All Laws Decoded

Getting a Copy of Your Idaho Criminal Record

Which Idaho agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.

Short answer: The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) keeps Idaho criminal history records (Idaho records only, not other states, FBI or federal convictions). Idaho State Police, Bureau of Criminal Identification, Fingerprinting & Background Checks; Criminal History

Getting a copy of your criminal recordThe Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) keeps Idaho criminal history records (Idaho records only, not other states, FBI or federal convictions). For a personal name-based check, submit the Name-Based Criminal Background Check Form with the Payment Authorization Form and a $20.00 fee (results are not notarized). For a fingerprint-based check (notarized on request), submit an applicant fingerprint card, the Fingerprint Based Criminal Background Check Form, the Payment Authorization Form and a $25.00 fee; fingerprinting is available only at ISP headquarters in Meridian ($10 first card, $5 each additional), no appointment needed. Mail or hand-deliver to BCI, 700 S. Stratford Dr., Suite 120, Meridian, ID 83642. Emailed requests are not processed. Questions: AppUnit@isp.idaho.gov or 208-884-7130, option 1. When challenging a record, the fingerprint-based check is free.
What relief the state offersIdaho offers several limited forms of relief: expungement of fingerprint and criminal history records for arrests that did not lead to charges, acquittal or dismissal (with sealing of the court file); "shielding" of certain misdemeanor and drug-possession records from public disclosure by court order; setting aside a guilty plea or conviction and dismissing the case after probation ("withheld judgment" or suspended sentence relief); reducing some felonies to misdemeanors; and expungement of juvenile records.

Where to get help in Idaho

More Idaho expungement & criminal records

FAQ

How do I check my own criminal record in Idaho?
The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) keeps Idaho criminal history records (Idaho records only, not other states, FBI or federal convictions). For a personal name-based check, submit the Name-Based Criminal Background Check Form with the Payment Authorization Form and a $20.00 fee (results are not notarized). For a fingerprint-based check (notarized on request), submit an applicant fingerprint card, the Fingerprint Based Criminal Background Check Form, the Payment Authorization Form and a $25.00 fee; fingerprinting is available only at ISP headquarters in Meridian ($10 first card, $5 each additional), no appointment needed. Mail or hand-deliver to BCI, 700 S. Stratford Dr., Suite 120, Meridian, ID 83642. Emailed requests are not processed. Questions: AppUnit@isp.idaho.gov or 208-884-7130, option 1. When challenging a record, the fingerprint-based check is free.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Idaho?
Idaho offers several limited forms of relief: expungement of fingerprint and criminal history records for arrests that did not lead to charges, acquittal or dismissal (with sealing of the court file); "shielding" of certain misdemeanor and drug-possession records from public disclosure by court order; setting aside a guilty plea or conviction and dismissing the case after probation ("withheld judgment" or suspended sentence relief); reducing some felonies to misdemeanors; and expungement of juvenile records.

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.