Official
Federal
FBI Identity History Summary
Request your own FBI criminal history record, fingerprint based, through the FBI or an approved channeler.
Open official site FBI Identity History SummaryStart here
Official background check sources
Every card below goes to the government office responsible for that record. Use the category buttons to narrow the list.
Official
Federal
PACER, federal court records
Federal court case records, civil, criminal and bankruptcy, searchable by party name across every district.
Open official site PACER, federal court records
Official
Federal
NSOPW, National Sex Offender Public Website
Search every state, territory and tribal sex offender registry in one place, run by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Open official site NSOPW, National Sex Offender Public Website
Official
Federal
FBI Most Wanted
The FBI's current fugitive, missing person and wanted lists with photographs and case details.
Open official site FBI Most WantedNothing in this category on this page.
Record guide
About background check sources
Useful local context without burying the official record links above.
At a glance
Background Checks
- Coverage
- All 50 states and DC
- Official sources
- 9
- State agencies
- 6
- Criminal history
- 3
- Links checked
- Sep. 17, 2026
Using these background check sources
PublicRecordCenter.com is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Records found through these sources may not be used for employment, tenant, credit or insurance decisions; for those use a compliant screening provider, and know your rights on the Background Check Help page.
Guide
Your rights and credit reports
These sites do not look anyone up. They explain the rules that background screening companies and employers must follow, and they are where you get your own reports and file a complaint.
- AnnualCreditReport.comThe only federally authorized site for the free credit reports you are entitled to from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- Consumer Financial Protection BureauComplaints and plain guidance on credit reports, background screening companies and your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
- Federal Trade Commission consumer adviceWhat an employer may check, the notice and consent an employer owes you, and how to dispute errors in a background report.
Straight answers
Background Checks questions
Open only the answer you need.
What is a background check?
A background check is a process of searching public records to verify a person's identity, criminal history, employment history, education, and other relevant information. It draws from court records, law enforcement databases, credit bureaus, and other official sources.
How do I run a free background check?
You can search state criminal repositories, county court websites, the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), and federal court records through PACER at no cost. See our Free Background Checks page for a step-by-step guide.
What shows up on a background check?
Depending on the type of check: criminal convictions, arrests, sex offender status, civil judgments, bankruptcies, employment history, education credentials, driving records, and credit history. The scope depends on the purpose and the sources searched.
How far back does a background check go?
Criminal convictions typically remain on record permanently. However, for FCRA-regulated employment checks, non-conviction records (arrests, dismissed charges) generally cannot be reported beyond 7 years for positions paying under $75,000. Some states impose additional time limits.
Do I need consent to run a background check?
Searching public records is legal for personal use. However, using background check results for employment, housing, credit, or insurance decisions requires written consent under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and must be conducted through a licensed Consumer Reporting Agency.
All states
Background Checks by state
Every state page lists that state's official background check sources, each opened and verified.
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming