Online Background Check
Request A Background Check Online
Start with the official state criminal history repository, then check court indexes and federal identity routes, and use private people-search sites only for contact and address history.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
Begin an online background check using official sources first.
Quick Start
- Start with your state criminal history repository to request a background check online.
- If that portal is unavailable, search the statewide court index for cases under the name.
- Use the FBI identity history summary only when you need a federal identity-based record.
- Treat people-search sites as unofficial; confirm anything important with an official source.
Best Start Route
title
State Criminal History Repository Route
best for
The primary online path to check statewide criminal records for a person.
why this is usually first
It collects criminal record data reported by law enforcement and courts at the state level, so one search can cover much of the state.
when to move on
If online access is limited or results are unclear, search the court index next, then request local police records or use the federal identity route.
Official vs Private Sources
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| state criminal history repository route | An official statewide criminal record check for a name or fingerprint. | Arrest and conviction data submitted to the state repository. | Coverage and public access vary by state; some events may not be included or may require fingerprints. |
| court index and case-search route | Finding specific cases, charges, or dispositions by name. | Docket summaries, case status, and sometimes party and charge details. | Indexes may be name-based and incomplete; full files often require separate requests. |
| local police records request route | Incident reports, local arrests, or police contacts within one jurisdiction. | Police incident or arrest reports kept by a city police department or sheriff. | Local-only; not a statewide background check and may exclude court outcomes. |
| FBI identity history summary route | A federal identity-based record tied to fingerprints. | Reported arrests and disposition information linked to submitted fingerprints. | Not a general national background check and may omit state-only or court-only records. |
| commercial background-check site | Quick name-based lookups for addresses, aliases, and basic history. | Compiled public data like addresses, phones, and some record pointers. | Not an official source; data can be outdated or mismatched and should be verified. |
Access Notes
- There is no single public national criminal database; expect to use multiple sources.
- Name-only searches can match the wrong person; verify with identifiers like date of birth.
- Online portals may limit what you can see without fingerprints or in-person verification.
- If a result about you is wrong, use that office’s correction process to fix it.
Search Flow
Step 1
Check your state criminal history repository for online search or request options.
Step 2
If needed, run a statewide court index search and check local police records where activity may have occurred.
Step 3
For identity-based needs, use the federal identity route; use private people-search only to gather names and address history.
Micro FAQ
Is an online national background check real?
No single public database covers all records. Combine state repositories, court indexes, and, when required, the federal identity route.
Do I need fingerprints to request a background check online?
Some routes, especially the federal identity route, require fingerprints. Many state or court searches are name-based but may show limited detail.
Can I use a people-search site instead?
You can for leads like addresses or prior names, but confirm any criminal or court result with an official source before relying on it.