Colorado Criminal Records at a Glance
Colorado criminal records are maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). CBI offers fingerprint-based background checks through the Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) and an Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) for name-based Colorado-only background checks at $6.85 per search. Court records are accessible through the Colorado Judicial Branch public
1Colorado Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Colorado's CBI provides the Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC), an online tool that lets anyone obtain a Colorado-only criminal history using a name-based search. This makes Colorado one of the more accessible states for public criminal record searches, many states restrict their repository to fingerprint-based checks for authorized agencies only.
- CBI Records and Background Checkscbi.colorado.govCBI offers fingerprint-based background checks for employment, licensing, and other non-criminal justice needs through the Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS).
- Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC)cbi.colorado.govPerform a Colorado-only Criminal History Record Information name-based background check online. Fee: $6.85 per search.
- CBI Employment and Background Checkscbi.colorado.govTwo CBI-approved vendors for CABS fingerprinting for non-criminal justice purposes. Includes LiveScan electronic fingerprinting.
- CBI Fees and Forms Informationcbi.colorado.govCurrent fees for ICHC, Criminal History Record Information, fingerprint cards, and related CBI services.
- Colorado Judicial Branch, Court Recordswww.jbits.courts.state.co.usSearch Colorado district and county court records through the state courts public access system. Includes civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases.
- Colorado Judicial Branch Homewww.courts.state.co.usOfficial Colorado courts portal. Docket search, sealed case search, trial courts by county, eFiling, and jury service information.
- CBI Sex Offender Registryapps.colorado.govSearch registered sex offenders in Colorado by name, address, or location. Contact CBI or local law enforcement for complete lists.
- CBI Sex Offender Registration Unitcbi.colorado.govInformation on sex offender registration requirements, request forms for registered sex offender data, and compliance resources.
- Colorado Bureau of Investigationcbi.colorado.govOfficial CBI portal. Criminal investigations, forensic services, identity management, background checks, and sex offender registry.
- Colorado VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in Colorado custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Colorado's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Colorado 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)
Colorado 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.