How to Obtain Your Own Criminal Record

by DeannaB

Overview

With a little online research, a written request, and by paying a small fee, you can obtain your own criminal history record. While the specifics will vary from one state to another, the general process is the same. You will receive your response by mail, so request your criminal record well in advance of any deadlines.

Step 1

Go online and search for your state's department of public safety. This website will have a subsection called "criminal records" or "crime records." Find it and click on it.
Step 2

Find a link entitled "Review of Criminal History." This link will bring up a page that has procedures that allow you to request your own criminal history. Print this page and follow the instructions as you compose your request letter. There is generally a small fee involved and a short wait for a response.
Step 3

Check with your local police department, sheriff's department, or Department of Public Safety (DPS) office as an alternative method. Each has the ability to run your criminal record, but may or may not print it for you. You can ask them, but going through your state's Department of Public Safety is the more reliable method.