Why do I need to submit my fingerprints?

• Fingerprints prove positive identity. All of Arizona’s criminal records are based upon fingerprints.
  
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How long does this take?

• You will receive the results by mail in approximately 2-3 weeks.
• The criminal history record will contain no personal identifying information (such as name, address, etc.).
  
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Is there a fee for getting a criminal history record on myself? 

• No
  
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If I feel that there is a mistake in my criminal record, how do I take care it?  

• After receipt of the results from your record review, if you feel that your record is inaccurate or incomplete:
  • You can challenge your criminal record by completing the “Review and Challenge of Arizona Criminal History Record Information” form which will be mailed to you with the results of the record review.
  • Complete the Review and Challenge form and mail it to the Criminal History Records Section at the address listed on the Review and Challenge Form.
• The Central State Repository will audit the information you have indicated as being either inaccurate or incomplete by:
  • Contacting the criminal justice agency within Arizona that provided the information to the Central State Repository in order to verify the data.
  • If a correction is necessary:
    • The Central State Repository will update/modify your criminal record and notify the FBI of any modifications.
    • The written audit result will be mailed to you with a copy of your updated record.
    • You should receive a response within 15 days of your request.

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• No. The results of a record review and challenge will only be returned by mail.
  
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• Letters are not provided for this purpose.
• After completing the record review and challenge process, if the results are negative:
  • The written audit result will be mailed to you without a copy of a criminal record and will contain no name or other identifiers.

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• Charges for any type of crime will remain on your record until you reach age 99.
  
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• The Arizona Central State Repository is not legally permitted to provide clearance letters or to perform criminal record checks for the purposes of immigration, obtaining a visa or for an adoption. A copy of a statement from the Arizona Department of Public Safety is available on the introduction page.
   
• A national check can be obtained by contacting:
  Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Correspondence Unit
  1000 Custer Hollow Road
  Clarksburg, WV 26306
  Telephone: (304) 625-3878
   
• If you need a local clearance, you should contact your local police agency.
  
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How do I get a criminal record check on someone else?

• Only authorized individuals/agencies/companies can obtain someone’s criminal record from Arizona for specific purposes. For more information, refer to the introduction page. 
  
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• A criminal history check may not be used for this purpose. For more information refer to the introduction page.
• Individuals who require a background check for employment must go through the applicant fingerprint process.
• The applicant fingerprint process is usually handled through the hiring individual/company/agency.
• Check with the employer to see what policies and procedures are in place at their organization.

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How do I get a criminal history on myself when I was arrested in another state?

• Call the Central State Repository (602) 223-2222 to obtain contact information for the state where your arrest was made.
  
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• Contact the court that handled your case. 
  
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• Courts follow their own laws, rules and policies regarding court sealed records. Although records maintained by the courts are considered public records, court policies prohibit the public from viewing sealed records.
• Criminal history records maintained by the Central State Repository are restricted to authorized individuals/agencies and are not considered public records. A sealed record does not mean your criminal history information will be automatically changed or deleted.
• A court may order the Central State Repository to change/delete certain criminal information.
• For more information on the different types of orders that can be issued by the courts and the impact they have on criminal records, click here.
  
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Can I get my record expunged?

• Arizona law does not have an expungement provision. Charges for any type of crime will remain on your record until you reach age 99.
• For more information on the different types of court orders and how they impact criminal records maintained at the Central State Repository, click here.
  
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Is there a way to get a conviction set aside?

• You may apply for a conviction to be set aside by contacting the court where you were originally sentenced, per Arizona Revised Statute 13-907 (Court Orders).  The law calls this “setting aside judgment of guilt.” 
  
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Is there a way to get my civil rights restored?

• Civil rights may be restored after a felony conviction by applying to the Superior Court where you were originally convicted.
• For more information on this subject, refer to Court Orders—13-905
  
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• If your right to bear arms was lost because of a felony conviction:

  • You must request to have your civil rights restored, including your right to bear arms, by applying to the Superior Court where you were originally sentenced
  • For more information on this subject, refer to Court Orders.

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• The FBI receives all arrest and disposition information including court order changes.
  
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