NYC Arrest Records – Jail Roster, Inmate Search & Police Logs
New York City · NYPD custody, Rikers Island, criminal courts, bail and record sealing
Track an NYC Arrest From the Precinct to Rikers, Court and Final Disposition
A New York City arrest can create separate NYPD, Department of Correction, Criminal Court, Supreme Court and DCJS records. This guide shows which system to use at each stage, how to avoid same-name mistakes, what families can do after booking and how dismissed or eligible conviction records are corrected or sealed.
NYC ARREST RECORD ROUTER
LIVE CHECK
DOC PERSON LOOKUP
CURRENT
CUSTODY
NYPD
COURT
WEBCRIMS CASE FILE
RESULT VERIFIED
BOOKING + CASE MATCHED
An arrest is not a conviction. A person held on Rikers Island may be awaiting arraignment, trial or another court decision. Booking charges are allegations and can differ from the charges formally filed or ultimately resolved.
First 24–48 hoursCall 311 because the person may remain in NYPD custody.
DOC search keysNYSID, Book and Case number, or name.
WebCrims limitOpen cases only; no sealed or finished cases.
Online bailCurrently unavailable through NYC DOC.
DCJS review$17.50 fingerprint-processing charge as of February 2026.
One NYC arrest can produce five different records
NYPD CUSTODY
Was the person arrested very recently?Precinct or central-booking custody and the expected arraignment courthouse.
Use 311 during the first 24 to 48 hours.
NYC DOC
Was the person transferred to city jail?Book and Case number, NYSID, charges, bail, facility, court and mailing information.
Use after DOC receives the person.
NYPD RECORDS
What did the police document?Arrest report, complaint information, arrest number and releasable investigative records.
Request through NYC OpenRecords.
NY COURTS
What charge is pending?Docket, indictment, next appearance, arraignment, plea, dismissal, verdict and sentence.
WebCrims is for selected open cases.
DCJS
What appears on the state RAP sheet?Fingerprint-based New York arrests, prosecutions, dispositions and sentences.
Only the subject or lawyer can request it.
Fastest reliable path: Call 311 for a new arrest, search NYC DOC after transfer, save the NYSID and Book and Case number, search WebCrims, then obtain a Certificate of Disposition if proof is needed.
Find someone who may still be in NYPD custody
A person arrested within the past 24 to 48 hours may not appear in NYC DOC lookup because the person has not yet been arraigned or transferred to a city jail.
Call NYC 311
Dial 311 from inside New York City or 212-639-9675 from outside the five boroughs.
Call 212-NEW-YORK
Provide the full legal name
Add the date of birth, approximate arrest time, borough and precinct when known.
Ask whether the person remains in police custody
NYPD will generally confirm whether the person is in custody and where the arraignment is expected.
Ask for the arraignment borough
Write down whether the case is going to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx or Staten Island Criminal Court.
Ask whether a Desk Appearance Ticket was issued
A DAT can release the person without a Rikers Island booking while still requiring a future court appearance.
Check NYC DOC after transfer
Search again after arraignment or when 311 states that DOC has custody.
Open NYC DOC Person in Custody Lookup
Search the court docket
An open criminal case can remain even after release from police custody.
Recent-arrest call script
I am trying to locate [full legal name], date of birth [date], who may have been arrested on [date and approximate time] near [location] in [borough]. Can you confirm whether this person remains in NYPD custody, whether a Desk Appearance Ticket was issued, and the expected arraignment courthouse?
Search NYC DOC custody and Rikers Island housing
Open the official DOC lookup
Use the city’s Person in Custody Lookup rather than a commercial booking website.
Run the official NYC DOC search
Search by NYSID when known
The New York State Identification number is a strong identity match.
Search by Book and Case number
This identifier is important for bail, money, mail and custody questions.
Otherwise search the first and last name
Compare every plausible result rather than relying on the first name match.
Record the holding location
Housing controls the mailing address, visit logistics and facility contact.
Record every court docket
One person can have several cases or borough codes.
Read every charge and bail line
One paid bail amount may not clear another hold or case.
Copy the jail mailing address
Use the address displayed for the current person and facility.
Recheck before traveling or paying
Release, transfer, housing and bail information can change.
The NYC DOC result can provide charges, court date and location, Book and Case number, mailing address, NYSID, holding facility, release information and bail or bond amount.
Understand the NYC Person in Custody record
| Field | What it identifies | What it does not prove | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYSID | A New York State identity number linked to fingerprint records. | The final result of the current case. | Use it to match DOC, bail and DCJS records. |
| Book and Case number | The NYC DOC custody identifier for the current booking. | Every charge is in one court docket. | Use it for bail, funds and DOC questions. |
| Charge | An allegation connected to booking or court information. | The person was convicted. | Read the accusatory instrument and docket. |
| Docket number | The pending Criminal Court case identifier. | It is the only related case. | Search the full number in WebCrims. |
| Indictment number | A felony case proceeding in Supreme Court. | Every original arrest charge was indicted. | Search Supreme Criminal Court in WebCrims. |
| Bail or bond | A financial release condition on a case. | Payment will resolve every hold. | Confirm the complete custody picture. |
| Holding location | The current NYC DOC facility or hospital unit. | The person will remain there. | Recheck before visiting or mailing. |
| Court location | The borough courthouse connected to the displayed case. | The appearance has not been moved. | Confirm the date through WebCrims. |
| Release date | When DOC custody ended or is expected to end. | The case was dismissed. | Check the court disposition. |
| Mailing address | The currently displayed address for correspondence. | The person will remain at that facility. | Search again before mailing. |
Verify the person before relying on an NYC arrest record
Full legal name matches
Date of birth or age is consistent
Alias, middle name or suffix matches
Arrest date fits the known event
Borough and precinct match
NYSID matches across systems
Book and Case number is current
Docket follows the same arrest
Court disposition matches the charge
Facility is confirmed before payment
Minimum standard: Match at least two independent identifiers before sending funds, publishing an allegation, contacting an employer or treating a record as belonging to a particular person.
Why an NYC custody or court result may be missing
The person remains in NYPD custody
Call 311 during the first 24 to 48 hours.
Arraignment is still pending
The DOC or court record may not yet be complete.
A Desk Appearance Ticket was issued
The person may have been released without a DOC booking.
The person was released after arraignment
Search WebCrims even when DOC no longer shows active custody.
The name is recorded differently
Try an alias, former surname, hyphen, suffix or alternate spelling.
The person transferred to state prison
Use the New York State DOCCS locator.
The person transferred to federal custody
Search the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The case is finished
WebCrims does not display finished cases.
The case is sealed
Sealed and youthful-offender matters do not appear publicly.
The docket number was entered incorrectly
Use the complete number and borough suffix.
The person is in a hospital unit
DOC may list a hospital or therapeutic housing location.
The portal is temporarily unavailable
Use 311 or DOC constituent services for current help.
No-result call script
I am trying to locate [full legal name], date of birth [date], who may have been arrested on [date] in [borough]. The arresting precinct or agency may be [agency]. Can you confirm whether the person remains in police custody, entered NYC DOC custody, received a Desk Appearance Ticket, was released or transferred?
What happens after an NYPD arrest?
Arrest and precinct processing
NYPD records the arrest, confirms identity and prepares arrest and complaint information.
Desk Appearance Ticket or central booking
Some eligible people are released with a future appearance; others proceed to arraignment processing.
Prosecutor review
The borough District Attorney decides which allegations to file and can decline or change charges.
Arraignment
The court addresses the accusatory instrument, plea, counsel, protection orders and release conditions.
Release or DOC custody
The person may be released, post bail or enter NYC DOC custody.
Criminal Court proceedings
Misdemeanors and preliminary felony proceedings occur in borough Criminal Court.
Supreme Court felony case
An indicted felony generally proceeds in the borough’s Supreme Court Criminal Term.
Disposition and sentence
Each count may end through dismissal, plea, acquittal or conviction.
Sealing, correction or relief
Favorable results may seal automatically, and eligible convictions may qualify for other relief.
Request a specific NYPD record without creating delay
NYC DOC, the Board of Correction and the court do not hold the underlying NYPD arrest report. NYPD records requests must be directed to the Police Department.
Identify the exact record
Request an arrest report, arrest-number record, complaint information, specified body-camera material or another identified document.
Collect the arrest identifiers
Include the complete arrest number when known, legal name, date of birth, NYSID, arrest date and precinct.
Add the incident details
Provide the location, report type and approximate time.
Submit through NYC OpenRecords
Select New York City Police Department from the agency list.
Open NYC OpenRecords
Ask for electronic copies
NYPD can email responsive electronic documents that fit within system limits.
Save the request number
Use Contact the Agency inside the OpenRecords request for follow-up.
Review exemptions and redactions
Active investigative, privacy, juvenile, victim and sealed information can be restricted.
Appeal a written denial when appropriate
Follow the appeal instructions and deadline in the agency’s response.
Copy-ready NYPD FOIL request
Under the New York Freedom of Information Law, I request electronic copies of the releasable arrest report and specifically identified related records concerning [full legal name], date of birth [date], arrested on [date] in [precinct or borough]. Known identifiers include arrest number [number], NYSID [number], Book and Case number [number], police report number [number] and court docket [number]. Please identify the statutory basis for any material withheld or redacted and provide an estimate before charges exceed $[amount].
NYPD FOIL Unit
One Police Plaza, Room 110-A
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 646-610-5296
In-person service is by appointment.
A Verification of a Complaint Report is different from the complete complaint or arrest report. Verification reports are available free for qualifying complainants or authorized representatives.
Find the open NYC criminal case and next appearance
Open WebCrims
Search selected open New York criminal cases.
Open WebCrims defendant search
Search by full docket number when available
Use the complete format rather than only the numeric portion.
Otherwise search by defendant name
Enter at least the first three letters of the last name and first two letters of the first name.
Select Criminal Court for a misdemeanor docket
Search the appropriate borough and court type.
Select Supreme Criminal Court for an indictment
An indicted felony generally moves from Criminal Court to Supreme Court.
Open each plausible case
Compare the borough, charge, arrest date, attorney and appearance date.
Review the next appearance
Use the court part or courtroom number—not only a judge’s name.
Contact the clerk when the case should be open but is missing
WebCrims does not show every case type or every recent update.
WebCrims does not show sealed cases, completed cases or every active warrant. A missing WebCrims result is not proof that no record exists.
Use the docket suffix to identify the NYC courthouse
Manhattan – New York County100 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013.
General Criminal Court: 646-386-4511
Brooklyn – Kings County120 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
General information: 347-404-9400
Queens County125-01 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY 11415.
Clerk information: 718-298-0792
Bronx County215 and 265 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY.
General information: 718-618-2400
Staten Island – Richmond County26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY.
General information: 718-675-8558
NYC Criminal Court Information LineUse for borough court locations, clerk information and general routing.
646-386-4900
NYC Criminal Court handles misdemeanors and lesser offenses and conducts arraignments and preliminary proceedings for felonies. Indicted felonies are handled in Supreme Court.
Get a Certificate of Disposition from the sentencing court
A Certificate of Disposition is a court-sealed document stating the charge, conviction when applicable, conviction date and sentence.
Identify the court that handled the final case
Use the docket or indictment number and borough.
Contact that courthouse clerk
Different NYC courts use different ordering procedures.
Provide photo identification
The clerk may also request the birth date, arrest date or other identity information.
Provide the docket or indictment number
Request one certificate for each case requiring proof.
Confirm the fee
New York Courts states that the charge is generally between $5 and $10 per certificate.
New York Courts states that>
Ask about a fee waiver
A person receiving public assistance may qualify.
Use special permission for a sealed case
The defendant or authorized representative may need identification and a notarized authorization.
Check an NYC warrant without relying on WebCrims alone
WebCrims does not show warrants. A missing online case or warrant result is not proof that no warrant exists.
Identify the possible borough and case
Use a prior docket, Desk Appearance Ticket, summons or missed court date.
Search the open case
Review the latest appearance and court part in WebCrims.
Contact the borough Criminal Court clerk
Ask how the current public status can be verified.
Contact assigned or retained counsel
A lawyer can advise about voluntary return, arraignment and bail.
Do not confront another person
Call 911 for an immediate threat or 311 for non-emergency routing.
Warrant scam warning: Do not send gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or peer-to-peer payments to a caller claiming immediate arrest can be prevented through secret payment.
Post bail in person using the correct identifier and exact amount
NYC DOC currently states that online bail payment is unavailable. Bail must be paid in person.
Search the person again
Confirm current custody, bail amount and all active cases.
Bring personal identification
The surety must identify themselves.
Bring the NYSID or Book and Case number
Do not rely on the name alone.
Confirm every hold
Paying one case may not release the person from another case, warrant or detainer.
Prepare the exact full amount
DOC does not provide change.
Use an accepted payment type
Cash, qualifying cashier or teller checks, qualifying money orders, and credit or debit cards are accepted.
Make checks or money orders payable correctly
Use “New York City Department of Correction.”
Keep the receipt and court information
Bail payment does not eliminate the requirement to attend every court date.
| Payment or location | Current rule | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. cash | Accepted for the full amount. | Bring the exact amount; no change is provided. |
| Cashier or teller check | Accepted when it does not exceed the bail amount. | Make it payable to NYC Department of Correction. |
| Money order | Each money order may not exceed $1,000. | Multiple approved money orders may be combined. |
| Credit or debit card | Accepted in person. | Confirm card and identification requirements. |
| Personal check | Not accepted. | A certified personal check is also not accepted. |
| Rikers Central Cashier | Open 24 hours a day. | Can accept bail regardless of the person’s facility. |
| Brooklyn Courts | 120 Schermerhorn Street, Room 101C. | DOC currently publishes service seven days a week, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 a.m. |
| Queens Courts | 126-01 Queens Boulevard, ground floor. | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Plan an NYC DOC visit without arriving on the wrong day
Visit eligibility is based on the first letter of the person’s last name. Check the current monthly schedule before every visit.
| Day | Visit type | Registration or booking rule |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | No general visits | Do not travel for a regular social visit. |
| Tuesday | No general visits | Hospital prison wards use separate schedules. |
| Wednesday | In-person | Arrive during registration from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | In-person | Arrive during registration from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | Televisit | The televisit must be scheduled in advance. |
| Saturday | In-person | Arrive during registration from 7:00 a.m. to noon. |
| Sunday | In-person | Arrive during registration from 7:00 a.m. to noon. |
Confirm current custody and facility
Search the person immediately before planning the visit.
Open the monthly visit schedule
Match the person’s last-name initial to the eligible date.
Open the current NYC DOC visit schedule
Choose in-person or Friday televisit
Friday televisits require advance scheduling.
Prepare valid identification
Check all visitor ID requirements before traveling.
Arrive within registration hours
A late arrival can prevent the visit.
Allow extra transportation time
Rikers Island security and bus access can lengthen the trip.
General social visits are one hour. Detainees may receive up to three visits per week, while sentenced people may receive up to two visits per week, subject to DOC rules and operations.
Avoid a denied or shortened Rikers Island visit
Person is eligible under the monthly schedule
Current custody location is confirmed
Visitor has acceptable identification
Visitor arrives during registration hours
Clothing complies with DOC rules
No weapon, drug or prohibited item is carried
Children remain supervised
No unauthorized recording occurs
Televisit participants are properly scheduled
Court or protection orders permit contact
A visiting group may generally consist of two adults and one child who can sit on an adult’s lap, or one adult and two children when at least one child can sit on the adult’s lap.
Visits can be delayed, shortened or cancelled because of facility operations, security events, court transport, medical movement or disciplinary restrictions.
Use the mailing address shown in the live DOC lookup
Do not address Rikers Island mail using an old facility directory. The current DOC lookup provides the mailing address connected to the person’s holding location.
Search the person again
Confirm active DOC custody and the current facility.
Copy the displayed mailing address exactly
Use the current facility and processing details.
Include the full name and Book and Case number
Add the NYSID when the current instructions request it.
Add the sender’s full return address
Missing sender information can delay or prevent delivery.
Send copies rather than irreplaceable originals
Do not mail original identity documents or certificates.
Use attorney-mail procedures for privileged communication
Ordinary family mail is not attorney-client communication.
Check package and publication rules separately
Approved items, vendors and delivery methods can differ from ordinary correspondence.
Do not include these unless current DOC rules expressly allow them
Cash, personal checks or gift cards
Medication or medical supplies
Food or homemade packages
Electronic devices or storage media
Stickers, glue, glitter or perfume
Weapons or contraband instructions
Original identification documents
Material prohibited by a protection order
Understand free NYC jail calls and recording risks
Family cannot call inPeople in DOC custody make outgoing calls during designated periods.
Domestic calls are freeNew York City provides domestic telephone service without charging the person in custody or recipient.
Calls can be monitoredOrdinary personal calls are not confidential and may be recorded.
Do not discuss admissions, witnesses, evidence, plea negotiations or defense strategy during an ordinary personal jail call.
An attorney should use the approved professional communication process and take steps to protect privileged calls from recording.
Send money using the correct Book and Case number
Never hand cash directly to a person in custody. Cash possession is prohibited, and a visitor attempting to provide cash can be arrested.
Confirm current NYC DOC custody
Do not deposit after release or transfer without checking the destination.
Record the first and last name
Match the DOC lookup exactly.
Record the Book and Case number
Money-transfer providers require this identifier.
Choose a provider or cashier deposit
DOC lists JPay, Western Union and direct cashier options.
Compare transaction fees
Providers charge a fee; direct cashier-window deposits remain fee free.
Confirm the person before submitting
Stop when the displayed identity does not match.
Keep the receipt
Save the amount, date, Book and Case number and confirmation.
| Method | How it works | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| JPay | Online, telephone, walk-in and selected kiosk services. | Provider charges apply. |
| Western Union | Telephone, internet or walk-in transfer. | Use City Code NYCITYDOC and State Code NY. |
| DOC cashier | Deposit directly at an available cashier window. | No money-transfer-agent fee. |
| Bank check or money order payable to the person in custody. | Include the Book and Case number; do not mail cash or personal checks. |
Report an urgent concern to the correct NYC service
Use 911 for an immediate outside emergency
Do not delay emergency assistance.
Confirm the person’s Book and Case number and facility
Include both in every jail-condition request.
Call Correctional Health Services for a medical emergency
The published line is available 24 hours a day.
Call 347-774-7000
Describe the concern precisely
State symptoms, diagnosis, medication, allergy and recent treatment information.
Contact DOC Constituent and Grievance Services
A family member can report a custody-condition concern on behalf of a person in custody.
Call 311 for 24-hour complaint routing
Include the name, Book and Case number, facility and description.
Do not mail medication
Correctional healthcare must review and administer medication.
Correctional Health Services347-774-7000
Medical emergency line available 24/7.
DOC Constituent Services718-546-1500
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Constituent emailConstituentServices@doc.nyc.gov
City complaint routingDial 311 in NYC or 212-639-9675 outside NYC.
Find the lawyer appointed at arraignment
A financially eligible defendant is assigned counsel through a legal-aid provider, public-defense organization or the Assigned Counsel Plan.
Ask for counsel at arraignment
The court addresses representation before or while issuing a securing order.
Search the open case
WebCrims may display the assigned attorney or organization.
Record the borough, docket and next date
The correct defense provider depends on the case and courthouse.
Call the borough Criminal Court clerk when counsel is unclear
Ask how to identify the attorney of record.
Do not ask every defense office to open a new case
Confirm which provider or 18-B lawyer was assigned.
Use privileged attorney communication
Avoid discussing the case through ordinary recorded family calls.
Register separately for precinct, jail and state-prison help
Contact the NYPD precinct victim advocate
NYPD places Crime Victim Assistance Program advocates in each precinct, and a police report is not required to ask for help.
Find the precinct victim advocate
Register with VINE
Use release, escape and custody notifications when available.
Register through VINELink
Contact the borough District Attorney
Ask for the victim-services unit handling the criminal case.
Contact New York State OVS
Ask about compensation and local funded victim-assistance programs.
Register separately with DOCCS after a state-prison sentence
DOCCS Office of Victim Assistance handles parole-interview and state-release notifications.
Keep contact details current
Update VINE, the prosecutor and DOCCS separately.
Safe Horizon Crime Victims Hotline866-689-4357
New York Office of Victim Services800-247-8035
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
New York VINE888-846-3469
Available 24 hours a day.
DOCCS Office of Victim Assistance800-783-6059
Use DOCCS after a state-prison commitment
Use DOCCS lookup for
- Department Identification Number.
- Current state correctional facility.
- Current or selected former incarceration information.
- Release and supervision information when available.
- State-prison visiting and family procedures.
Do not use DOCCS for
- A new NYPD arrest.
- Current Rikers Island custody.
- An open borough Criminal Court case.
- The complete NYPD arrest report.
- A certified conviction document.
Search the DIN when known
The DIN is the most direct state-prison identifier.
Otherwise use the name and birth year
Compare all available identity information.
Record the facility
Visiting, mail and package rules depend on the institution.
Use the court judgment for conviction proof
The prison locator does not replace the Certificate of Disposition.
DOCCS assistance: 518-457-8126, Monday–Friday during published business hours.
Request a suppressed or unsuppressed DCJS record review
DCJS criminal histories are not public FOIL records. You cannot request another person’s official New York criminal history for a private background search.
Suppressed response
Excludes sealed and suppressed criminal-history information. Service code: 15464ZUnsuppressed response
Includes sealed and suppressed information available to the subject, including qualifying dismissals and youthful-offender records. Service code: 15465F
Choose suppressed or unsuppressed
Submit separate requests when both are needed.
Schedule an IdentoGO fingerprint appointment
Use the correct DCJS service code.
Open IdentoGO scheduling
Bring acceptable identification
Confirm the current ID list before the appointment.
Pay the current fingerprint-processing charge
DCJS currently lists $17.50 as of February 2, 2026.
List all aliases when needed
This helps DCJS locate records under multiple names.
Wait for mailed processing
DCJS states that the response is generally mailed within three to four weeks after receipt.
Compare every arrest, indictment and disposition
Flag missing seals, wrong charges, duplicate identities and incomplete outcomes.
DCJS Records Review Unit
80 South Swan Street, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12210
Fee-waiver requests: RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov
Correct a mistake on an NYC arrest or RAP sheet
Identify the incorrect system
Compare NYPD, DOC, court and DCJS information.
Save the disputed result
Record the NYSID, Book and Case number, arrest number, docket and date viewed.
Obtain a Certificate of Disposition
Use the court document showing the correct outcome.
Check for a sealed stamp
If the certificate should show sealing but does not, ask the court clerk to inspect the file.
Correct the originating agency
NYPD corrects police information, DOC corrects city-custody data and the court corrects the docket.
Send the original supporting certificate to DCJS
Include a letter explaining the specific correction requested.
Request a new personal record review
Confirm that DCJS applied the correction or seal.
Dispute private background reports separately
Provide the court order or corrected disposition to the reporting company.
Copy-ready correction letter
I request correction of inaccurate or incomplete criminal-history information associated with [full legal name], date of birth [date], NYSID [number]. The disputed entry is connected to arrest number [number], Book and Case number [number] or docket [number] and currently states [incorrect information]. The correct information is [correction]. Attached is the original or certified court disposition showing [dismissal, seal, amended charge, judgment or sentence].
Choose favorable-disposition, violation, drug or 10-year sealing
CPL 160.50Qualifying acquittals, dismissals and other favorable results are generally sealed automatically.
CPL 160.55Some violation and traffic-infraction outcomes receive partial sealing.
CPL 160.58Certain drug-related convictions can be conditionally sealed after qualifying treatment.
CPL 160.59Limited eligible convictions can be sealed after at least 10 crime-free years.
Favorable disposition sealing
Confirm that the result qualifies
Examples include acquittal, outright dismissal, qualifying post-ACD dismissal and prosecutor decline.
Obtain the Certificate of Disposition
Confirm that it shows the favorable result and seal.
Request court correction when the seal is missing
Ask the clerk to inspect the file and apply the correct notation.
Send proof to DCJS
Use the correction process when the RAP sheet still displays the case improperly.
Seal eligible convictions after 10 years under CPL 160.59
Count the convictions
Eligibility is generally limited to no more than two misdemeanors or one felony and one misdemeanor.
Measure the 10-year period
Count from conviction or release from prison, whichever is later.
Check the offense exclusions
Sex offenses, violent felonies and specified serious felonies do not qualify.
Get a Certificate of Disposition for each conviction
Submit a separate court request for every case.
Prepare rehabilitation evidence
Include work, education, treatment, service and recommendation documents.
Serve the correct District Attorney
Serve each county prosecutor connected to a conviction included in the application.
Complete the affidavit of service
Use separate proof when service occurred on different dates or people.
File with the appropriate court
Include the application, dispositions and supporting evidence.
Verify the seal with DCJS after approval
Use the CPL 160.59 seal-verification process.
Understand the 2024 law and the 2027 implementation deadline
Clean Slate took effect November 16, 2024, but New York Courts has until November 16, 2027 to finish automatically sealing all eligible conviction records.
| Requirement | Current rule | Practical meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor waiting period | Three years after sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later. | A later conviction can restart the period. | |
| Felony waiting period | Eight years after sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later. | A later conviction can restart the period. | |
| Supervision | The person cannot remain on probation, parole or post-release supervision. | Complete supervision before sealing. | |
| Pending cases | No pending misdemeanor or felony case. | An open case delays automatic relief. | |
| Excluded convictions | Sex offenses and most non-drug Class A felonies are excluded. | Murder and other listed convictions do not qualify. | |
| Implementation | Eligible records must be processed by November 16, 2027. | Some eligible records may not yet show the seal. |
Request a current DCJS record review
Use it to see what the state presently displays.
Calculate the period from the correct date
Use sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever occurred later.
Check all later convictions
A later misdemeanor or felony can restart the waiting period.
Confirm supervision is complete
Include probation, parole and post-release supervision.
Check whether the conviction is excluded
Review the precise statute and classification.
Do not file a manual-review form that does not yet exist
New York Courts states that the review form will be published no later than November 16, 2027.
Clean Slate does not erase all government access. Police, prosecutors, courts and employers authorized to use fingerprint-based background checks can retain access under the law.
Use a Certificate of Relief or Good Conduct when sealing is unavailable
Certificate of Relief from Disabilities
Can remove specified bars to jobs, licenses, public housing and other opportunities. Generally available when the person has no more than one felony conviction.Certificate of Good Conduct
Can help when the person has two or more separate felony convictions or seeks relief connected to public office. It does not seal or erase the conviction.
A certificate provides relief from specified collateral consequences but does not guarantee that an application will be approved and does not eliminate the duty to disclose a conviction when disclosure is legally required.
NYC arrest, custody, court and record contacts
New arrest or city helpDial 311 in NYC.
Outside NYC: 212-639-9675
NYC DOC Constituent Services718-546-1500
ConstituentServices@doc.nyc.gov
Correctional Health Services347-774-7000
Medical-emergency reporting, 24/7.
NYC Criminal Court Information646-386-4900
NYPD FOIL Unit646-610-5296
One Police Plaza, New York, NY 10038.
NYPD Criminal Records Unit718-610-8457
Verification of complaint and related record services.
New York DOCCS518-457-8126
New York Office of Victim Services800-247-8035
Rikers Island Visit Center map
Manhattan Criminal Court map
NYPD Headquarters map
Confirm before traveling: Recheck custody, visit eligibility, court location, office hours, identification rules and accepted payment.
Important NYC procedures already explained on this page
New-arrest workflow311 police-custody check, DAT questions, arraignment location and DOC transfer.
Custody verificationNYSID, Book and Case number, charges, court suffixes, bail and current facility.
Court verificationWebCrims search, Criminal versus Supreme Court and Certificate of Disposition.
Family servicesCurrent visit schedule, mail, free domestic calls, deposits and medical concerns.
Official criminal historySuppressed and unsuppressed DCJS record review, service codes and correction.
Record reliefFavorable sealing, 10-year sealing, Clean Slate and Certificates of Relief.
