Getting a Copy of Your District of Columbia Criminal Record
Which District of Columbia agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Arrest and Criminal History Section issues police clearances, and you can only request information about yourself (age 18 or older). Metropolitan Police Department, Police Clearances (Arrest and Criminal History Section)
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Arrest and Criminal History Section issues police clearances, and you can only request information about yourself (age 18 or older). In person, complete PD Form 70 (Criminal History Request) at 441 4th Street NW, Room 550 South, Washington, DC 20001 ((202) 727-4245); the fee is $7, by cash or credit card (no money orders or personal checks), with a driver's license or non-driver ID, or an original birth certificate plus Social Security card. Option A lists all adult arrests regardless of outcome (used for sealing or expungement); Option B lists adult convictions with completed sentences in the past 10 years. By mail, send a notarized request letter, a copy of your ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope and a $7 money order payable to the DC Treasurer to the same address; allow about six weeks. The MPD page lists both appointment and walk-in options and differing hours; check before you go. |
|---|---|
| What relief the state offers | The District of Columbia offers both "expungement" and "sealing" under the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022. Expungement (for decriminalized or unconstitutional offenses, pre-2015 marijuana possession, and actual innocence) restores the person to the legal status held before the arrest. Sealing removes records from public view while allowing restricted access by specific agencies. Both can happen automatically for some records or by motion to the D.C. Superior Court, and the relief applies retroactively. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code §§ 16-802 to 16-808 |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in District of Columbia
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in District of Columbia
- How to File for Expungement in District of Columbia
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in District of Columbia?
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Arrest and Criminal History Section issues police clearances, and you can only request information about yourself (age 18 or older). In person, complete PD Form 70 (Criminal History Request) at 441 4th Street NW, Room 550 South, Washington, DC 20001 ((202) 727-4245); the fee is $7, by cash or credit card (no money orders or personal checks), with a driver's license or non-driver ID, or an original birth certificate plus Social Security card. Option A lists all adult arrests regardless of outcome (used for sealing or expungement); Option B lists adult convictions with completed sentences in the past 10 years. By mail, send a notarized request letter, a copy of your ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope and a $7 money order payable to the DC Treasurer to the same address; allow about six weeks.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia offers both "expungement" and "sealing" under the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022. Expungement (for decriminalized or unconstitutional offenses, pre-2015 marijuana possession, and actual innocence) restores the person to the legal status held before the arrest. Sealing removes records from public view while allowing restricted access by specific agencies. Both can happen automatically for some records or by motion to the D.C. Superior Court, and the relief applies retroactively.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.