New York Criminal Records at a Glance
New York criminal records are maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). DCJS processing fee for background checks is $75 (FBI fee: $14.75). The Office of Court Administration (OCA) provides a statewide criminal history record search (CHRS) for $95. Court records are accessible through the NY eCourts system. DCJS also maintains the New York State Sex Offend
1New York Statewide Criminal Search Resources
New York’s Clean Slate Act took effect in November 2024 and requires the automatic sealing of eligible criminal convictions. Misdemeanor convictions may be sealed after three years and felony convictions after eight years, provided the person has completed their sentence and has no pending charges.
- DCJS, Criminal History Records, Background Checkswww.criminaljustice.ny.govHow NYS residents can obtain their own criminal history record. FAQs on expungement and Certificates of Relief. Fee: $75.
- NY DCJS Homewww.criminaljustice.ny.govDivision of Criminal Justice Services portal. Criminal history review, sex offender registry, and criminal justice services.
- OCA Criminal History Record Search (CHRS)ww2.nycourts.govNew York statewide criminal history record search through the Office of Court Administration. Fee: $95.
- NY eCourts, Court Recordsiapps.courts.state.ny.usNew York State Unified Court System electronic court records access portal.
- NY Sex Offender Registry, DCJSwww.criminaljustice.ny.govOfficial New York State Sex Offender Registry. Facts, FAQs, and contact information for the registry.
- Search Sex Offender Registry, NY.govwww.ny.govSearch for level 2 and level 3 sex offenders in New York by name, county, or zip code.
- DOCCS Sex Offender Registry Searchdoccs.ny.govDepartment of Corrections and Community Supervision sex offender registry search by name or location.
- New York VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in NY custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement New York's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when New York 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)
New York 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.