California Criminal Records

To begin, add a criminal record or view a list of locations and resources for California criminal records.

In the state of California, the California Public Records Act does not generally apply to records within the judicial branch (including California criminal records), but any records that are maintained by the state's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) are available to members of the public so long as any requests for public criminal records in California are specific in nature.

The AOC may at their discretion decline requests for any records that are expressly exempt from such disclosure under the California Public Records Act, any other applicable laws or AOC policy. All requests that are not found to be against law or policy will be fulfilled following a payment of duplication costs (presently 10 cents per page) plus mailing costs. In some rare cases, California criminal records may be available in electronic form that can be emailed as an alternative to providing copies.

Please note that the majority of California criminal records are not available for public review.

To order a criminal background check, fill out the California Criminal Record mail-in form. Mail your application to:

In California, access to criminal background checks is limited, but you do have the right to access your own criminal record any time you like. You can access your California criminal background check from the office of the attorney general by printing off the form from the government website, getting your fingerprints done and enclosing $20 with your order. For more information, visit: