In New York, the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) can help if your name, date of birth or Social Security number has been falsely used by another person.
Take these three steps to clear your name:
- Submit details about the arrest event that allegedly includes your identifying information. This includes date(s) of arrest(s), court docket number(s), or other documentation, such as newspaper articles, to identify the arrest so DCJS staff can retrieve the information. You should clearly state that the arrest/event was not you and that you are requesting the information be removed from your RAP sheet.
Download an FBI fingerprint card or contact DCJS to obtain one: RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov or 518-457-9847 and 518-485-7675. After obtaining the card, you must make an appointment at your local police department or sheriff’s office to have your fingerprints taken.
You should contact an attorney before getting your fingerprints taken if you think you have any open warrants or immigration issues.- Send your request, all relevant information and fingerprint card to:
Manager, Records Management Unit
Office of Criminal Justice Records, DQM 5th Floor
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Record Review Unit
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan St.
Albany, New York 12210
Once DCJS receives this information, the agency will evaluate your claim and send you a letter indicating either:
Claim Founded: The letter will indicate that your fingerprints do not match the arrest fingerprints to which they were compared, but that certain identifying information of yours was used in connection with an arrest;
OR
Claim Not Founded: The letter will indicate that DCJS cannot substantiate the claim that your identifying information was used by someone else during an arrest.