The North Carolina criminal records search can begin on the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety website. On the left side of the webpage, click on the "Citizens" link and you will find the different agencies from which background checks can be obtained, which are as follows:
The North Carolina Department of Corrections website - this department provides access to information on persons who were sentenced to prison, who are on probation, or who are on parole.
State Bureau of Investigation website - this is an agency that provides a criminal history background check, and requires fingerprint submission. The criminal history record can be obtained with a processing fee of $14.
Federal Bureau of Investigation website - this is a government agency that requires the submission of fingerprints before an individual can access a criminal history record. The criminal record can be obtained with a processing fee of $18.
The North Carolina Court System website - the NCCS has a complete criminal registry and master list of all the charges and convictions in the state, county, and city law enforcement authorities in North Carolina.
The specific instructions on how to access criminal records for a single individual (you or another person) can be viewed on this webpage: http://www.nccourts.org/Citizens/GoToCourt/Obtainsingle.asp.
Basically, there are three options for obtaining a single criminal background check. First, you can ask the Clerk of the Superior Court's office for a single-country record check on an individual. To get a certified copy of the document, a completed request form (Form AOC-CR-314) should be sent to the Clerk's office through mail. The certified document will cost you $25. If you can personally go to the Clerk's office, the criminal records can be accessed for no charge at the public access terminals. To check your non-certified statewide records, you should submit a fingerprint card and payment to the State Bureau of Investigation. Lastly, you can access non-certified statewide record checks for yourself or others through criminal record check vendors. These "vendors" are third-party companies that will "sell" unofficial record checks for a certain fee. These companies are licensed by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) to sell records that accurately reflect or match the databases of the clerks of the court.
In addition, instructions on how to obtain ongoing criminal background checks can be found at http://www.nccourts.org/Citizens/GoToCourt/Obtainongoing.asp. The first means is to gain access directly to the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts' Remote Public Access Program on a regular basis. Information on the facts and figures of connectivity to this program can be accessed by contacting the team at 919-890-2220 or rpa@aoc.nccourts.org. There are also third-party companies that sell data about unofficial record checks. In addition, criminal background checks on employees can also be obtained from the State Bureau of Investigation if you have a specific statutory authority.
In order to retrieve North Carolina background checks and criminal records, follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1.
Download the comprehensive Right to Review Packet.
Step 2.
Fill out the request form and authorization form. Have your fingerprints taken at your local law enforcement agency, then mail the packet with a $14 certified check or money order.
Step 3.
For a name-based search, contact your local Clerk of Superior Court's office and use their free terminals onsite or request a manual search for a $25 fee. Use the North Carolina County Court Telephone Directory List to find your local court.
For additional information, the North Carolina Court System can provide you with further assistance:
North Carolina Court System
ACJIC-Information Integrity Division
201 S. Union Street, Suite 300
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 517-2400
Persons wanting to search for North Carolina arrest records can do so through the North Carolina Department of Correction. The Department keeps an online database to make searching for records easier.
To look for North Carolina arrest records online, you will need to:
Step 1.
Visit the North Carolina Department of Correction's website and go to the North Carolina Offender Information page.
Step 2.
Complete the form with your search criteria and hit the Search button.
Step 3.
Your results page will be displayed. If your search turns up too many results, you will be asked to narrow it by providing more information. To view a record in-depth, simply click on the DOC number.
For more help researching North Carolina arrest records, you can contact the Department using the information below:
North Carolina Department of Corrections
c/o Public Information Office
MSC 4202
Raleigh, NC 27699-4202
(919) 716-3700
Where to Find North Carolina Criminal Records
North Carolina's Clerk of Superior Court Office for each county handles most requests for North Carolina background checks and criminal records. Public terminals are set up in each office and are free of charge, except for printing fees. For a certified copy of criminal records, the fee is $25, and the results can be obtained after filling out a request form from the Clerk of Superior Court.
Legal Access to North Carolina Criminal Records
Any individual can request a name-based search of criminal records, although you must go to every county in which the person in question might have a record. The results you can access must be a matter of public record. Only approved law enforcement and employers may obtain a state-wide and complete criminal record.
Obtaining Complete Criminal Records From SBI
Individuals may request their own complete criminal record by contacting the SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) and filling out a "Right to Review" and authorization form. Submit these, along with fingerprints, with a $14 fee. SBI only accepts requests through the mail.
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