Pennsylvania Criminal Records at a Glance
Pennsylvania criminal records are accessible through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system operated by the Pennsylvania State Police. PATCH provides online criminal background checks. Court records are accessible through the Unified Judicial System docket sheet system, though docket sheet information should not be used in place of a PATCH criminal history b
1Pennsylvania Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Act created an automatic sealing process for certain criminal records. Eligible records are sealed without the individual needing to file a petition or appear in court. Sealed records receive “limited access” status, removed from public view but still available to law enforcement.
- PATCH, Pennsylvania Access To Criminal Historyepatch.pa.govOnline criminal background check system. PATCH unit no longer mails out checks requested on the EPATCH website.
- PATCH Record Check Statusepatch.pa.govCheck the status of a previously submitted PATCH record check request.
- PA Unified Judicial System, Public Recordswww.pacourts.usComprehensive public access to court records online and upon request. Search individual court case information.
- PA Courts, Docket Sheetswww.pacourts.usSearch court docket sheets. Note: should not be used in place of a PATCH criminal history background check.
- PSP Megan's Law, Sex Offender Registrywww.meganslaw.psp.pa.govPennsylvania State Police Megan's Law website. Timely information on registered sexual offenders who reside, attend school, or work in PA.
- Pennsylvania VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in PA custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Pennsylvania's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Pennsylvania 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)
Pennsylvania 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.