Getting a Copy of Your New York Criminal Record
Which New York agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is the only official source of New York criminal history records. New York DCJS, Record Review
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is the only official source of New York criminal history records. To get your own record (a Record Review), schedule fingerprinting with IdentoGO online or at 877-472-6915 using service code 15464Z (suppressed record) or 15465F (unsuppressed record), and bring one acceptable ID. The fee is $17.50 in New York or $57.45 at an IdentoGO center outside New York (as of 2/2/2026); out-of-state applicants without a nearby center can use an FD-258 card taken by local police with IdentoGO's Cardscan service. If you cannot pay, request a fee waiver packet from the DCJS Records Review Unit, 80 South Swan St., 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12210. DCJS mails your response in three to four weeks (no in-person pickup); it explains how to challenge inaccurate information. Source: New York DCJS, Record Review |
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| What relief the state offers | New York uses sealing rather than expungement. Under the Clean Slate Act (CPL 160.57), eligible misdemeanor and felony convictions are sealed automatically after waiting periods. People can also apply to a court to seal up to two convictions after 10 years (CPL 160.59). Other sealing provisions cover cases ending in favor of the accused and convictions for non-criminal violations and traffic infractions (CPL 160.50, 160.55). Sealed records are not destroyed and remain available to the person, law enforcement and certain agencies. |
Where to get help in New York
More New York expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in New York
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in New York
- How to File for Expungement in New York
- All New York expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in New York?
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is the only official source of New York criminal history records. To get your own record (a Record Review), schedule fingerprinting with IdentoGO online or at 877-472-6915 using service code 15464Z (suppressed record) or 15465F (unsuppressed record), and bring one acceptable ID. The fee is $17.50 in New York or $57.45 at an IdentoGO center outside New York (as of 2/2/2026); out-of-state applicants without a nearby center can use an FD-258 card taken by local police with IdentoGO's Cardscan service. If you cannot pay, request a fee waiver packet from the DCJS Records Review Unit, 80 South Swan St., 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12210. DCJS mails your response in three to four weeks (no in-person pickup); it explains how to challenge inaccurate information.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in New York?
New York uses sealing rather than expungement. Under the Clean Slate Act (CPL 160.57), eligible misdemeanor and felony convictions are sealed automatically after waiting periods. People can also apply to a court to seal up to two convictions after 10 years (CPL 160.59). Other sealing provisions cover cases ending in favor of the accused and convictions for non-criminal violations and traffic infractions (CPL 160.50, 160.55). Sealed records are not destroyed and remain available to the person, law enforcement and certain agencies.
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.