-based request.
Here are the six steps to get your criminal history record: