New York City criminal records search gives people a fast, legal way to check someone’s court history. The official system runs through the New York State Office of Court Administration. Anyone can ask for a report by using the Direct Access portal online. You only need the person’s full legal name and birth date. No fingerprints or extra ID are needed. The cost is $95 per search. Results come by email the next business day as a PDF. The system pulls data from criminal, family, and surrogate courts across the state. All searches are logged for safety, and files are sent with encryption to meet state rules. Sealed or erased records, like those under Penal Law § 530.30, are left out to follow privacy laws.
How the CHRS System Works
The Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) is the main tool for getting court records in New York. It checks names and birth dates against court files from every county. The system matches exact details only. If the name or date is wrong, it won’t find anything. This keeps the data clean and correct. Each request costs $95. Payment is made online with a credit card. After paying, the system starts the search right away. Most people get their report by email within 24 hours. The report lists arrests, charges, court decisions, and sentences. It does not show sealed or erased cases. These are hidden by law to protect privacy.
Where to Submit a Request
You can ask for a criminal records search in three ways: online, in person, or by mail. The online portal is open 24/7 and is the fastest option. In-person requests go to 25 Beaver Street, Room 840, in Manhattan. Staff there handle walk-ins and usually finish them the next business day. Mail requests must include a self-addressed envelope with prepaid postage. The office sends the report back the same way. All methods use the same $95 fee. Online and in-person results come by email. Mail requests get a printed copy. The office does not accept phone requests for full reports. Only email, online, or paper forms work.
What the Report Includes
The criminal history report shows only public court records. It lists felony and misdemeanor charges filed in New York State. Each entry has the case number, court name, charge type, and final outcome. Outcomes can be conviction, dismissal, plea deal, or pending. Sentencing details appear if the person was found guilty. The report does not include arrest records from police unless they led to a court case. It also skips sealed, erased, or juvenile records. These are protected by law and cannot be shared. The report is valid for background checks, jobs, licenses, or personal use. It is not a full FBI-style fingerprint check.
Who Can Use This Service
Anyone can request a New York City criminal records search. There are no limits based on relationship or reason. Employers use it to screen job candidates. Landlords check tenants. Licensing boards review applicants. Private citizens look up neighbors or dates. The system is open to all. However, the law limits how the data can be used. Employers must follow fair hiring rules. Credit agencies cannot see sealed records. Misusing the data can lead to fines or lawsuits. The report is for information only. It does not prove guilt or innocence. Always verify facts with the court if needed.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some criminal records are hidden by law. These are called sealed or expunged. In New York, certain marijuana convictions are automatically erased. Other cases can be sealed by a judge under Penal Law § 530.30. These records do not show up in any search. Even if you know they exist, the system will not list them. This protects people’s privacy and gives them a fresh start. Employers and landlords cannot ask about sealed cases. If a record is sealed, it is as if it never happened in most situations. Only law enforcement and courts can see them in rare cases. The CHRS system follows these rules strictly.
NYPD Incident Reports
The NYPD keeps its own records at 100 Centre Street. These are not part of the court system. They include police reports, accident logs, and lost property files. Anyone can ask for a copy. Call (718) 610-8457 to start. In-person requests are done the same day. Mail requests need a prepaid return envelope. The report shows what the police recorded at the scene. It may list names, addresses, and what happened. But it does not include court outcomes. For that, you need the CHRS report. The NYPD and court systems are separate. Both may have useful info for a full background check.
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
The DCJS helps with criminal history requests from state agencies. They work with prisons, parole boards, and probation offices. Their data covers people who served time or are under supervision. Call 518-457-9847 or 518-485-7675 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. Email questions to their protected address. They offer a step-by-step guide and FAQ online. This service is for official use, like background checks for jobs in government. It is not the same as the public CHRS system. DCJS records are deeper but require more steps to access.
E-Courts and Online Tools
The New York court system has online tools for public use. The E-Courts portal lets you look up case dates and filings. The Electronic Document Delivery System (EDDS) allows PDF uploads to courts. A “Pay Online” feature helps settle fees fast. These tools are free and open to all. They work with the CHRS system but do not replace it. You can use E-Courts to check a case number from a CHRS report. But only CHRS gives a full criminal history. The court website also has forms, guides, and contact info. Bookmark it for future searches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people get no results because of small errors. Always use the exact legal name and birth date. Nicknames, middle initials, or typos will fail. Double-check the spelling before submitting. Also, remember that the search is statewide, not just NYC. It includes all New York counties. If the person lived in Buffalo or Albany, those records will appear. But it does not cover other states. For a full national check, you need a federal service. Also, the $95 fee is non-refundable. Even if no records are found, the charge stays. Plan your search carefully to avoid waste.
Turnaround Times and Delivery
Online requests are processed within one business day. Email delivery is instant once ready. In-person visits at 25 Beaver Street also take one business day. Mail requests take longer due to shipping. Add 3–5 days for round-trip mail. Weekends and holidays slow things down. The office is closed on legal holidays. Always allow extra time if you need the report fast. Rush service is not available. The system is first-come, first-served. Large volumes during hiring seasons may cause small delays. But most users get results quickly.
Privacy and Security Rules
All searches are recorded for audit purposes. The system logs who asked, when, and for whom. This prevents abuse and keeps the system honest. Data sent over the internet is encrypted. Emails use secure links. Printed reports are marked “Confidential.” Do not share them carelessly. Only the person named or their legal agent should see the report. If you are checking someone else, make sure you have a good reason. Misuse can break privacy laws. The state takes security seriously. Follow their rules to stay safe and legal.
Fees and Payment Options
The fee for a criminal records search is $95. This covers one name and birth date. There are no discounts for bulk orders. Payment is by credit or debit card online. In person, you can pay with card or money order. Cash is not accepted. Mail requests must include a check or money order. No personal checks are allowed from out of state. The fee is the same for everyone, no matter the reason. It pays for staff, systems, and data upkeep. The price has not changed in years. It is one of the lowest in the country for a statewide check.
How to Read the Report
The PDF report has a clear layout. At the top, it shows the subject’s name and birth date. Below, it lists each court case in order. Each entry has a case number, court name, charge, and result. Use the case number to look up more details on E-Courts. If a case says “Sealed,” it means the record is hidden. If it says “Dismissed,” the person was not convicted. “Convicted” means they were found guilty. “Pled” means they accepted a deal. The report does not explain the law or give legal advice. It only shows what the court recorded. For help, call the court clerk.
When to Use a Professional Service
Some people use third-party sites to search records. These are not official. They may charge more or give outdated info. The best source is the state’s CHRS system. It is direct, accurate, and legal. Private sites can be useful for cross-checking, but always verify with the court. Beware of sites that promise “instant” results or “free” searches. Most free tools only show basic info. For a full report, you must pay the $95 fee to the state. Save time and money by going straight to the source.
Legal Limits on Use
You can use the report for personal, employment, or licensing checks. But there are rules. Employers must tell applicants if they use a background check. They must follow federal and state fair hiring laws. Landlords can check tenants but cannot discriminate. Licensing boards can review applicants for safety. Never use the report to harass, stalk, or shame someone. That is illegal. Also, do not post the report online. Sharing private data can lead to lawsuits. Use the info wisely and legally.
Contact Information
For help with a criminal records search, use these official contacts. The CHRS office is at 25 Beaver Street, Room 840, New York, NY 10004. Call the NYC Criminal Court line at (646) 386-4900. For DCJS questions, call 518-457-9847. For NYPD incident reports, call (718) 610-8457. All offices are open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays. Email is available through protected links on their websites. Do not send sensitive info by regular email. Use the secure forms instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to start a search, what the report shows, and how to fix errors. Below are the most common questions with clear, short answers. These cover legal limits, timing, and privacy. If you need more help, call the office or check the official website.
Can I search for someone else’s records?
Yes, you can search for anyone’s criminal records in New York. The system does not require your relationship to the person. You only need their full legal name and birth date. This is allowed for employers, landlords, and private citizens. But you must use the info legally. Do not share the report with others unless needed. Employers must follow fair hiring rules. Misuse can lead to fines. The report is for your eyes only unless you have a valid reason to share it.
Why did I get no results?
No results usually mean a name or date error. The system needs an exact match. Check for typos, nicknames, or missing middle names. Also, the person may have no court records in New York. Or their records are sealed. Sealed cases do not appear. If you are sure the info is right, call the CHRS office. They can help check for spelling issues or old records. Do not assume the person is clean just because nothing showed up.
How long does it take to get the report?
Online and in-person requests take one business day. Mail requests take 3–5 extra days for shipping. Weekends and holidays slow the process. The office is closed on federal holidays. Email delivery is instant once the report is ready. Printed copies go by mail. Rush service is not offered. Plan ahead if you need the report for a job or lease. Most people get it fast, but allow time for delays.
Can employers see sealed records?
No, employers cannot see sealed or expunged records. These are hidden by law. The CHRS system leaves them out automatically. Even if an employer knows about a sealed case, they cannot ask about it. Doing so breaks privacy laws. Sealed records are treated as if they never happened. Only courts and police can see them in rare cases. This protects people’s rights and gives them a second chance.
Is the $95 fee refundable?
No, the $95 fee is not refundable. You pay it whether records are found or not. This covers the cost of running the search. Even if the person has no history, the charge stays. The system processes each request the same way. There are no partial refunds or discounts. Make sure your info is correct before paying. Double-check the name and birth date to avoid waste.
Can I get records from other states?
No, the CHRS system only covers New York State. It does not include other states. For a national check, you need a federal service like the FBI’s Identity History Summary. That requires fingerprints and more steps. Some private sites claim to offer nationwide searches, but they are not official. Always verify with the state where the person lived. New York’s system is only for NY courts.
What if the report has wrong info?
If the report shows errors, contact the court that filed the case. The CHRS office does not fix mistakes. Only the court can update its records. Use the case number to find the right clerk’s office. They will ask for proof, like a dismissal order. Once fixed, the change will show in future searches. Keep copies of your documents. Errors are rare but can happen. Act fast to correct them.