California Department of Justice Criminal Records are official documents that show a person’s arrest, charge, conviction, and court outcome history within the state. These records are stored in the Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and are managed by the California DOJ. Only authorized agencies and individuals can access them. Most people request their own record to check for errors, apply for jobs, or meet licensing rules. The process starts with submitting fingerprints at a Live Scan location, paying a $25 fee, and waiting 10–14 business days for results. Fee waivers are available for low-income residents under Penal Code § 1000.
How to Request Your Own Criminal History Record from the California DOJ
To get your California Department of Justice Criminal Records, you must use a Live Scan service. This digital fingerprinting method sends your prints directly to the DOJ. You can find nearby Live Scan locations on the DOJ website. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The current fee is $25, paid online by credit card or by mailing a check to the DOJ Finance Office. Processing takes 10–14 business days after all materials arrive. If you qualify for a fee waiver—based on income below $30,000, public assistance, or a social service letter—you can skip the payment step.
Submit your request using Form REG-100, available on the DOJ’s “Request My Record” portal. Fill out every field clearly. Incomplete forms cause delays. After submission, the DOJ verifies your identity and mails your RAP sheet to your address. Keep copies for personal records. If you move during processing, notify the DOJ to avoid lost mail.
https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record-review
Who Can Access California DOJ Criminal Records?
Not everyone can view these records. Law enforcement, courts, and certain employers may access limited data under Penal Code § 832.6. Private citizens cannot pull someone else’s record. Employers in the CalPOS program or using E-Verify can request conviction details only after getting written consent from the applicant. Third-party sites like StateRecords.org compile public data but do not replace official DOJ records. Always verify information through the state source.
Healthcare workers must pass a criminal record review by the California Department of Public Health. When they submit fingerprints to the DOJ, CDPH checks for disqualifying convictions under Health and Safety Code § 123100. This applies to nurses, pharmacy techs, radiology staff, and long-term care workers. Renewals also trigger reviews.
What Is a RAP Sheet and How to Read It
A RAP sheet—Recorded Arrest and Prosecution sheet—is the official name for your California criminal history. It has five main parts: (1) Arrest details like date, location, and agency; (2) Charges listed with penal codes and severity; (3) Disposition codes such as “C” for conviction, “N” for no contest, or “D” for dismissal; (4) Sentencing info including jail time, probation, and fines; and (5) Any active warrants. Mistakes happen—names misspelled, charges mislabeled, or dispositions missing. Always review your RAP sheet carefully.
If you spot an error, file Form CR-101, the Petition to Correct. Attach proof like a court docket, birth certificate, or sworn statement. The DOJ must respond within five days and decide within 30. If approved, corrections update across all AFIS databases. This ensures future background checks reflect accurate data.
Sealing or Destroying Adult Arrest Records in California
If your arrest didn’t lead to a conviction, you may qualify to seal or destroy it. Use BCIA Form 8270, sent to the DOJ’s Record-Sealing Unit in Sacramento. Eligibility requires dismissal, acquittal, or expungement under Penal Code § 851.00, plus no felony convictions in the past five years. Include a copy of your ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes several weeks. Once sealed, the record is hidden from most employers and the public.
Note: Sealing isn’t automatic. You must apply. Also, some offenses—like violent crimes or sex offenses—are not eligible. Check the form instructions carefully. Legal aid clinics often help with these petitions at low or no cost.
Public Records vs. Criminal History: What’s Available Online
The California DOJ offers a public records portal with searchable PDFs. These include annual crime stats, policy manuals, and court case summaries. Anyone can request these under the California Public Records Act. Submit written requests online or by mail. The DOJ must reply within ten business days—either sending documents or citing a legal exemption. However, individual criminal histories are not public. Only you can request your own.
This system balances transparency and privacy. Agencies publish data to support research and policy, but personal records stay protected. Journalists, researchers, and advocates use public dashboards from the Office of Transparency to track trends in arrests, sentencing, and prison populations. Data updates monthly and comes directly from AFIS and court feeds.
How Long Does the DOJ Keep Criminal Records?
California law requires the DOJ to keep criminal history until the person turns 100 years old. This ensures long-term access for background checks, research, and law enforcement. Records include fingerprints, arrest reports, court dispositions, and updates. They’re stored in secure digital archives with climate control. After 100 years, records transfer to the California State Archives for permanent preservation. This policy applies even if charges were dropped or records were sealed.
Why 100 years? It covers a full lifespan plus extra time for historical review. Employers, licensing boards, and courts rely on complete records. Deleting them early could hide patterns or repeat offenses. The system prioritizes public safety over data minimization.
Fingerprint Background Checks: The Role of Live Scan and AFIS
Every year, over 1.2 million fingerprint submissions go to the California DOJ through Live Scan. Police, sheriffs, courts, and probation offices send ten-print cards with arrest or disposition details. The DOJ matches them in AFIS and cross-checks with the federal IAFIS database. This catches out-of-state crimes and prevents identity fraud. Fingerprint quality matters—smudged or partial prints delay processing.
Live Scan locations are found in police stations, sheriff’s offices, and private vendors. Most charge $10–$30 for the service, plus the DOJ’s $25 fee. Results go directly to the DOJ, not to you. You’ll receive your RAP sheet by mail. Never accept a copy from the Live Scan operator—it’s not official.
Employer Access: CalPOS, E-Verify, and Fair Hiring Laws
California restricts employer access to criminal records. Only those in the CalPOS program or using E-Verify can request limited reports. They must get signed consent first. The DOJ shares only conviction data relevant to the job. Arrests without conviction are not disclosed. This follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act and California’s Ban the Box law (AB 1008), which delays background checks until after a conditional job offer.
Third-party background check companies pull data from multiple sources, including the DOJ. But they must follow strict rules. If they report outdated or incorrect info, you can dispute it. Always request your own DOJ record before applying for sensitive jobs—like healthcare, education, or government roles.
Transparency and Data Dashboards: The DOJ’s Public Reporting Effort
Since 2022, the California DOJ’s Office of Transparency has published real-time criminal justice dashboards. These show arrest rates by race, age, and gender; average sentence lengths; and prison population trends. Data comes straight from AFIS and court systems. Updates happen monthly. Policymakers, reporters, and community groups use this to spot disparities and push reforms.
This initiative builds trust. By sharing raw data, the DOJ invites scrutiny and collaboration. It also helps correct myths about crime trends. For example, dashboards may show declining violent crime despite media coverage suggesting otherwise. Public access supports evidence-based decisions.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people delay their requests by forgetting key steps. Always bring two forms of ID to Live Scan—one with photo, one with signature. Double-check your address. Use a tracking number if mailing payment. Don’t assume your record is clean. Even minor traffic arrests appear if fingerprinted. If you have a common name, include your full legal name, aliases, and date of birth.
Another error: requesting someone else’s record. The DOJ will reject it. Only the subject, their attorney, or authorized agencies can obtain a RAP sheet. Employers cannot demand your record—they must use consent-based channels. Protect your privacy and follow the law.
Related Resources for Background Checks and Public Data
While the California DOJ is the primary source for official criminal records, other databases offer supplementary info. Jail rosters, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and phone lookups are available through county or third-party sites. However, always verify critical details with the state. Below are examples of related search tools:
- Mcleod Jail Roster
- Polk County Marriage Records
- Free Searching Phone Numbers
- Forsyth County GA Divorce Records
- Hardin County Criminal Records Search
These links serve genealogists, employers, and researchers. But for legal, employment, or licensing purposes, only the DOJ’s RAP sheet is authoritative.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For questions about California Department of Justice Criminal Records, contact the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Analysis. The main phone line is (916) 227-3850. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time, excluding state holidays. Mail inquiries to: Department of Justice, Bureau of Criminal Information & Analysis, P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170.
Visit the official website for forms, FAQs, and Live Scan locations. Walk-in services are not available—all requests go through mail or online portals. For urgent matters, call during business hours. Staff can explain fees, waivers, and processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions About California DOJ Criminal Records
Many people have similar questions about requesting, reading, and fixing their criminal history. Below are clear answers based on current California law and DOJ policies. Each response includes actionable steps and official references.
Can I get someone else’s criminal record from the California DOJ?
No. The California Department of Justice does not release another person’s criminal history to private individuals. Only law enforcement, courts, authorized employers with consent, or the subject themselves can obtain a RAP sheet. This protects privacy and complies with state and federal laws. If you’re conducting a background check for work, use CalPOS or E-Verify with the applicant’s signed permission. Never assume records are public—most are not. Violating this rule can lead to legal penalties.
How long does it take to receive my RAP sheet after Live Scan?
Processing takes 10–14 business days after the DOJ receives your fingerprints and payment. Weekends and holidays are not counted. If you apply for a fee waiver, add extra time for income verification. Delays happen if your form is incomplete or your fingerprints are unreadable. To speed things up, double-check your REG-100 form, use a high-quality Live Scan location, and pay online. You’ll receive your RAP sheet by U.S. mail—not email or phone.
What should I do if my RAP sheet has wrong information?
File Form CR-101, the Petition to Correct, with the DOJ. Attach proof such as a court dismissal notice, corrected docket, or sworn affidavit. The DOJ must acknowledge your request within five business days and issue a final decision within 30. If approved, the error is fixed in all AFIS databases. Keep copies of all documents. If denied, you can appeal or seek legal help. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong birth dates, or missing dispositions.
Can I seal my record if I was arrested but not convicted?
Yes, if you meet the rules. Use BCIA Form 8270 to request sealing or destruction of an adult arrest record. You must have been acquitted, dismissed, or had the case expunged under Penal Code § 851.00. Also, you cannot have a felony conviction in the past five years. Mail the form with ID and a stamped envelope to Sacramento. Processing takes weeks. Note: Some serious offenses are not eligible. Check the form instructions or consult a lawyer.
Do employers see arrests without convictions on background checks?
No—not from the California DOJ. Under state law, employers in CalPOS or E-Verify only receive conviction data relevant to the job. Arrests without conviction are not disclosed. However, third-party background check companies may find old news articles or county records. Always review your own RAP sheet before job applications. If outdated info appears elsewhere, dispute it with the reporting agency. California’s Ban the Box law also delays background checks until after a conditional offer.
Is there a way to check my record online instantly?
No. The California DOJ does not offer instant online access to your RAP sheet. You must submit fingerprints via Live Scan and wait 10–14 business days for mailed results. This ensures identity verification and data security. Some third-party sites claim “instant” reports, but they are not official. Only the DOJ-issued RAP sheet is valid for legal, employment, or licensing purposes. Avoid scams by using only the official DOJ portal.
What happens to my record when I turn 100?
Your criminal history is transferred from the DOJ to the California State Archives for permanent preservation. The DOJ keeps records until age 100 as required by law. After that, they’re no longer active but remain available for historical research. This policy ensures long-term accountability and supports scholarly study. It does not erase or destroy records—just changes their storage location.