Background Checks
Check My Background Record
Identify which record to verify—criminal history, court cases, arrests, or driving—then search public indexes, and request official summaries where required for identity-matched results.
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Background Checks
Criminal Records
Court Records
Driving Records
Page Guide:
Quick Overview
verify own background record contents
First source to check
Decide if you need an official criminal history summary (state repository or FBI) versus public court docket results for individual cases.
Commonly searchable online
State court dockets, county jail logs, state DOC inmate locators, and sex offender registries are often browsable by name without identity verification.
Usually requires a request and ID match
State criminal history summaries and the FBI Identity History Summary typically require an application, identity verification, and processing time.
When a certified record is needed
Certified court dispositions or official driving records must be requested from the court clerk or licensing agency, not just viewed in public indexes.
Quick Starting Points
- Start with selecting the record class to verify: criminal history summary, court cases, arrests/jail, warrants, sex offender status, or driving record.
- Check whether your use requires an official, identity-matched criminal history summary or only public docket/custody information.
- Use your state court portal to review cases under your name and note case numbers and final dispositions.
- Search local jail and state corrections inmate tools for recent or current custody records.
- Request your state or FBI criminal history summary if an official background record is required.
Record Routing
- Criminal history summary → State criminal history repository or FBI Identity History Summary.
- Court case history → State trial/appellate court online docket system; court clerk for certified dispositions.
- Arrest or jail custody → County jail roster or state department of corrections offender locator.
- Warrants and active orders → Court clerk docket search or sheriff warrant unit portal.
- Driving record (MVR) → State driver licensing or motor vehicle agency.
Search Inputs
- Record type (criminal history, court case, arrest/jail, warrants, sex offender, driving)
- Jurisdiction (state or federal focus)
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Previous names or aliases
- Year range or case year
Where to Search First
| Where To Check | Best For | How To Search | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| State criminal history repository | Identity-matched state criminal history summary | Formal request; often fingerprint-based or name-based per state rules | Provides the official state-level criminal record many users mean by “background record.” |
| FBI Identity History Summary | Nationwide fingerprint-tied criminal history held by federal repository | Application with identity verification; fingerprint submission required | Useful for multi-state activity or when an official federal-level summary is requested. |
| State court online portal | Case dockets, charges, and dispositions | Public index search by name or case number | Shows case-level details that may not be summarized in repository checks. |
| County jail roster / State DOC offender locator | Recent arrests, custody status, prison records | Public inmate lookup by name or inmate ID | Captures current or recent custody events that background summaries may not reflect immediately. |
| Driver licensing / motor vehicle agency | Official driving (MVR) history | Account-based online request or in-person/mailed request | Driving records are commonly reviewed for employment or insurance screening. |
| State sex offender registry | Registration status and residence information | Public name or address search | Frequently checked in personal and employment screens. |
Common Questions
What counts as my background record, and which part should I check first?
Prioritize the criminal history component: obtain a state repository summary if you need an official result, then confirm case details in the state court portal as needed.
Do I need fingerprints for this?
Fingerprints are typically required for the FBI Identity History Summary and some state repository requests. Court and inmate searches are usually name-based and do not require fingerprints.
Will dismissed or sealed cases appear?
Court portals may display dismissed cases; repository results vary by state rules. Sealed or expunged records are generally withheld from public display and official summaries.
How do I fix an error in my record?
Dispute court data with the originating court clerk and request corrections; for repository or FBI summaries, follow the agency’s documented challenge or update process.