Getting a Copy of Your Pennsylvania Criminal Record
Which Pennsylvania agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) let you see your own Pennsylvania criminal history record through an "Access and Review" request on form SP 4-170. Pennsylvania State Police, Request a Criminal History Background Check
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) let you see your own Pennsylvania criminal history record through an "Access and Review" request on form SP 4-170. The fee is $20, the request can only be made by mail, and the result can't be notarized. PSP checks cover Pennsylvania law enforcement records only, not federal records. (PSP's online PATCH system, $22, is used for criminal history checks on individuals, not Access and Review.) |
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| What relief the state offers | Pennsylvania has two kinds of relief. "Expungement" removes criminal history record information. "Limited access" seals a record from most noncriminal-justice users, such as employers and landlords, but criminal justice agencies can still see it. Limited access can come from a court petition or automatically under the "Clean Slate" law. Pardons from the Governor, on the Board of Pardons' recommendation, lead to expungement. |
Where to get help in Pennsylvania
More Pennsylvania expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Pennsylvania
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Pennsylvania
- How to File for Expungement in Pennsylvania
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) let you see your own Pennsylvania criminal history record through an "Access and Review" request on form SP 4-170. The fee is $20, the request can only be made by mail, and the result can't be notarized. PSP checks cover Pennsylvania law enforcement records only, not federal records. (PSP's online PATCH system, $22, is used for criminal history checks on individuals, not Access and Review.)
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has two kinds of relief. "Expungement" removes criminal history record information. "Limited access" seals a record from most noncriminal-justice users, such as employers and landlords, but criminal justice agencies can still see it. Limited access can come from a court petition or automatically under the "Clean Slate" law. Pardons from the Governor, on the Board of Pardons' recommendation, lead to expungement.
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.