Delaware Criminal Records at a Glance
Delaware criminal records are maintained by the Delaware State Police State Bureau of Identification (SBI). Criminal history background checks are obtained through fingerprints and require photo identification. IdentoGo is the exclusive provider for Delaware criminal history reports through electronic fingerprinting. Court records are accessible through Delaware CourtConnect fo
1Delaware Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Delaware requires fingerprints for all certified criminal history background checks. There is no public online name-based search of the state criminal history repository. The process is handled through IdentoGo, the exclusive provider for Delaware electronic fingerprinting.
- Obtaining a Certified Delaware Criminal Historydsp.delaware.govCriminal history background checks obtained through fingerprints. Photo identification required such as valid driver license or state ID.
- Delaware State Police, Servicesdsp.delaware.govDSP services including criminal history background checks, sex offender registry, concealed carry permits, and public safety resources.
- Delaware State Police Homedsp.delaware.govOfficial Delaware State Police portal. Criminal history checks, sex offender central registry, missing persons, and public safety services.
- Delaware CourtConnect, Civil Case Searchcourts.delaware.govSearch civil dockets by person name, business name, or case type. Search for judgments against persons or businesses in Delaware courts.
- Delaware CourtConnect, Person/Case Searchcourtconnect.courts.delaware.govDirect access to the Delaware Court Connect person and case type search interface for civil and criminal case information.
- Delaware Courts Homecourts.delaware.govOfficial Delaware Courts portal. Civil case search, Superior Court, Court of Chancery, Family Court, and court forms.
- Delaware Sex Offender Registrysexoffender.dsp.delaware.govDelaware State Police sex offender central registry. Search registered sex offenders in Delaware.
- Delaware DOC, Inmate Locatordoc.delaware.govLocate inmates in Delaware Department of Correction custody. Provides timely information about criminal cases and custody status.
- Delaware Department of Correctiondoc.delaware.govOfficial Delaware DOC portal. Bureau of Prisons, community corrections, central offender records, and facility information.
- Delaware VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in Delaware custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Delaware's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Delaware 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)
Delaware 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.