North Carolina Criminal Records at a Glance
North Carolina criminal records are maintained by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which serves as the central repository for Criminal History Record Information (CHRI). A fingerprint-based background check costs $14 via money order or certified check. The NC Judicial Branch provides free criminal background searches through public access computers at court locations. C
1North Carolina Statewide Criminal Search Resources
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides free criminal background searches through public access computers available in court locations. You can search, view, or email criminal records for any county or statewide - at no charge - using these terminals.
- NCSBI, Background Checkswww.ncsbi.govSBI background check portal. Email CIISHelp@ncsbi.gov or call 919-582-8660 for status check.
- NCSBI, Personal Review (Right to Review)www.ncsbi.govFingerprint-based criminal history background check. NC state only check: $14.
- FAQ, Background Checks on Myselfwww.ncsbi.govCost: $14. Money order or certified check. No cash, credit, or personal checks.
- NC Judicial Branch, Criminal Background Checkwww.nccourts.govSearch, view, or email criminal records for any county or statewide without charge using public access computers at court locations.
- SBI Criminal Information and Identificationwww.ncsbi.govSBI is North Carolina central repository for CHRI based on fingerprint identification.
- NC Sex Offender Registrysexoffender.ncsbi.govSearch the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry by name or location.
- NC DAC, Offender Searchwww.dac.nc.govSearch by name or offender ID for NC state prison offenders, probationers, and parolees.
- NCSBI Homewww.ncsbi.govNorth Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Investigations, forensic services, criminal information, and sex offender registry.
- North Carolina VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in NC custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement North Carolina's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when North Carolina 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)
North Carolina 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.