Massachusetts Criminal Records at a Glance
Massachusetts criminal records are managed by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). DCJIS administers the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, which provides both name-based and fingerprint-supported criminal record checks. Individuals with a valid Massachusetts driver's license or ID can use iCORI to access their personal record online
1Massachusetts Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) is not a single record, it has multiple access levels. What appears on a CORI check depends on who is requesting it. Law enforcement sees the most complete version. Employers and housing providers see a more limited version. The general public sees even less.
- Massachusetts CORI, Criminal Offender Record Informationwww.mass.govName-based criminal record check done by submitting name and date of birth, searched against Massachusetts court and criminal justice agency records.
- Criminal Record Checks, Types and Processwww.mass.govTwo types of criminal record checks in Massachusetts: name-based criminal record check and fingerprint-supported criminal record check.
- Request CORI as an Individual (iCORI)www.mass.govIndividuals with a valid Massachusetts driver's license or ID can register online to use iCORI to receive their personal CORI.
- Request and Correct Your CORIwww.mass.govProcess for requesting and correcting Criminal Offender Record Information. Improper access to CORI violates DCJIS regulations.
- DCJIS, Department of Criminal Justice Information Serviceswww.mass.govMassachusetts DCJIS provides critical state and national criminal justice related information to law enforcement and the public.
- Search Court Dockets, Calendars, and Case Informationwww.mass.govAccess electronic case information and calendars for the Supreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court, and Trial Court departments.
- Massachusetts Trial Court, Case Access Portalwww.masscourts.orgLook up case information and pay some court fees online through the Massachusetts Trial Court case access portal.
- How to Search Court Docketswww.mass.govGuide to accessing public electronic court docket information via the Massachusetts Trial Court case access portal.
- Sex Offender Information, SORBwww.mass.govSearch for specific sex offenders by town or personal information. Also search for offenders in violation of registry requirements.
- Massachusetts Court Systemwww.mass.govOfficial Massachusetts court system portal. Court dockets, courthouse locations, court departments, and contact information.
- Massachusetts VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in Massachusetts custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Massachusetts's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Massachusetts 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)
Massachusetts 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.