Public Arrest Records Search | Find Arrests, Charges & Jail Info
United States · Jail bookings, court cases, state histories and federal records
Search Public Arrest Records Without Confusing an Arrest With a Conviction
There is no single public database containing every U.S. arrest. A complete search normally requires the county jail, arresting agency, state or local court and—when necessary—the state criminal-history repository or federal system. This guide gives the exact search order, identity checks, report-request wording, court verification, federal fees, bail steps, jail-service rules and record-correction process.
PUBLIC RECORD ROUTER
SEARCHING
COUNTY
JAIL
COURT
OUTCOME
STATE
HISTORY
RECORD VERIFIED
Arrest does not mean guilt. A booking charge records an allegation received during arrest or intake. It can be amended, declined or dismissed. A matching name or mugshot is not enough to identify a person safely.
No national public searchCounty, state and federal systems are separate.
Recent arrestSearch the county jail first.
Final outcomeRead the criminal court docket.
Your FBI history$18 plus fingerprints.
Official reviewProcedures checked July 14, 2026.
Which public record answers your question?
COUNTY OR CITY JAIL
Is the person held now?Current booking, intake charges, bond, holds, housing and release status.
First stop for an arrest that happened recently.
ARRESTING AGENCY
What allegedly happened?Incident report, arrest report, probable-cause statement, evidence references and supplements.
Request from the police, sheriff, highway patrol or federal agency that created it.
STATE OR LOCAL COURT
What was formally filed?Charges, hearings, warrants, amended counts, pleas, judgments, sentence and disposition.
The court record explains what happened after booking.
STATE REPOSITORY
What is on the state history?Statewide criminal-history information maintained by state police, a bureau of investigation or another repository.
Access, price and fingerprint requirements differ by state.
FBI
What is on my FBI history?A fingerprint-supported Identity History Summary containing information submitted to the FBI.
For your own record—not a public name search for another person.
FEDERAL COURT OR BOP
Is the case federal?Use PACER for federal criminal cases and BOP for current or former federal prison custody.
A federal pretrial detainee may be housed outside a BOP prison.
Most reliable sequence: Find the booking → verify the person → record every identifier → identify the arresting agency → search the criminal case → obtain the final disposition.
How to search public arrest records for free
Identify the arrest location
Find the state, county and city where custody began. Search the place of arrest—not only the person’s home address.
Identify the agency
Determine whether city police, a county sheriff, state police, highway patrol or a federal agency made the arrest.
Search the official county jail
Search the county name plus “official inmate search” or “official jail roster.” Confirm the page belongs to a sheriff, county or corrections agency.
Start with the surname
Add the first name only when the surname produces too many results.
Open every possible match
Compare birth date, age, middle name, booking date, agency, physical description and official identification numbers.
Save every identifier
Record the inmate number, booking number, arrest number, report number and court case number.
Read every charge and hold
One booking may include several charges, warrants or agency holds with separate release conditions.
Search the court case
Use the state or county court system to verify filed charges and final disposition.
Find the correct state or local court
Request the underlying report
Send a focused public-records request to the agency that created the arrest or incident report.
Order certified proof when needed
Obtain a certified disposition rather than relying on a mugshot, jail screenshot or third-party summary.
Find the right county, court and state agency
City police made the arrest
Search the county jail for custody. Request the report from the city police records unit.
A sheriff made the arrest
The sheriff may maintain both booking and investigative records through different divisions.
State police or highway patrol made the arrest
Search the county where the person was booked and request the report from the state agency.
An outside warrant caused the arrest
The holding jail, arresting agency and issuing court can be in different counties or states.
The person received a state sentence
Search the state department of corrections rather than the county jail.
The case is federal
Search PACER and determine whether the person is held by BOP, the U.S. Marshals Service or a contract facility.
County jail, VINE, state prison or federal prison?
| Situation | Search location | What it may show | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recent local arrest | County or city jail | Booking, intake charges, bond, holds and release. | Searching the state prison system too early. |
| Participating local or state custody | VINE | Custody status and available release or transfer alerts. | Assuming every agency participates or displays every detail. |
| State prison, probation or parole | State department of corrections | Current incarceration, supervision, facility and projected release. | Expecting every county arrest to appear. |
| Federal prison custody | BOP inmate locator | Federal register number, facility and release information. | Assuming every federal pretrial detainee is already in BOP. |
Recent-arrest micro-steps
Search the county jail
Use the county where the arrest occurred.
Allow intake time
Identification, fingerprints, medical screening and data entry can delay publication.
Check VINE
Search participating agencies and register for available custody notifications.
Open the live VINE search
Check the state corrections system after sentencing or transfer
Use the USAGov directory to reach the correct state agency.
Choose a state corrections department
Check BOP for federal prison custody
Search by name or federal register number.
Open the BOP inmate locator
What public arrest-record fields mean
| Field | What it identifies | What it does not prove | Best next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking number | A particular jail-intake event. | The final charge or outcome. | Use it for jail and records questions. |
| Inmate number | The person inside that correctional system. | Guilt or conviction. | Use it for visits, mail and approved accounts. |
| Arrest date | The date associated with the arrest. | The offense or court-filing date. | Match it to the known event. |
| Booking date | When jail intake occurred. | When the alleged conduct occurred. | Separate multiple custody events. |
| Arresting agency | The department responsible for the arrest. | Which office controls the court record. | Request the police report from this agency. |
| Booking charge | An allegation entered during arrest or intake. | What the prosecutor formally filed. | Compare it with the court charging document. |
| Bond or bail | A release entry tied to a charge or case. | Payment clears every hold. | Confirm every charge, warrant and hold. |
| Hold | Another agency or court may control release. | The local bond controls the full booking. | Ask which agency owns the hold. |
| Release date | When the custody episode ended. | Dismissal, acquittal or innocence. | Search the criminal court case. |
| Mugshot | An image created during intake. | Identity by itself, guilt or conviction. | Match stronger identifiers and the disposition. |
Confirm the right person before using a record
First and last names match
Middle name, alias or suffix is consistent
Birth date or age matches
Booking date matches the known event
Agency matches the arrest location
Booking number matches another official record
Court case follows the same incident
Physical descriptors are consistent
Minimum standard: Match at least two independent identifiers before sending money, publishing an accusation, contacting an employer or treating a result as belonging to a specific person.
Same name, different birth date
Treat the records as different people unless the official custodian confirms an error.
Similar photograph, different identifier
The official identification number is more reliable than visual resemblance.
Different middle name
Check aliases, former names and the court case number before drawing a conclusion.
Old or unfamiliar address
Addresses can be outdated, incomplete or legally protected. Do not use one as the only identity match.
No public arrest record found? Check these causes
Booking is incomplete
Intake, fingerprints, screening or data entry may still be underway.
The wrong county was searched
Search the county of arrest and any county connected to an outstanding warrant.
The name is entered differently
Try the surname alone, maiden name, alias, suffix and alternate spelling.
The person was released quickly
An active roster may remove released people. Ask how historical bookings are obtained.
The person was transferred
Check another county, a state corrections agency, BOP or another jurisdiction.
The prosecutor has not filed a case
Court information may not appear immediately after arrest.
The result is restricted
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, victim-related and protected records may be unavailable.
The database does not retain history
Some jail systems show only people currently held.
Missing-booking call script
I am trying to confirm the custody or booking status of [full legal name], date of birth [date]. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency] in [county and state]. Can you confirm whether the person is being booked, held, released, transferred or listed under another identifier?
What happens from arrest to final disposition?
Incident and investigation
Law enforcement may create an incident report, arrest report, probable-cause statement, property record and supplements.
Booking and identification
The jail records identity, fingerprints, property, allegations, warrants, holds and custody information.
First appearance
A judge may address probable cause, counsel, detention, bail and release conditions.
Prosecutor review
The prosecutor may file the booking allegation, file a different charge or decline prosecution.
Criminal court proceedings
The docket records charges, hearings, warrants, motions, pleas, trial events and orders.
Disposition
The case may end through dismissal, acquittal, plea, conviction, deferred result or another final action.
Sentence, release or supervision
A person may receive jail, prison, probation, parole, fines, treatment or other conditions.
Correction or record relief
Inaccurate data may be challenged. An accurate eligible record may later qualify for sealing or expungement.
How to request an arrest or incident report
Name the document precisely
Incident reportThe primary agency account of the reported event and response.
Arrest reportThe report associated with the arrest and agency identifiers.
Probable-cause statementThe asserted facts supporting arrest or detention when maintained and releasable.
Supplemental reportLater investigator or officer reports, subject to active-case restrictions.
Property or evidence receiptA record of property collected, booked, stored, released or retained.
Audio, dispatch or videoRecordings may require review, redaction, retrieval and additional fees.
Request micro-steps
Identify the record holder
Send a city police request to that city department and a sheriff request to the county sheriff.
Provide the person and event
Include the legal name, incident date, time, address, city, county and state.
Add every known number
Include the arrest, report, booking and court case numbers.
Name the exact records
Avoid asking for “everything” unless the full scope is necessary.
Request electronic delivery
Electronic records may reduce copying and mailing costs.
Set a cost limit
Require written approval before processing exceeds a stated amount.
Ask for the legal basis of withholding
Request the statute or exemption supporting any denial or redaction.
Use DOJ FOIA only for the correct federal component
A DOJ request does not replace a city, county or state records request.
Route a DOJ FOIA request
Copy-ready public-records request
Under the applicable public-records law, I request an electronic copy of the releasable incident report, arrest report, probable-cause statement and releasable supplements concerning [full legal name] for the incident on [date and time] at [location]. Known identifiers are report number [number], booking number [number] and court case number [number]. Please identify the legal basis for any withheld or redacted material and obtain my approval before costs exceed $[amount].
Active investigations, victim privacy, juvenile information, medical information, confidential techniques and recording redaction can limit disclosure.
How to find the final result of an arrest
Find the correct court system
Use the state, county and city connected to the criminal case.
Open the official U.S. court directory
Search by case number
A case number reduces the risk of combining records belonging to different people.
Confirm the defendant
Match the filing date, charge, court location and arresting agency.
Find the charging document
Determine what the prosecutor formally filed.
Review amended counts
Later filings may add, replace, reduce or dismiss earlier charges.
Read warrant events in order
A warrant-issued entry may be followed by service, recall or cancellation.
Locate the disposition of every count
Find dismissal, acquittal, deferred outcome, plea, judgment and sentence.
Order certified proof when necessary
Ask the court clerk for a certified disposition, judgment or dismissal order.
Common court terms
| Term | Practical meaning | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | The case is not resolved. | Read the newest entry and next hearing. |
| Dismissed | The charge or case was ended by court action. | Identify every count covered. |
| Prosecutor declined or nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to continue the charge. | Check for later refiling or remaining counts. |
| Acquitted or not guilty | No guilty finding was entered on that count. | Check whether another count remained. |
| Deferred or withheld result | The court delayed or withheld a final adjudication under local law. | Read the conditions and final completion order. |
| Convicted or adjudicated guilty | A judgment of guilt was entered. | Review the exact offense and sentence. |
| Closed | The case is no longer active. | Closed alone does not explain the outcome. |
How to search federal criminal cases and inmates
PACER
- Searches federal district, appellate and bankruptcy case records.
- The PACER Case Locator is a nationwide federal index.
- Use the specific federal court when the court and case number are known.
- Searches, docket pages and documents can generate charges.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Searches federal prison records from 1982 to the present.
- May show register number, facility and release information.
- Does not function as a complete federal arrest-history search.
- A pretrial detainee may be held outside a BOP-managed prison.
Federal case micro-steps
Search the PACER Case Locator when the court is unknown
Search nationwide or limit the search to a state.
Open the PACER Case Locator
Open the specific district court case
Use the case number to avoid unnecessary name-search charges.
Review the federal docket
Locate the complaint, indictment, detention order, plea, judgment and sentence.
Search BOP after federal prison placement
Use the full committed name or register number.
Open the BOP inmate locator
Use a BOP FOIA request for more detail
Your own private prison records may require identity verification.
Open BOP FOIA information
FBI and PACER costs
| Service | Published charge | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary | $18 per person | For your own fingerprint-supported FBI record. |
| PACER page | $0.10 per page | A normal case document is capped at $3. |
| PACER name search | $0.10 per generated page | No maximum; a no-match search can still create a charge. |
| PACER audio file | $2.40 | Available for certain court hearings. |
| PACER quarterly waiver | $0 when total is $30 or less | Users exceeding the threshold are billed for the quarter. |
| PACER Service Center search | $30 per name or item plus document charges | Used when the Service Center performs the research. |
| State or local copies | Varies | Search, copy, certification and media fees depend on jurisdiction. |
PACER cost control: Search by case number, limit docket dates and remove unnecessary party information before generating a report.
How to obtain your FBI Identity History Summary
Personal access only: The FBI process provides your own record or proof that no FBI Identity History Summary exists. It is not a public name search for another person and is not the standard process for an employment or licensing check.
Choose online, mail or an FBI-approved channeler
The online process is generally the fastest direct-FBI option.
Complete the application
Each person must submit a separate signed request.
Obtain current fingerprints
Submit rolled impressions of all 10 fingers plus simultaneous flat impressions.
Use a qualified fingerprint technician when possible
Illegible cards are rejected and can cause additional delay or cost.
Pay exactly $18
Mail requests accept the approved credit-card form, money order or certified check. Do not mail cash, personal checks or business checks.
Review the packet
Include the signed applicant form, fingerprint card and exact payment.
Mail the request when using the paper process
Use the FBI CJIS Summary Request address shown below.
Review the result
The summary may include the submitting agency, arrest date, arrest charge and disposition when reported to the FBI.
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
Phone: 304-625-5590
Email: identity@fbi.gov
Published processing estimates
Online + post-office electronic fingerprintsThe FBI states that processing can occur within 48 hours after the fingerprint visit.
Online + mailed fingerprint cardApproximately 10 days after the card is received.
Full mail requestUp to 15 days, plus mailing time.
Why you cannot run a public NCIC search
NCIC
- Contains records contributed by criminal-justice agencies.
- Available to authorized law-enforcement and criminal-justice agencies.
- Includes wanted-person and other public-safety files.
- An NCIC hit must be confirmed before official action.
Public alternatives
- Official county jail roster.
- Official court docket.
- State criminal-history repository.
- FBI Identity History Summary for your own record.
- PACER and BOP for federal matters.
A website claiming to sell a direct public NCIC search should not be treated as official NCIC access.
How to check a possible warrant
Identify the issuing court or agency
Use the court case, booking or notice to locate the jurisdiction.
Search the official court docket
Look for warrant-issued, served, recalled, quashed or cancelled entries.
Read the latest event
Do not stop at an old warrant entry.
Check every connected case
Separate warrants may exist in different counties or states.
Confirm directly
Contact the issuing court or responsible law-enforcement agency using independently verified contact details.
Use legal help when the warrant concerns you
A lawyer can explain appearance, surrender, bail and hearing options.
Never confront or attempt to detain anyone. Similar names, recalled warrants and delayed updates can cause dangerous mistakes.
Scam warning: Do not pay an alleged warrant through gift cards, cryptocurrency, QR codes or an unsolicited caller.
How to verify release conditions before paying
Confirm the correct person
Match the legal name, birth date and booking number.
List every charge
Record the release condition for each charge separately.
Identify every hold
Ask whether another court, county, state or federal agency controls release.
Check the latest court order
Bail can change after first appearance or another hearing.
Ask the jail where payment must be made
The jail, court or approved surety may control the payment process.
Verify a private bond company
Confirm licensing and obtain premium, collateral and refund terms in writing.
Keep the complete paperwork
Save receipts, transaction numbers and the signed agreement.
Allow release processing time
The jail must verify payment, clear holds, complete paperwork and return property.
Bond-verification call script
I am calling about booking number [number] for [full legal name]. Please confirm every active charge, the current release condition for each charge, every agency hold, accepted payment methods and whether another court or agency must approve release.
Ask a private bond company
What is the nonrefundable premium?
What collateral is required?
When will collateral be returned?
What happens after a missed hearing?
Is the company properly licensed?
Will I receive a complete signed contract?
How to get a criminal-defense lawyer
Court-appointed lawyer
- Ask for counsel at the first court appearance.
- Complete the required financial application.
- Provide accurate income, assets, debts and expenses.
- Follow the court or public defender intake instructions.
- Do not discuss case strategy on recorded jail calls.
Private lawyer
- Confirm the lawyer is actively licensed in the state.
- Ask who will personally handle the case.
- Request the fee agreement in writing.
- Ask whether bail, trial and appeal work are included.
- Provide booking and court case numbers.
How to obtain victim notifications and advocacy
Identify the case and prosecutor
Obtain the defendant’s name, case number and prosecuting office.
Ask for the prosecutor’s victim-services unit
Request the advocate assigned to the case or division.
Request court-event notifications
Ask about hearings, release, plea, sentencing and restitution.
Register for custody alerts
Use VINE when the responsible facility participates.
Register for available VINE alerts
Contact the state attorney general when needed
Use the official USAGov directory to reach the correct state office.
Find the state attorney general
A victim advocate explains rights, notifications and services. The advocate does not act as the defendant’s lawyer.
How to schedule a jail or prison visit
Rules are facility-specific. Never assume one county, state or federal facility uses the same provider, schedule, dress code or approval process as another.
Confirm current custody and facility
Search immediately before planning the visit.
Record the inmate number and housing unit
More than one facility may operate within the same county or prison system.
Open the facility’s official visitation instructions
Confirm whether visits are contact, non-contact, onsite video or remote video.
Create only the approved provider account
Use the provider linked by the jail or corrections agency.
Complete visitor approval
Provide the legal name, birth date, address and government-ID information requested.
Add minors correctly
Check age, relationship, document and adult-supervision requirements.
Select the correct visit type and housing schedule
Remote and onsite visits can use different schedules and charges.
Wait for confirmation
A submitted request does not guarantee approval.
Recheck custody before traveling
Transfer, release, court movement, lockdown or discipline can cancel a visit.
Arrive early with approved ID
Leave prohibited property outside and follow screening instructions.
Government-issued photo ID
Approved visitor confirmation
Correct date, time and facility
Correct inmate and housing information
Clothing that follows the dress code
Required documents for minors
No phone, smartwatch or recording device
No weapons, drugs or contraband
What to verify before using jail services
Visitor eligibility
- Background or warrant checks may apply.
- Former inmates may face a waiting period.
- Probation or parole status may require approval.
- False information can cause denial.
Visit conduct
- Visits may be monitored and recorded.
- No photographing, recording or livestreaming.
- No threats, nudity or criminal communication.
- Follow staff directions immediately.
Dress rules
- Avoid revealing or transparent clothing.
- Avoid gang, drug, weapon or offensive graphics.
- Do not resemble an inmate or officer uniform.
- Bring a backup outfit when traveling far.
Personal mail
- Use the exact name and inmate number.
- Use the current official mailing address.
- Do not send cash or unauthorized objects.
- Check whether the facility scans mail.
Telephone and tablets
- Use only the approved provider.
- Routine calls may be monitored and recorded.
- Most facilities do not accept ordinary incoming calls.
- Attorney calls use a separate procedure.
Money and commissary
- Verify the inmate number before paying.
- Review transaction charges first.
- Use only the approved system.
- Keep the receipt and confirmation number.
How to send mail without causing rejection
Confirm the current facility
Do not use an old address after transfer.
Use the full committed or booking name
Add the inmate or register number exactly as instructed.
Use the official mail address and format
Some facilities use an off-site scanning center rather than the physical jail.
Use plain paper and a standard envelope
Avoid decorations, substances, cards and unauthorized enclosures.
Do not send money through ordinary mail
Use the approved deposit process.
Use the legal-mail process for attorney correspondence
Ordinary scanned mail may not protect confidential legal communication.
Items commonly rejected
Cash, personal checks or gift cards
Food, medicine or hygiene products
Glitter, glue, stickers or perfume
Unauthorized photographs
Original identity documents
Publications from an unapproved source
Weapons or contraband instructions
Legal mail sent through the wrong channel
How to create an account or send money safely
Confirm the person and facility
Match the legal name, inmate number and current housing.
Use the provider linked by the official facility
Do not choose a provider from an advertisement or unsolicited message.
Review all fees
Check call rates, deposit charges, refund rules and account minimums.
Enter the inmate number exactly
A wrong number can credit another account.
Keep the confirmation
Save the receipt, reference number and provider contact information.
Do not discuss case strategy on routine calls
Jail and prison calls may be monitored and recorded.
Jail staff do not require gift cards, cryptocurrency or secret payment links to release a person or activate an account.
BOP visitation, calls, email, mail and deposits
Federal visitation micro-steps
Locate the inmate
Confirm the current BOP facility before planning travel.
Open the BOP inmate locator
Get placed on the visiting list
The inmate initiates the Visitor Information Form process.
Complete and return the visitor form
BOP may request additional background information.
Wait for approval
The inmate is responsible for notifying the prospective visitor of the decision.
Read the facility-specific schedule and rules
Hours and procedures differ by institution.
Read BOP visiting instructions
Call before traveling
Confirm that the visit will be allowed and that the facility is operating normally.
Federal communication rules
TelephoneThe inmate ordinarily pays. Calls are monitored, although unmonitored attorney calls may be permitted in specific circumstances.
TRULINCS emailContacts must consent. Messages contain text only, are limited to 13,000 characters and are monitored.
General mailGeneral correspondence is opened and inspected for contraband and security concerns.
Special mailProperly marked special mail is opened in the inmate’s presence and inspected for physical contraband.
PackagesPackages from home generally require advance approval and are limited to authorized categories.
DepositsBOP accepts approved electronic providers and mailed money orders or qualifying official checks through its centralized process.
BOP warns that incorrect register numbers or names can cause a transfer to be rejected or deposited into the wrong account.
How to correct an inaccurate arrest record
Identify where the error appears
Determine whether the mistake is in a jail record, police report, court docket, state history, FBI summary or private background report.
Save the incorrect entry
Record the URL, date, booking number, case number and disputed field.
Obtain the correct source document
Use a certified dismissal, amended judgment, agency correction or identity document.
Correct the originating agency first
Ask the agency that created the information to amend its record.
Correct the court record when necessary
Contact the court clerk or use the court’s formal correction procedure.
Contact the state identification bureau
Many FBI corrections must first be processed through the state repository.
Find the state identification bureau
Challenge the FBI summary when needed
Submit the FBI challenge with supporting documents after obtaining the state or agency correction.
Start an FBI record challenge
Dispute a private consumer report separately
The reporting company must investigate a properly submitted accuracy dispute under applicable law.
Recheck every connected system
One correction may not automatically update every government or private database.
Use correction when
- The record belongs to another person.
- The arrest, charge or disposition is inaccurate.
- Identity information is wrong.
- A court update was not transmitted.
Use sealing or expungement when
- The record is accurate.
- The case is legally eligible.
- The statutory waiting period has passed.
- The goal is restricted public access.
How to pursue record relief
Eligibility, waiting periods, filing fees, offense exclusions and the effect of relief differ by state. A record does not disappear merely because charges were dismissed.
Obtain the complete disposition
Determine how every charge ended.
Review state eligibility
Check offense exclusions, conviction limits, waiting periods and unpaid obligations.
Obtain certified records
Order certified dispositions and any required criminal-history report.
Complete the required agency application
Some states require a certificate of eligibility before court filing.
File in the proper court
Use the court that handled the case or the court identified by state law.
Pay the filing charge or request a waiver
Confirm court and agency costs before submission.
Serve required agencies
The prosecutor, police, jail, state repository or other offices may require notice.
Attend a hearing when ordered
Bring certified documents and proof that all conditions are satisfied.
Distribute the signed order
Send certified copies to every agency named in the order.
Verify completion
Recheck public court access, state history and connected databases.
Sealing usually restricts public access while preserving the record. Expungement may have a stronger legal effect, but the meaning varies by state and may not erase independently published news or private material.
Do not use a public arrest page as an automatic employment decision
The EEOC states that the fact of an arrest does not establish that criminal conduct occurred. An arrest alone is different from a conviction.
When an employer uses a third-party background company
Provide a stand-alone written disclosure
Inform the applicant or employee that a consumer report may be used.
Obtain written permission
The employer must obtain authorization before requesting the consumer report.
Review accuracy and job relevance
Do not treat a matching name or arrest allegation as a verified conviction.
Provide pre-adverse-action documents
Before an adverse decision, provide a copy of the report and the FCRA rights summary.
Allow an opportunity to dispute
The person should have a meaningful opportunity to identify an error.
Provide the final adverse-action notice
Include the reporting company’s contact information and dispute rights.
State and local fair-chance, ban-the-box, housing, licensing and privacy laws may impose additional restrictions.
Use these official tools only for the final action
State and local courtsFind the official court system for criminal dockets and certified dispositions.
Open the court directory
State correctionsFind the official state prison, probation and parole agency.
Choose a state corrections agency
State criminal-history bureauFind the repository responsible for state history access and corrections.
Choose a state identification bureau
Federal court casesSearch the nationwide federal index or a specific federal court.
Open PACER Case Locator
Federal inmatesSearch BOP prison records from 1982 to the present.
Open BOP inmate locator
Your FBI recordRequest or challenge your fingerprint-supported Identity History Summary.
Open the FBI electronic request
