Arizona Criminal Records at a Glance
Arizona criminal records are maintained by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), which operates the Central State Repository. DPS processes fingerprint-based criminal history checks, issues Fingerprint Clearance Cards, and manages the sex offender compliance program. Court records are accessible through the Arizona Judicial Branch eAccess portal for superior court civi
1Arizona Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Copies of Arizona criminal history records from the DPS Central State Repository are restricted to authorized individuals and agencies. The general public cannot run a name-based search of the statewide criminal history. DPS explicitly states: "Please do not contact Public Records regarding Criminal History Records."
- Arizona DPS, Criminal History Recordswww.azdps.govReview or challenge your Arizona criminal history record through the Central State Repository Section at DPS. Contact (602) 223-2000, Option #2.
- Arizona DPS Public Services Portalwww.azdps.govBackground checks for employment or licensure, criminal history review or challenge, records requests, and fingerprint clearance cards.
- Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Cardwww.azdps.govDPS fingerprint clearance card program. Fingerprints are used to check criminal history records of Arizona and the FBI.
- Arizona NCJ Applicant Processing Teamwww.azdps.govDPS unit that processes fingerprint criminal history check submissions and provides results to authorized requesting agencies.
- Arizona DPS Records Requestwww.azdps.govRequest public records from Arizona DPS including incident reports, crash reports, and criminal history information.
- Arizona eAccess, Superior Court Recordseaccess.azcourts.govOnline access to Arizona superior court records for civil and criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2010. Available 24/7.
- Arizona Public Access Case Lookupapps.azcourts.govSearch Arizona court cases by name or case number through the Arizona Judicial Branch public access system.
- Arizona Judicial Branchwww.azcourts.govOfficial portal for the Arizona court system. Case search, eAccess, payments, fee waivers, and CASA advocates.
- Arizona Sex Offender Compliancewww.azdps.govArizona DPS sex offender compliance unit. Community notification laws and registered sex offender information.
- Arizona Department of Public Safetywww.azdps.govOfficial AZ DPS portal. Highway patrol, criminal investigations, criminal records, licensing, and public safety services.
- Arizona VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in Arizona custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Arizona's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Arizona 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)
Arizona 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.