Self Check
Get Your Background Check Online
Start with an official self-request you can submit online, then add state and court searches to cover gaps, and know when private sites are not official sources.
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Check Guide:
Your Starting Point
Get my own background check online
Quick Answer
- Yes, start online with the FBI identity history summary route or your state criminal history repository, depending on what your requester accepts.
- Add court index searches for case details and dispositions that repositories may not show.
- For police incidents or reports, use a local police records request route.
- Use people-search sites only for names and address history; they are not official background checks.
Best Starting Point
title
FBI identity history summary route
best for
A self background check you can request online with uniform nationwide steps.
why this is usually first
It is an official federal self-request with clear online submission and identity verification, useful for reviewing and correcting your record.
when to move on
If a job or license requires a state letter or local clearance, add a state criminal history repository search and court or police records requests.
Official vs Private Sources
| Check Type | Best For | What It Shows | Main Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI identity history summary route | Personal self-check and error disputes | Arrest and fingerprint-based entries reported to a federal index | Not a substitute for state repository or court-certified records |
| state criminal history repository route | Statewide criminal record check when requested or available to the public | State-reported arrests and dispositions | Online access varies by state and may exclude out-of-state or local incidents |
| court index and case-search route | Open cases, docket details, and dispositions | Case listings, charges, filings, and outcomes by court | Name-only matches can misidentify; not all courts publish full details online |
| local police records request route | Incident reports, police clearances, calls for service | Police reports and incident summaries, sometimes clearance letters | Not a statewide check; availability and redactions vary |
| commercial people-search site | Names, aliases, and address history | Address listings and associate hints | Not official; data may be outdated or mismatched |
Access Notes
- There is no single public national criminal database to search online.
- Name-only searches can mix people; confirm with full name, date of birth, and past addresses.
- Some routes require fingerprints or in-person ID; others allow online requests.
- If you find an error, use your self-check to start a correction with the reporting agency.
How to Start Online
Confirm Requirement
Ask the requester which record type they accept: FBI self-check, state repository letter, court record, or police clearance.
Submit Self-Request
Start the FBI identity history summary route online to review your record and identify any errors.
Fill Gaps
Add a state criminal history repository search and court index checks; request local police records if you need incident reports or clearance.
Common Questions
Is there one national online background check?
No. Public access is split across federal, state, court, and local sources. Use multiple routes for coverage.
Do I need fingerprints to get my background check online?
Some official self-requests use fingerprints; others use name and ID. Follow the instructions for the specific route.
Will a commercial site work for employment?
Often no. Many employers require official checks or regulated consumer reports. Ask the requester which source they accept.
How do I fix a mistake on my record?
Do a self-check first, then submit a correction with the agency that reported the record using their stated process.