DIY Background Check

That keeps unrelated systems from being blended into one report.

Do not interpret a hit until the responsible jurisdiction is clear.

For your own FBI record, open FBI Identity History Summary instructions and follow the online link to edo.cjis.gov. Complete the application and $18-per-person FBI payment before visiting a participating Post Office for electronic fingerprints; the fingerprint service may charge extra. Alternatively, mail a current completed fingerprint card with the electronic confirmation as instructed. A mail-only application needs the signed form, current fingerprint card and payment. This is personal review, not an employment or licensing substitute.

For a state-history layer, find the appropriate agency in the FBI State Identification Bureau listing and follow that state’s personal-review requirements. For a known state or county case, use the official court website for that jurisdiction, search your name variants or case number, and request the disposition from its clerk. A state history and a court file answer different questions.

For federal cases, register for PACER and use Find a Case: search the known federal court or use the nationwide Case Locator if the court is unknown. Save the case number and inspect the docket and relevant disposition. PACER generally charges $0.10 per page; search-result pages can be charged even with no matches and are not subject to the $3 document cap.

Record each system, search date and jurisdiction checked. A no-record FBI response means no prior arrest data is on file with the FBI, not a complete all-source clearance. If your FBI history is wrong, use its change-or-correction link. For state-origin entries, contact the listed state bureau about updates to the FBI; retain the court disposition and identifiers supporting your correction.