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Home About Us CJIS Identity History Summary Checks

Identity History Summary Checks

Identity History Summary Checks Also known as: fbi background check, criminal records, criminal background check, background checks, criminal record check, fbi criminal background check, federal background check, criminal record, criminal background checks

Current processing time is 12-14 weeks. Allow additional time for mail delivery.

An Identity History Summary—often referred to as a criminal history record or a “rap sheet”—is a listing of certain information taken from fingerprint submissions kept by the FBI and related to arrests and, in some instances, federal employment, naturalization, or military service.

If the fingerprint submissions are related to an arrest, the Identity History Summary includes the name of the agency that submitted the fingerprints to the FBI, the date of the arrest, the arrest charge, and the disposition of the arrest, if known. All arrest information included in an Identity History Summary is obtained from fingerprint submissions, disposition reports, and other information submitted by authorized criminal justice agencies.

The U.S. Department of Justice Order 556-73, also known as Departmental Order, establishes rules and regulations for you to obtain a copy of your Identity History Summary for review or proof that one does not exist.

Only you may request a copy of your own Identity History Summary (or proof that one does not exist). You would typically make this request for personal review, to challenge information on record, to meet a requirement for adopting a child, or to meet a requirement to live, work, or travel in a foreign county.

How to Submit a Request

The FBI offers two methods for requesting your Identity History Summary or proof that one does not exist.

Option 1: Submit your request directly to the FBI.

Option 2: Submit your request to an FBI-approved Channeler, which is a private business that has contracted with the FBI to submit your request on your behalf. Contact each Channeler for costs, processing times, and availability in your area.

Review some frequently asked questions or contact us at 304-625-5590 if you have questions regarding your Identity History Summary Check.

Background Checks for Employment or Licensing

If you are requesting a background check for employment or licensing within the U.S., you may be required by state statute or federal law to submit your request through your state identification bureau, the requesting federal agency, or another authorized channeling agency. You should contact the agency requiring the background check or the appropriate state identification bureau (or state police) for the correct procedures to follow for obtaining an FBI fingerprint background check for employment or licensing purposes.