Federal Arrest Records Search & Court Lookup

ByArrest Guider
United States · Federal arrests, district court cases, pretrial detention and BOP custody

Search a Federal Arrest and Follow the Case Through Sentencing

A federal arrest can create investigative agency files, a magistrate case, a district court criminal docket, a U.S. Marshals custody record and—after sentencing—a Bureau of Prisons record.

This guide explains which system to use, what each document means, how to find a pretrial detainee, how to request agency records and how to verify the final federal court outcome.

Search federal court cases Search federal prison custody Fix a missing result
FEDERAL RECORD ROUTER LIVE CHECK
PACER CASE LOCATOR NATIONAL
CASE
CUSTODY
AGENCY
UNITED STATES v. DEFENDANT
JUDGMENT FOUND
IDENTITY + OUTCOME VERIFIED
Federal arrest does not mean federal conviction. A complaint or arrest entry records an accusation. The government can decline prosecution, dismiss or replace charges, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless guilt is established in court.
One database?

No. Court, agency and custody records are separate.

PACER price

$0.10 per page in 2026; most documents cap at $3.

Pretrial custody

Usually managed by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Federal prison

BOP locator covers incarceration from 1982 forward.

FBI self-check

$18 plus any fingerprint-provider charges.

Start here

Which federal record answers your question?

PACER Was a federal case filed?

Find the federal district, case number, complaint, indictment, hearings, detention order, plea, judgment and sentence.

Best source for the official court outcome.
U.S. MARSHALS Where is a pretrial detainee?

The Marshals manage court-ordered federal custody before acquittal or transfer to the Bureau of Prisons.

The person may be housed in a local jail.
BUREAU OF PRISONS Where is a sentenced inmate?

Search by federal register number or name for federal incarceration from 1982 to the present.

Not a complete pretrial-arrest search.
ARRESTING AGENCY What did federal agents report?

Request arrest, property or investigative records from the FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI, CBP, USMS or other creating agency.

Use FOIA or the Privacy Act.
FBI CJIS What is on my national rap sheet?

Request your own fingerprint-supported Identity History Summary and challenge inaccurate information.

Not a search for another living person.
Most reliable sequence: Search PACER, save the court and case number, identify the arresting agency, determine USMS or BOP custody, read the final judgment and request only the specific agency record still needed.

Go directly to the federal task

Federal court lookup

Use PACER without missing the important documents

Use the Case Locator when the district is unknown The nationwide index is updated daily and usually shows the party, court, case number, filing date and closing date. Open the PACER Case Locator
Search the specific court for the newest filing A document entered in the district court is available after filing, while the national index can take up to approximately 24 hours to reflect a new case.
Search the last name carefully Test complete legal names, middle initials, suffixes and known aliases. Avoid broad searches when the surname is common.
Confirm the criminal case type Do not confuse a criminal prosecution with a civil lawsuit, bankruptcy matter or appellate case involving the same name.
Open the docket report with a date range A narrower date range reduces billable pages and makes recent events easier to interpret.
Open the charging document Locate the complaint, information or indictment and record every count.
Open detention and release orders These documents explain whether the defendant was released, detained or placed under conditions.
Check amended and superseding charges A superseding indictment can replace or add to an earlier indictment.
Locate plea or trial results Review the plea agreement, change-of-plea entry, jury verdict, acquittal or dismissal.
Open the judgment The judgment normally states the counts of conviction, imprisonment, supervision, financial penalties and special conditions.
Check the appeal A notice of appeal creates a separate appellate docket. Later appellate action can affect the judgment.
PACER is not an FBI arrest database. It shows federal court cases and filed documents. An arrest without a public federal filing may not appear.
PACER pricing

Current PACER fees and ways to reduce the cost

PACER charges in effect during 2026
Service Current charge Important limit Cost-saving action
PACER page $0.10 per billable page Search-result pages are billable even when no match is found. Use exact names, districts and date ranges.
Case-specific document Maximum $3 for most documents The cap is generally 30 billable pages. Open the docket description before buying the document.
Name-search results $0.10 per page No $3 maximum. Avoid a broad common-name search.
Non-case-specific report $0.10 per page No document cap. Apply all available filters.
Transcript $0.10 per PACER page No $3 maximum. Review the page count before opening.
Court audio file $2.40 per available file Only selected hearings have downloadable audio. Confirm the hearing description first.
Quarterly waiver No bill when total charges are $30 or less The entire balance becomes payable after the threshold is exceeded. Track usage under Manage My Account.
PACER assisted search $30 per name or item searched Document and delivery charges are additional. Ask PACER support for free search guidance first.
Free access options: View federal case information at a courthouse public-access terminal, obtain free court opinions, use the one free electronic filing copy provided to a case party or seek a qualifying court-approved fee exemption.
Announced 2027 change: Beginning January 1, 2027, PACER’s temporary page charge is scheduled to increase from $0.10 to $0.12, while the quarterly waiver threshold will rise from $30 to $40.
PACER Service Center
Phone: 800-676-6856
Email: pacer@psc.uscourts.gov
Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Central Time
Court-document decoder

What each federal criminal document tells you

Read the document—not only the docket label
Document or entry What it explains What it does not prove Next action
Criminal complaint Initial federal accusations supported by asserted probable cause. A conviction or final charging decision. Check for an indictment, information or dismissal.
Probable-cause affidavit Facts an agent presents to support the complaint or warrant. That every allegation is true. Review later evidence, motions and disposition.
Arrest warrant Judicial authorization to arrest the named person. That it remains active or public. Check the newest docket and court status.
Initial appearance The first judicial proceeding after federal arrest. The final charges or release outcome. Find the release or detention order.
Detention order Why the court ordered pretrial detention. Guilt. Check later review or release motions.
Release order Conditions the defendant must follow before trial. The conditions were never changed. Review later modification or revocation entries.
Indictment Charges approved by a federal grand jury. Guilt or conviction. Check for a superseding indictment or dismissal.
Information Charges filed by the U.S. Attorney without a grand-jury indictment. A guilty plea or conviction. Review waiver, plea and judgment entries.
Plea agreement Terms negotiated between the prosecution and defendant. The court accepted every requested term. Read the plea hearing and judgment.
Verdict The result reached by a jury or judge after trial. The sentence or appeal outcome. Open the judgment and appellate docket.
Judgment Counts of conviction, imprisonment, supervision and monetary penalties. No later amendment or appeal occurred. Check amended judgment and appeal entries.
Dismissal A count or case was terminated without conviction on that matter. All other counts or cases ended. Review every count and related docket.
A magistrate case number and district criminal case number can belong to the same prosecution. Save both when a complaint begins in an “mj” matter and later proceeds under a “cr” case number.
Identity safeguards

Confirm the correct defendant before relying on a federal case

Full legal name is consistent
Middle name, alias or suffix matches
Case district matches the alleged location
Filing and arrest dates are consistent
Arresting agency matches known facts
Federal case number matches another record
BOP register number matches the judgment
Counts and disposition match the correct docket
Birth dates are normally redacted from public federal criminal records. Do not treat a name-only PACER result as a confirmed identity.
Same name in several districts Treat each result separately until the case number, dates, agency and identity details match.
Similar name but different middle initial Do not merge the records without stronger official identifiers.
BOP record but no obvious PACER case Search prior names, aliases, older districts and the district connected to the institution or judgment.
PACER case but no BOP result The defendant may be released, awaiting trial, locally detained, on supervision or sentenced without BOP imprisonment.
Troubleshooting

No federal arrest or case found?

The case is newly filed Search the specific district court. The national Case Locator may take approximately 24 hours to update.
The matter is sealed Sealed complaints, indictments, warrants and documents are not available through public PACER.
No federal charge was filed A person can be questioned, detained or arrested without a later public federal prosecution.
The arrest was state or local A federal task-force investigation can still result in a state prosecution rather than a federal case.
The case began under an “mj” number Search magistrate matters and then look for a later “cr” criminal case.
The defendant used another name Search aliases, former names, initials and suffixes.
The record predates electronic access Public electronic access to many criminal documents filed before November 1, 2004 is restricted. Contact the clerk.
The defendant is in USMS custody A pretrial detainee housed in a local jail may not appear in the BOP locator.
The defendant was released Release, probation or supervised release will not necessarily produce an active BOP location.
The search was too broad or too narrow Remove unnecessary fields or add the district, filing year and exact case type.
Federal case call script
I am trying to locate a federal criminal matter involving [full legal name and known aliases]. The arrest or first appearance may have occurred on [date] in [city and state] and may involve [agency]. Can you confirm whether a public case exists, the case number, the assigned court and whether older or sealed-record procedures apply?
Federal case lifecycle

What happens from federal arrest to final sentence?

Federal investigation A federal agency or task force creates investigative reports, evidence records, surveillance materials and referral documents.
Complaint or indictment The prosecution can begin through a complaint followed by an indictment, or through an indictment returned before arrest.
Arrest and USMS processing The arresting agency transfers court-ordered custody responsibilities to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Initial appearance A magistrate judge advises the defendant of the charges, addresses counsel and considers release or detention.
Detention hearing The court evaluates appearance risk, safety and the least restrictive conditions that can reasonably address those concerns.
Arraignment and plea The defendant enters a plea to the indictment or information.
Discovery and motions The parties litigate evidence, suppression, disclosure, deadlines and other legal issues.
Plea or trial The case may end through dismissal, a guilty plea, acquittal or conviction after trial.
Presentence investigation Probation prepares a report for the court. The public version of the docket normally does not reveal the confidential report.
Judgment and sentence The court enters imprisonment, supervision, restitution, forfeiture, fines and other lawful conditions.
BOP designation or community supervision A prison sentence can lead to BOP designation. Noncustodial sentences and release after imprisonment involve probation or supervised release.
Appeal or later relief The defendant or government may pursue authorized appellate or post-conviction proceedings.
U.S. Marshals custody

Find a federal detainee who is awaiting trial

Do not assume every federal detainee is in a federal prison. The U.S. Marshals Service houses most pre-sentenced federal prisoners in state, local or contracted facilities.
Open the PACER docket Confirm that the defendant was remanded to federal custody.
Read the detention or commitment entry Record the date, court, district and any facility reference.
Contact defense counsel first when appropriate Counsel normally has the most reliable information about the current facility and legal-contact process.
Find the U.S. Marshals district The Marshals district normally corresponds to the federal judicial district handling the case. Find the responsible USMS district
Ask for the current detention facility Have the full legal name, case number, district and arrest date ready.
Contact the detention facility The local jail or contracted facility controls personal visits, mail, telephone and commissary procedures.
Recheck before sending money or mail USMS detainees can be moved for court, medical, security or housing reasons.
The U.S. Marshals Service does not operate a public nationwide detainee locator equivalent to the BOP Inmate Locator.
U.S. Marshals Service general information
Phone: 202-307-9100
Email: us.marshals@usdoj.gov
Use the local district—not headquarters—for a case-specific custody question.
Federal prison search

Use the BOP Inmate Locator correctly

BOP locator can show

  • Federal incarceration from 1982 to the present.
  • Full committed name.
  • BOP register number.
  • Age, race and sex.
  • Current federal institution.
  • Projected release date.
  • Released or not-in-BOP-custody status.

BOP locator does not prove

  • That no federal arrest occurred.
  • That a pretrial defendant is not detained elsewhere.
  • That a displayed release date cannot change.
  • That a released person has no supervision.
  • The charges or official court disposition.
  • A complete federal criminal history.
Open the BOP locator Use the official Bureau of Prisons search. Search federal inmates
Search by number when possible BOP accepts a BOP register number, DCDC number, FBI number or INS number.
Otherwise use the committed name Add age, race or sex only to separate similar results.
Save the eight-digit register number The displayed number commonly includes five digits, a hyphen and three digits.
Open the facility page The institution page contains the current address, telephone, visitation information and local rules.
Return to PACER for the judgment BOP custody information does not replace the federal court record.
BOP warns that projected release dates may change while sentence calculations and First Step Act time credits are reviewed.
Federal warrant verification

Why there is no complete public federal-warrant search

The U.S. Marshals Warrant Information System is an operational law-enforcement system—not a public name-search portal. Sealed arrest warrants and sealed indictments are unavailable through public PACER.
Search the known federal case Review the newest public docket entries for warrant issuance, execution, surrender or recall.
Search the district connected to the alleged offense A warrant can remain sealed until arrest or another court-authorized event.
Check for a magistrate case A warrant or complaint may initially be connected to an “mj” docket.
Contact the issuing court The clerk can provide only information permitted for public release.
Contact defense counsel when the warrant concerns you Counsel can communicate with prosecutors and the court about surrender and appearance procedures.
Use the responsible Marshals district Do not contact unrelated USMS offices or rely on a paid private database.
Federal warrant scam warning: U.S. Marshals personnel do not call to demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment applications, QR codes or kiosk deposits.
Bail Reform Act

Understand federal pretrial release and detention

Release on recognizance

The defendant promises to appear and comply with court obligations.

Conditional release

The court can impose reporting, travel, contact, testing, monitoring or residence conditions.

Secured release

The court may use property, a bond or another authorized financial condition in appropriate cases.

Pretrial detention

The court may order detention after applying the federal statutory standards.

Federal law generally favors release before trial unless the government establishes at a detention hearing that conditions cannot reasonably address appearance and community-safety concerns.
Open the initial-appearance entry Record the magistrate judge, counsel and next hearing.
Open the release or detention order Do not rely on a press release or media description.
Read every release condition Conditions can include travel limits, reporting, residence rules, drug testing, treatment or electronic monitoring.
Check for later modification The court can change conditions or revoke release after a violation.
Check every federal and outside hold A separate immigration, state or local matter can affect actual release.
Use counsel for case-specific release questions Family members should not attempt to negotiate directly with the court.
Federal defense

Request appointed federal counsel

The Criminal Justice Act provides appointed representation for financially eligible people who face qualifying federal criminal proceedings and cannot afford counsel.
Request counsel immediately A financially eligible person should receive counsel as soon as feasible after federal custody, formal charging or first appearance.
Do not discuss the case with agents without legal advice A person can clearly state that they wish to remain silent and want an attorney.
Complete the financial inquiry The court determines whether the person qualifies for appointed representation.
Identify the Federal Defender office Federal Defender organizations and qualified CJA panel attorneys provide representation. Find the federal defender by district
Confirm representation on the docket The attorney’s notice of appearance may be publicly listed in PACER.
Use privileged communication procedures Ordinary detention calls, email and social visits are not substitutes for confidential attorney communication.
Family members should avoid discussing evidence, witnesses, defenses, passwords, property or alleged conduct on recorded detention calls.
Federal victim assistance

Receive court, custody and release notifications

Contact the investigating agency’s victim specialist FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI, USPIS and other federal agencies may provide victim assistance during the investigation.
Contact the U.S. Attorney’s Victim-Witness staff The prosecuting district handles court-stage services and notification.
Obtain the VNS ID and PIN Victims need both identifiers to enter the automated Victim Notification System.
Review scheduled court events VNS can provide public hearing, charge, outcome and sentence information.
Track custody and release Notifications can continue through USMS and Bureau of Prisons custody stages.
Ask about restitution and impact statements Save proof of financial loss and comply with the deadlines provided by the prosecutor.
DOJ Victim Notification System
Phone: 866-365-4968
A Victim ID and PIN are required for case access.
Open the Victim Notification System Find federal victim help
Arresting-agency router

Send the record request to the correct federal agency

Federal court records and federal agency records require different requests
Record or situation Likely custodian What to request Final action
FBI-led arrest Federal Bureau of Investigation Arrest, investigative, property or related responsive records. Use FBI eFOIPA
DEA-led drug investigation Drug Enforcement Administration Identified investigation, arrest, seizure or property records. Use DEA FOIA
ATF firearms, explosives or arson case Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Identified ATF arrest, investigation or property records. Use ATF FOIA
USMS warrant or prisoner record U.S. Marshals Service Federal warrant, prisoner, transport, custody or property records. Use USMS FOIA
HSI or ICE arrest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Identified HSI investigation, arrest or immigration-enforcement record. Submit through FOIA.gov
CBP border or port arrest U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP encounter, detention, arrest, seizure or travel-related record. Submit digitally through FOIA.gov
Court complaint or indictment U.S. District Court Docket, complaint, indictment, order, plea or judgment. Use PACER—not FOIA
Personal national rap sheet FBI CJIS Division Your own Identity History Summary. Use the FBI electronic request
A task-force arrest may involve several agencies. Request each agency’s own records rather than asking one component to create a combined investigation history.
FOIA and Privacy Act

Request federal arrest records without creating a generic request

FOIA does not apply to federal court records. Use PACER or the court clerk for complaints, indictments, motions, orders and judgments.

Documents to name specifically

Arrest or processing report

The agency record describing custody, identity and processing, when maintained and releasable.

Investigative report

Agent reports, interviews or investigative summaries, subject to substantial law-enforcement exemptions.

Property receipt

A record of property seized, inventoried, transferred or returned.

Search-warrant return

A court-filed return may appear in PACER; underlying agency records remain with the responsible component.

Booking or prisoner record

USMS custody, movement or detention information, subject to privacy and security restrictions.

Photographs or recordings

Identify the date, event, location and agent or operation as precisely as possible.

Identify the component that created the record Do not submit a broad request to the entire Department of Justice.
Search the agency’s FOIA library first A previously released record may already be available without a new request.
Describe records rather than asking questions FOIA requires agencies to search for existing records; it does not require research, legal analysis or creation of a new report.
Add precise identifiers Include the full name, aliases, arrest date, location, agency file number, federal case number and date range.
Use Privacy Act identity verification for your own records The agency may require DOJ Form 361, notarization or a declaration made under penalty of perjury.
Handle third-party privacy requirements Another living person’s records may require consent, proof of authorization or a legally sufficient public-interest basis.
Provide proof of death when applicable Agencies can require an obituary, death certificate or other recognized documentation.
Request electronic delivery Ask for searchable electronic records when available.
Set a fee limit Require written approval before processing exceeds a stated amount.
Save the tracking number Use it for status checks, clarification and any administrative appeal.
Copy-ready federal arrest-record request
Under the Freedom of Information Act and, where applicable, the Privacy Act, I request an electronic copy of the releasable arrest, processing, property, custody and specifically identified investigative records concerning [full legal name and aliases] for the federal arrest or incident on or about [date] at [location]. Known identifiers are agency file number [number], PACER case number [number], magistrate case number [number], BOP or prisoner number [number] and arresting office [office]. Please search the systems reasonably likely to contain these records, provide reasonably segregable portions, identify the basis for withheld material and notify me before fees exceed $[amount].

Typical DOJ FOIA fee rules

FOIA submission itself has no initial filing fee
Fee rule What it means
First two search hours Typical noncommercial requesters ordinarily receive the first two hours of search without charge.
First 100 pages Typical noncommercial requesters ordinarily receive the first 100 pages of duplication without charge.
$25 minimum DOJ ordinarily does not collect a total fee of $25 or less.
Estimated cost above $25 The component should notify the requester and allow the request to be narrowed unless a higher limit was already authorized.
Unsuccessful search A requester can be charged authorized search fees even when no responsive record is located or everything located is exempt.
Fee waiver A waiver generally requires a significant contribution to public understanding and no primarily commercial interest; inability to pay alone is not enough.

Why material may be withheld

Active enforcement proceedings
Personal privacy
Confidential sources
Investigative techniques or procedures
Witness or agent safety
Grand-jury secrecy
Classified national-security information
Legally sealed or protected records
Clerk copies and certification

Federal district court record fees

Nationwide District Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule
Clerk service Published fee Best use
Clerk record search $34 per name or item searched When the requester cannot perform the search or the record is not readily found.
Paper copy $0.50 per page Court-produced paper copies.
Certification $12 per document Formal proof that the copy is certified by the clerk.
Exemplification $24 per document A higher authentication form when specifically required.
Apostille $50 Authentication for specified international use.
Electronic record outside CM/ECF $33 per record Audio, video or other electronic material stored outside PACER.
Court audio reproduction $34 A clerk-produced copy of a court-proceeding recording.
Archived box retrieval $70 first box; $43 each additional box Older records stored at a Federal Records Center or archive.
Ask the recipient whether it needs a PACER copy, ordinary clerk copy, certified judgment, exemplified document or apostille before ordering.
Federal visitation

Visit a federal inmate without using the wrong facility rules

BOP visitation rules apply to BOP-managed institutions. A pretrial USMS detainee in a county or contracted jail follows that facility’s separate visitor rules.
Confirm current custody Use the BOP locator for a designated federal inmate or the responsible USMS district for a pretrial detainee.
Open the facility page Review the current visiting schedule, directions, telephone number and institution-specific regulations.
Wait to be added to the visiting list A BOP inmate must place the visitor on the proposed visiting list.
Complete the visitor application Return the form through the method required by the institution.
Wait for approval Do not travel until the inmate or institution confirms approval.
Review clothing and property restrictions Institution rules control identification, clothing, minors, lockers and permitted items.
Call before traveling Weather, lockdown, security events and special housing restrictions can cancel or modify visits.
Bring valid identification The identification must match the approved visitor information.
Open BOP visiting instructions Find the institution and local rules
Federal inmate mail

Send correspondence and publications correctly

General correspondence

  • Use the full committed name and register number.
  • Use the address listed on the institution page.
  • General mail is opened and inspected.
  • Content that threatens security or good order can be rejected.
  • Recheck the facility before mailing.

Special or legal mail

  • Use the BOP’s required special-mail marking.
  • The sender must qualify under the special-mail rules.
  • Properly marked incoming special mail is opened in the inmate’s presence.
  • It is still inspected for physical contraband.
  • Ask counsel for the correct privileged-communication method.

Package and publication rules

Home packages normally require prior written staff approval
Approved home packages are generally limited to authorized items
Release clothing can be authorized
Authorized medical devices can be approved
Books and magazines should come directly from an approved publisher or seller
Publications cannot threaten security or facilitate criminal activity
Do not mail money to the institution address
Do not send cash, personal checks or unauthorized property
Review BOP communication rules
Calls and TRULINCS

Use federal inmate communication safely

Telephone calls
  • The inmate ordinarily pays for calls.
  • Some arrangements can charge the receiving party.
  • Third-party and alternative call arrangements are prohibited.
  • Personal calls are monitored.
  • Unmonitored attorney calls are available in specified circumstances.
TRULINCS messages
  • The inmate must have system access.
  • The outside contact must consent.
  • Messages are text only.
  • Attachments are not permitted.
  • Messages are limited to 13,000 characters.
Privacy safeguards
  • Messages are screened and monitored.
  • The inmate does not receive internet access.
  • Do not discuss evidence or defense strategy.
  • Do not send passwords or financial credentials.
  • Use attorney procedures for privileged communication.
BOP trust fund

Send money only after the inmate reaches a BOP facility

Wait until the person is physically located at a BOP-managed institution. A USMS pretrial detainee may use the local detention facility’s separate deposit system.
Federal Bureau of Prisons deposit methods
Method Information required Important instruction
MoneyGram Eight-digit register number without the hyphen followed immediately by the last name; full committed name; receive code 7932. Online payments are currently limited to $300 per transaction.
Western Union Eight-digit register number without spaces or hyphens followed by the last name; full committed name; code city FBOP, DC. Use the federal corrections payment workflow.
U.S. Postal Service Full committed name and eight-digit register number on the payment and envelope. Use only money orders, U.S. government checks, certified or cashier’s checks or bank drafts.
Prohibited mail payment Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Do not include correspondence or other items in the lockbox envelope.
BOP centralized mailed-funds address
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Full Committed Inmate Name
Eight-Digit Register Number
P.O. Box 474701
Des Moines, IA 50947-0001
The sender’s full name and return address should appear on the envelope. An incorrect committed name or register number can cause rejection or deposit to the wrong account.
BOP deposit questions: 202-307-2712
Published support hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Review current BOP deposit instructions
FBI personal record review

Request your own FBI Identity History Summary

The FBI does not provide another living person’s complete arrest record through the Identity History Summary process. The request is for the fingerprinted record subject.

Electronic request

  • Begin the application through the FBI electronic system.
  • Pay the $18 FBI fee.
  • Submit electronic fingerprints at a participating U.S. Post Office or mail a current fingerprint card.
  • Print additional ordinary copies after receiving the electronic result.
  • Additional sealed mailed responses require separate requests and fees.

Mail request

  • Complete the signed applicant-information form.
  • Provide a current FD-1164 fingerprint card.
  • Include rolled and flat impressions for all 10 fingers.
  • Pay by an accepted method.
  • Do not send cash, personal checks or business checks.
Choose the direct FBI process or an approved channeler A channeler can collect fingerprints and transmit the request but may charge an additional fee.
Use current fingerprints The FBI does not accept a fingerprint card reused from an earlier request.
Pay the $18 FBI charge The direct charge is the same for electronic and mailed FBI requests.
Request waiver instructions before applying when necessary Contact the FBI before submission if the applicant cannot pay the $18 fee.
Review the result line by line Compare arrest dates, submitting agencies, charges and dispositions with certified court records.
Do not use the personal-review route for an authorized job check Employment, licensing and adoption checks may need to proceed through a state bureau, requesting agency or authorized channel.
Start the FBI electronic request Review fingerprint and mail instructions
FBI CJIS Identity History Summary
Phone: 304-625-5590
Email: identity@fbi.gov
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
Record correction

Correct a federal court, agency or FBI record

Identify the incorrect source Compare the arresting-agency record, PACER docket, judgment, BOP record and FBI Identity History Summary.
Save the disputed information Record the URL, agency, date, case number, register number and exact incorrect field.
Obtain the controlling document Use a dismissal, amended judgment, acquittal, court order, corrected agency report or identity evidence.
Correct PACER through the filing court Notify the clerk when docket or case information appears inconsistent. Only the court can correct its docket or document.
Correct the arresting agency’s submission Send the proof to the agency that originated the inaccurate arrest information.
Challenge the FBI summary when necessary Clearly identify each incomplete or inaccurate entry and attach supporting documentation. Start an FBI summary challenge
Recheck every connected system A court correction may not instantly update the FBI, BOP, arresting agency or private background reports.
FBI challenge fee: The FBI does not charge for an Identity History Summary challenge. The FBI states that average challenge responses are generally completed within 45 days after receipt.
Correct inaccurate facts before pursuing sealing or expungement. A legal record-relief order is not a substitute for fixing the wrong person, wrong charge or missing disposition.
Restricted court access

Understand sealed federal criminal records

Public PACER users may see

  • Public docket entries.
  • Public complaints and indictments.
  • Public release or detention orders.
  • Public motions and court orders.
  • Public judgments and appellate entries.

Public PACER users cannot see

  • Sealed complaints.
  • Sealed indictments.
  • Sealed arrest warrants.
  • Sealed affidavits.
  • Grand-jury material.
  • Documents restricted by court order.
A missing document does not prove it does not exist. PACER can display a sealed-entry placeholder, a restricted docket description or no public indication at all, depending on the court order.

Federal public-record redactions

Social Security numbers are restricted
Financial account numbers are restricted
Names of minor children are protected
Dates of birth are limited
Home addresses in criminal cases are limited
Sensitive victim and witness details may be protected
Federal record relief

Federal expungement is limited and case-specific

There is no single general federal application that automatically erases an ordinary arrest, dismissal or conviction from every agency and court system.
Factual correction

Use when an agency, court or FBI record contains inaccurate identity, charge or disposition information.

Submitting-agency removal

The FBI states that federal arrest data can be removed from its criminal file at the request of the submitting federal agency.

Federal court order

The FBI can act on a federal court order that specifically directs expungement of federal arrest data.

18 U.S.C. § 3607

A narrow process covers certain qualifying first-time federal simple-possession dispositions.

Under-21 statutory expungement

Section 3607(c) can require expungement for a qualifying person who was under 21 at the time of the covered offense.

Other narrow statutes

Specific circumstances can have specialized relief. Eligibility requires statute- and case-specific analysis.

Obtain the complete federal docket Save the complaint, indictment, disposition and judgment.
Obtain the FBI Identity History Summary Determine exactly what federal information is recorded.
Separate error from legally accurate history Challenge wrong information before seeking discretionary or statutory relief.
Identify an applicable statute or court authority Do not file a generic state expungement form in federal court.
Consult federal defense counsel Federal jurisdiction and available remedies can vary by the controlling law and circuit.
Request precise relief A successful order should clearly identify the case, arrest information, agencies and records affected.
Send the final order to affected custodians Follow the court’s instructions for the arresting agency, FBI and other federal record systems.
Verify the update Request a new FBI summary and recheck public court access after processing.
Read 18 U.S.C. § 3607 Find federal defense counsel
National contact board

Federal court, custody and record contacts

PACER Service Center

800-676-6856

pacer@psc.uscourts.gov

Search and billing assistance.

U.S. Marshals Service

202-307-9100

us.marshals@usdoj.gov

Use the local district for case-specific custody.

BOP Inmate Locator

Search by name or number

Federal incarceration from 1982 forward.

BOP Deposit Support

202-307-2712

Questions about a specific federal inmate deposit.

FBI Identity History Summary

304-625-5590

identity@fbi.gov

FBI FOIA Requester Service

540-868-1535

fbi.foia@fbi.gov

DOJ Victim Notification

866-365-4968

Victim ID and PIN required.

Federal Court Finder

Find the district court

Search by court name or location.

Official information extracted

Important federal details available inside this guide

PACER workflow

National versus district searches, update timing, document order, sealed records, historical limits and cost-saving steps.

Court fees

Remote PACER charges, quarterly waiver, clerk searches, copies, certification, exemplification and archive retrieval.

Custody routing

USMS pretrial detention, local contracted jails, BOP designation and released or supervised statuses.

Inmate services

BOP visitation approval, mail inspection, special mail, telephone monitoring, TRULINCS and trust-fund deposits.

Agency records

FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, ICE and CBP record-request routing with precise FOIA preparation.

Record relief

FBI challenges, source corrections, sealed records, submitting-agency removal and limited statutory expungement.

Title-related questions

Federal arrest-record questions answered

Is there a nationwide federal arrest database?

No. PACER covers federal court cases, BOP covers federal prison custody, USMS manages most pretrial detention and federal agencies maintain their own investigative records.

How do I search a federal criminal case?

Create a PACER account, use the nationwide Case Locator when the court is unknown and then open the specific district court docket.

How much does PACER cost?

PACER currently charges $0.10 per page. Most case-specific documents cap at $3, and quarterly charges of $30 or less are waived.

Why is a new federal case missing?

The national index may take approximately 24 hours to update, the matter may be sealed, the defendant may be listed under another name or no public federal charge may have been filed.

How do I find a federal pretrial detainee?

Read the PACER detention entries, identify the U.S. Marshals district and contact the responsible district, defense counsel or current detention facility.

How do I find a sentenced federal inmate?

Use the BOP Inmate Locator and search by register number or committed name. The locator covers federal incarceration from 1982 to the present.

Can I search active federal warrants?

There is no complete public national warrant search. Public docket entries may show an unsealed warrant, but sealed warrants and indictments do not appear publicly.

How do I obtain a federal arrest report?

Identify the arresting agency and submit a precise FOIA or Privacy Act request. Use PACER—not FOIA—for federal court documents.

How do I obtain my FBI criminal history?

Submit a fingerprint-supported FBI Identity History Summary request. The direct FBI fee is $18 plus any separate fingerprinting charge.

Can federal records be expunged?

Federal expungement is limited. Relief generally requires factual correction, a submitting-agency action, a specific statute or a federal court order.

Accuracy, identity and legal-use notice

Arrest Records is an independent informational guide. It is not PACER, a United States District Court, the Department of Justice, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Prisons, Federal Defender or a law firm.

Federal arrests, charging documents, detention status, warrants, release conditions, facility assignments and court outcomes can change. Verify the person, case number, district and newest docket entry before making a legal, employment, housing, financial, safety or publication decision.

Every accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. This guide provides general procedural information and is not legal advice.

Official federal court, PACER, DOJ, FBI, USMS and BOP procedures reviewed August 2, 2026.

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