Check Arrest Records
How to search for and obtain official arrest records from US law enforcement agencies — using public booking logs, county sheriff databases, and official state repositories.
Understanding Arrest Records in the US
An arrest record is a documented government record of a person's arrest by law enforcement, regardless of whether charges were filed or resulted in conviction. Arrest records are distinct from criminal records, which only document convictions. In the United States, arrest records are generally considered public records accessible under state open records laws — though restrictions vary by state regarding juvenile arrests, expunged records, and arrests that did not lead to charges.
4 Official Sources for Arrest Records
County Jail Booking Logs
The fastest source — county sheriffs update booking databases within 2–24 hours of arrest. Searchable by name through the county's official website. Most counties publish daily arrest logs publicly.
State DOJ Criminal Records
Each state's Department of Justice maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Accessible by submitting a name-based records check request or via Live Scan fingerprinting.
Court Records (PACER / State)
Court filing databases show charges associated with arrests. Federal cases: PACER (pacer.gov). State cases: each state's unified court system online portal, typically searchable by name and case number.
FBI Identity History Summary
The most comprehensive federal arrest record search. Available to the subject of the record at fbi.gov. Covers all arrests reported to the FBI regardless of state.
Arrest Record Search by State
| State | Booking Log | State DOJ Records | Fee | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Public | CA DOJ | $25-$35 | View → |
| Texas | Public | TX DPS | $10-$15 | View → |
| Florida | Public | FL FDLE | $24 | View → |
| New York | Limited | NY DCJS | $95 | View → |
| Illinois | Public | IL ISP | $16 | View → |
How to Request Arrest Records — Step by Step
Records must be obtained from the specific agency that made the arrest. A LAPD arrest cannot be requested from the LA County Sheriff.
For recent arrests (within 30 days), the county jail's public booking database is the fastest source. Available online through the county sheriff's official website.
Find Your County's Booking Database
Navigate to your state and county to access the official booking log and arrest records portal for that jurisdiction.