How to Check What Is on Your Own Criminal Record
You have the right to see what official records say about you. Use official services, not look-up sites that sell guesswork.
By Siddharth ShankarUpdated October 19, 2026In the US, you can request your own FBI Identity History Summary online at edo.cjis.gov, by mail or through an approved channeler. The mail fee is $18, and online with post office fingerprints it can take as little as 48 hours. In England and Wales, a basic DBS check costs £20 and shows unspent convictions. Always use official services, because random look-up websites can be wrong and may expose your data.
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People check their own record for many reasons: a job application, a visa, a name mix-up, or simple peace of mind. The safest way is to ask the official source, so the result is accurate and your details do not end up on a marketing list.
United States: FBI Identity History Summary
The FBI’s page explains how to request your Identity History Summary, often called a rap sheet. It lists three ways to apply.
- Online: start at edo.cjis.gov, which the FBI describes as the fastest option.
- By mail: complete the applicant form, include fingerprints, pay and mail it to the FBI CJIS Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
- Through an FBI-approved channeler: a private company submits the request for you. Channelers may charge extra, and can serve only US citizens or lawful permanent residents in the US or its territories.
Costs and timing
- By mail: $18 per person, paid by credit card, money order or certified check. The FBI says processing takes up to 15 days plus mail time.
- Online with fingerprints taken at a participating post office: within 48 hours. Additional fees may apply for post office fingerprinting.
- Online with a mailed fingerprint card: about 10 days after the FBI receives the card.
What you get
For arrest records, the summary shows the submitting agency, the arrest date, the charge and the outcome if known. If there is no record, you receive a letter saying no prior arrest data is on file. Results arrive by first-class mail. The FBI says the summary is not for employment or licensing, and those checks go through your State Identification Bureau.
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If something is wrong
The FBI says you can request a correction to an error through edo.cjis.gov. Mistakes happen, such as another person’s record being linked to your name, or an old arrest without the final outcome. Fix errors early, because they can affect jobs and housing. If you suspect your identity was used, see what to do if your identity is stolen.
England and Wales: basic DBS check
According to GOV.UK, a basic DBS check costs £20, including for volunteers, and covers England and Wales only. You can apply for your own check. It shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and takes about three days on average, although it can take longer. Elsewhere in the UK, use that region’s own service.
Avoid look-up websites
1Use the official channel
Government services give a verified answer. Websites that promise a criminal record search often resell scraped data.
2Do not upload IDs to unknown sites
Fingerprints, passports and licences are exactly what identity thieves want.
3Keep your copy safe
A record summary contains sensitive details. Store it securely and shred paper copies when done.
Before you apply
Decide why you need the record, because the right service depends on the purpose. Have your identification ready, and remember that a summary may show an arrest with no final outcome, which can look worse than the facts. Keep your copy safe, as it holds sensitive personal details.
Related
To see how people-search sites present records about you, read are people-search sites accurate.
Sources
- FBI: Identity History Summary Checks (methods, $18 fee, fingerprints, processing times, contents, corrections)
- GOV.UK: Basic DBS checks guidance (£20 fee, England and Wales only, unspent convictions, processing time)
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my own criminal record in the US?
Request an FBI Identity History Summary online at edo.cjis.gov, by mail, or through an approved channeler.
How much does an FBI Identity History Summary cost?
By mail it costs $18 per person. The online base fee is not listed on the FBI page, and extra fees may apply for post office fingerprinting.
How long does it take?
Online with post office fingerprinting, within 48 hours. By mail, up to 15 days plus delivery.
How do I check my record in England and Wales?
Apply for a basic DBS check. It costs £20 and shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
What if my record contains a mistake?
The FBI says you can request a correction through edo.cjis.gov. Correct errors quickly, as they can affect jobs and housing.
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