California Criminal Records at a Glance
California criminal records are maintained by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ processes State of California and FBI fingerprint-based background checks through the Live Scan system. Individuals can request a copy of their own criminal history record for a $25 processing fee. Court records are accessible through each superior court website, California has 58
1California Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Access to California’s statewide criminal history file is restricted by law. The California Department of Justice maintains the state’s summary criminal history records, but third-party requests are generally not authorized. A person can request their own DOJ record, and certain agencies can access it for employment or licensing, but the general public cannot.
- California DOJ, Request Your Criminal Recordoag.ca.govSubmit fingerprint images and pay a $25 fee to receive a copy of your California criminal history record from the Department of Justice.
- California DOJ, Fingerprint Background Checksoag.ca.govThe DOJ processes state and FBI fingerprint-based background checks for employment, licensing, and certification purposes through Live Scan.
- California DOJ, Applicant Background Checksoag.ca.govAutomated service for criminal history background checks required as a condition of employment, licensing, or certification in California.
- Live Scan Locations, California DOJoag.ca.govFind Live Scan fingerprinting locations near you. Government fees required for state DOJ and federal FBI criminal history record checks.
- California DOJ, Certified Criminal Record Copiesoag.ca.govRequest certified criminal offender record information or certified copies of source documents from the California criminal history file.
- California DOJ, Public Records Requestoag.ca.govSubmit an online request for DOJ public records through the Public Records Act. Includes criminal justice statistics and policy documents.
- California Courts, How to Look Up a Court Caseselfhelp.courts.ca.govFind basic case information including parties, filed documents, and court dates. Each of California 58 superior courts has its own lookup system.
- California Courts, Electronic Case Recordscourts.ca.govGuide to viewing electronic court case records across California courts. Find your court and access case information online.
- CDCR Inmate Locator (CIRIS)ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.govCalifornia Incarcerated Records and Information Search. Look up individuals in CDCR custody by name or CDCR number. Includes location and admission date.
- California Department of Corrections (CDCR)www.cdcr.ca.govOfficial CDCR portal. Manages California state prison system with emphasis on public safety, rehabilitation, and community reintegration.
- Megan's Law, California Sex Offender Registrywww.meganslaw.ca.govPublic access to California registered sex offender information including risk assessment, offender locations, and community notification.
- California Attorney Generaloag.ca.govOfficial California AG portal. Criminal justice, consumer protection, public rights, and the Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis.
- California VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in California custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement California's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when California 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)
California 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.