California Criminal Records
To begin, add a criminal record or view a list of
locations and
resources for California criminal records.
How to Access California Criminal Records
The California Department of Justice maintains the criminal record database. To get a copy of your California criminal record, you’ll need to fill out a form, get your fingerprints taken at an approved Live Scan site, and pay $25.
Legally Obtaining California Criminal Records
California restricts access of criminal records and background checks to criminal justice agencies and approved employers. Individuals are allowed access to their personal California criminal record, but only to review it for accuracy.
Rectifying Mistakes on a Criminal Record
If your California background check turns up any criminal records, you will receive with your results the Claim of Alleged Inaccuracy or Incompleteness form in case you want to challenge any portion of your record. Fill out the form, provide any official supporting documentation, and mail back for review.
Obtaining copies of California background checks and criminal records involves following the instructions below:
Step 1:
Download the California Background Check Request Form.
Step 2:
Fill out the form and and check of “Record Review” as the “Type of Application.” Then, under “Reason for Application,” write “Record Review.”
Step 3:
Take your completed form with a $25 check to your local Live Scan site and have your fingerprints taken.
More information is available from the California Department of Justice through the contact information found below:
If you would like more information about California arrest records, then your first stop would be the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Department provides an inmate’s current location and CDC identification number to the public. However, it will not provide release date information.
Step 1: Call the Identification Unit of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at (916) 445-6713 between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday.
Step 2: Provide the operator with the full name and complete birthday of the inmate or the CDC identification number.
Step 3: Requests for California arrest records can also be faxed to (916) 322-0500.
If you need additional assistance accessing California arrest records, then you can contact the office using the information below:
Public Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Birth Records
Death Records
Marriage Records
Divorce Records
Genealogy Records