Alabama Criminal Records at a Glance
Alabama criminal records are maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which operates the Criminal Records and Identification Unit within the State Bureau of Investigation. ALEA processes fingerprint-based background checks statewide and maintains the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) database. Court records are accessible through Alacourt, the state tri
1Alabama Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Alabama allows anyone to request a criminal history background check through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). However, you must complete a specific ALEA application form, there is no open online name-search portal for the general public. The process requires submitting a written request to the Criminal Records and Identification Unit.
- ALEA Criminal Records and Identification Unitwww.alea.govThe Criminal History Section maintains fingerprint files for all arrested offenders in Alabama, as well as deceased persons. Provides criminal history record information.
- Alabama Background Check Programwww.alea.govALEA processes fingerprint-based criminal background checks for employment, licensing, and volunteer purposes. Contact ALEA at 1-866-740-4762.
- ALEA Online Serviceswww.alea.govAccess background checks, pay tickets, boat registration, and driver license services through ALEA online portal.
- Alacourt Public Access, Court Recordspa.alacourt.comAccess all state trial court records in Alabama including civil, domestic, criminal, and traffic cases through Alacourt Access.
- Alabama Administrative Office of Courtswww.alacourt.govOfficial portal for Alabama courts. AlaFile electronic filing, court information, and judicial resources.
- Alabama Sex Offender Registry, Community Notificationwww.communitynotification.comPublic access to registered sex offenders in Alabama under the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act (ASORCNA).
- Alabama DOC Inmate Searchdoc.alabama.govSearch for currently incarcerated inmates in Alabama. Database updated daily. Youthful offenders are not included.
- Alabama Department of Correctionsdoc.alabama.govOfficial site of the Alabama Department of Corrections. Inmate information, facility addresses, death row, reentry programs.
- Alabama Attorney Generalwww.alabamaag.govThe AG office oversees criminal prosecution, consumer protection, and public safety divisions for the state of Alabama.
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)www.alea.govOfficial ALEA portal. Oversees state troopers, criminal investigations, driver licenses, and homeland security.
- Alabama VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comRegister for custody status notifications for offenders in Alabama through the VINE automated victim notification system.
- ALEA, Application to Review Criminal Historywww.alea.govOfficial ALEA form and process for individuals to review or challenge their Alabama criminal history record information.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Alabama's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Alabama state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Alabama Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.