How to Check My Background & Criminal History Records

Consumer and criminal history records can be either a blessing or a curse. A clean credit history and blemish-free criminal history allows you to obtain low interest rates on loans and qualify for good jobs. A poor consumer and criminal background severely restricts your resources and ability to advance at work. Checking your background and criminal history records often is important so you know how to properly fill out paperwork and answer tough questions during interviews.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Credit or debit card

Instructions

1. Request a copy of your credit history from each of the three major credit bureaus. Experian, Equifax and Trans Union all keep separate records and will tell you what is on your consumer report. You are allowed to request one free copy from each agency one time per calendar year.

2. Conduct a background check through an online records company. Companies such as U.S. Search gather records from both consumer and criminal agencies and compile them by name, and list things such as loans, home ownership, and criminal offenses. You will fill out an online form and pay for the records with a credit or debit card over the Internet.

3. Visit your local state patrol office and speak to a records clerk for directions on filling out a state criminal history check. A state examination of your records will locate any contact you’ve had with patrol officers at any location in the state.

4. Run a background check on yourself through your city police and county sheriff’s office. Each agency maintains different records and will be able to tell you what violations you have incurred through their particular department. A waiting period of up to 72 hours is normal for a background check, so ask the clerk when you can expect to pick up your results.

5. Get copies of dispositions from your local courthouse. While police offices and sheriffs’ departments keep record of violations, they are not mandated to keep track of what happens when cases go to court. The court records office will be able to tell you what you pleaded and what corresponding sentence was imposed.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t use false information to run a background check. It is a crime to obtain records with fraudulent information.

References

• Credit InfoCenter: Contact Info for the Three Credit Reporting Agencies
• U.S. Search: Background Checks
• Official Directory of State Patrol and State Police