New York Background Check
New York background check records span all 62 counties and multiple state agencies. The Division of Criminal Justice Services holds the central criminal history database for the state. County clerks keep local court records. The Office of Court Administration runs a statewide criminal history record search that covers every county. Anyone can request their own records from DCJS through fingerprint submission. County court files are open to the public under the Freedom of Information Law. This page covers how to find and search for background check records across New York State, including criminal history, court records, and related public records.
New York Background Check Overview
How to Run a Background Check in New York
Several paths exist for a background check in New York. The state offers both fingerprint-based and name-based options. Each method pulls from different databases and costs a different amount. The right choice depends on what kind of records you need and how thorough the search must be.
The fingerprint-based method goes through DCJS. It is the most accurate. Fingerprints are matched against the state's central criminal history database, which covers arrests, convictions, and sentences reported by law enforcement and courts across New York. Under Executive Law Article 35, DCJS is the sole official repository for this data. A name-based search is available through the Office of Court Administration. The Criminal History Record Search pulls results from county, supreme, city, town, and village courts across all 62 New York counties. Results rely on an exact match of name and date of birth.
County-level searches are another route. Each county clerk keeps records for supreme and county courts. Many New York counties allow free in-person inspection. Copy fees apply for printed records. Online portals vary by county.
New York Criminal History Records
The Division of Criminal Justice Services is the only official source of fingerprint-based criminal history records in New York State. DCJS maintains rap sheets that detail arrest data, indictment records, conviction information, and sentencing details. These records come from police departments, district attorneys, courts, and other criminal justice agencies throughout New York. You must submit fingerprints to get a record response. You cannot request records on another person without specific legal authority. Results come back as either a criminal history report or a "no record" response.
DCJS offers two types of responses for a New York background check. A suppressed response leaves out sealed records. An unsuppressed response shows everything, including records sealed under CPL 160.50, CPL 160.55, CPL 160.58, CPL 160.59, and CPL 720.35. The type of response depends on the legal basis for the request. Contact DCJS at 518-457-9847 or email RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov for questions. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Statewide Background Check Through Court Records
The Office of Court Administration operates the Criminal History Record Search system. This name-based background check covers court records from all 62 New York counties. The fee is $95 per name. Each alias or date of birth variation counts as a separate search with its own fee.
Results include open and pending criminal cases along with convictions from county, supreme, city, town, and village courts across New York State. Sealed records are not disclosed. Town and village court data between May 1991 and 2002 may be incomplete because not all courts reported during that period. Results are not certified. A certified Certificate of Disposition can only be obtained from the court where the case originated.
Submit a background check search through the online Direct Access portal or by mail. Online searches that return "no record" come back in real time. If records are found, staff review and email results the next business day. Mail requests go to the Criminal History Record Search Unit at 25 Beaver Street, Room 940, New York, NY 10004. Checks should be made payable to the N.Y.S. Office of Court Administration. Call 212-428-2943 for questions.
A returned check triggers a $20 fee. Cash is not accepted for mail-in requests.
New York Sex Offender Registry
DCJS maintains the Sex Offender Registry under the Sex Offender Registration Act. A judge assigns one of three risk levels after a hearing. Level 1 is low risk. Level 2 is moderate. Level 3 is high. The state posts Level 2 and Level 3 offenders in an online directory that anyone can search. For Level 1 offenders or those awaiting a risk level assignment, call 800-262-3257 with the person's name and one identifier such as an address or date of birth.
Public data from the New York registry includes residence addresses, crimes of conviction, and photos. Level 3 offenders verify their address every 90 days. Sexual predators and predicate sex offenders stay on the registry for life. All other registered offenders remain for 20 years. Sign up through NY-ALERT for notifications when a registered offender changes address. The registry is one piece of a broader New York background check, covering a specific category of offenses that standard criminal history searches also capture.
Background Check Through Corrections Records
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision runs 42 prisons across New York. DOCCS offers an online inmate lookup at nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov. Search by name, Department Identification Number, or NYSID number. Results show current facility, sentence details, minimum and maximum dates, parole eligibility, and conviction information. The system includes records going back to the 1970s. A separate parolee lookup covers people on state parole. DOCCS also publishes a most wanted list for parole absconders.
Corrections records add depth to a New York background check. Facility records beyond what the lookup tool shows are available through FOIL requests sent to the DOCCS Records Access Officer. Victim notification is available through the VINE system, which alerts registered users about changes in an offender's custody status.
Background Check Fees in New York
Costs depend on the source and method. The OCA Criminal History Record Search is $95 per name. A personal record review through DCJS costs about $62 to $65 and requires fingerprints. County-level name searches through a clerk's office typically run $5 to $15. Copy fees range from $0.25 to $0.65 per page at most New York counties. Certified copies of court documents cost $8 to $10 per certification. Exemplified copies are $25.
Under FOIL, standard copies cost 25 cents per page. Agencies may waive fees when doing so serves the public interest. Inspecting records in person is generally free at New York county clerk offices. A standard driving abstract from the DMV costs $7 online or $10 by mail for a certified copy. Call the specific New York county clerk to confirm current background check fees before you visit.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| OCA Criminal History Record Search | $95 per name |
| DCJS Personal Record Review | $62 to $65 |
| County Clerk Name Search | $5 to $15 |
| Copy Per Page | $0.25 to $0.65 |
| Certified Court Document | $8 to $10 |
| DMV Driving Abstract (Online) | $7 |
Public Records and FOIL in New York
The Freedom of Information Law governs access to records held by New York state and local agencies. Under Public Officers Law Sections 84 through 90, any person can request government records. You do not need to be a New York resident. Records covered include reports, files, letters, photos, and computer data. Agencies must respond within five business days. They can grant access, deny the request with an explanation, or give a timeline for completion. Denials may be appealed within 30 days. If the appeal also fails, a proceeding in Supreme Court under Article 78 is the next step.
DCJS criminal history records are not available through FOIL. Those require the fingerprint-based process. Court records, incident reports, and most other New York agency records do fall under FOIL. The standard copy fee is 25 cents per page for documents no larger than 9 by 14 inches. It is a crime to willfully destroy public records under New York Penal Law. FOIL is a useful tool for parts of a background check that fall outside the DCJS and OCA systems.
Background Check Records and the Clean Slate Act
New York's Clean Slate Act took effect November 16, 2024. The law calls for automatic sealing of certain conviction records once waiting periods are met. Misdemeanor convictions become eligible three years after the sentence is complete. Felony convictions become eligible after eight years. The person must have no new convictions or pending charges during the waiting period.
The Office of Court Administration has up to three years to build the automated sealing system. Until that system is running, New York background check results from DCJS may still show convictions that will eventually be sealed. Law enforcement, courts, and prosecutors retain full access to all records regardless of sealing. Convictions for sex offenses requiring registration under SORA and non-drug Class A felonies, including murder, are never eligible. Those not covered by automatic sealing may still petition the court for relief under CPL 160.59. Certificates of Relief from Disabilities and Certificates of Good Conduct remain available for people with convictions that do not qualify for sealing.
New York Driving Record Searches
A driving record abstract is often part of a full background check in New York. The DMV offers two versions. A standard abstract covers the most recent few years of activity. A lifetime abstract includes the full available driving history. DWI convictions remain on the record for 15 years. DWAI stays for 10 years. Serious offenses like vehicular homicide appear permanently. Request your New York driving record online through the MyDMV portal, by mail with Form MV-15, or in person at a local DMV office.
Authenticating New York Background Check Documents
If you need a New York background check document authenticated for use outside the country, the Department of State handles apostilles and certificates of authentication. An apostille works for countries in the Hague Convention. A certificate of authentication is for non-Hague countries. The processing fee is $10 per document. DCJS must first mail your completed background check to you. Then you submit it to the Department of State at One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. Walk-in service is available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Federal or FBI background check documents must go through the U.S. Department of State instead.
Browse New York Background Check Records by County
Each of New York's 62 counties has its own court system and county clerk that maintains local records. Pick a county below to find contact information, office hours, fees, and resources for running a background check in that area.
Background Check Records in Major New York Cities
Residents of major New York cities use the county court system for background check records. Select a city below to find which county handles records for that area.