Getting a Copy of Your Wisconsin Criminal Record
Which Wisconsin agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The Wisconsin Department of Justice keeps adult criminal history records, and anyone may pay a fee to request them online through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) at recordcheck.doj.wi.gov. Wisconsin DOJ, Criminal Background Check Resources; Wis. Stat. 165.82
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The Wisconsin Department of Justice keeps adult criminal history records, and anyone may pay a fee to request them online through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) at recordcheck.doj.wi.gov. By statute, each non-fingerprint record check costs $7, plus a $5 surcharge if you want a paper copy of the results. DOJ also publishes resources on reading a criminal record and challenging a criminal history record. Fees: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/165/82 |
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| What relief the state offers | Wisconsin's adult expungement is narrow. The sentencing judge must decide at the time of sentencing whether the record will be expunged once the sentence is completed. It is available only for people under 25 at the time of the offense, and only for crimes with a maximum prison term of 6 years or less. Expungement clears the court record. Arrest records held by the Department of Justice are removed through a separate request when a person was released without charges or cleared in court. Juvenile court records can be expunged by petition. Pardons from the Governor do not seal records. |
Where to get help in Wisconsin
More Wisconsin expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Wisconsin
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Wisconsin
- How to File for Expungement in Wisconsin
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Wisconsin
- All Wisconsin expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Justice keeps adult criminal history records, and anyone may pay a fee to request them online through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) at recordcheck.doj.wi.gov. By statute, each non-fingerprint record check costs $7, plus a $5 surcharge if you want a paper copy of the results. DOJ also publishes resources on reading a criminal record and challenging a criminal history record.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's adult expungement is narrow. The sentencing judge must decide at the time of sentencing whether the record will be expunged once the sentence is completed. It is available only for people under 25 at the time of the offense, and only for crimes with a maximum prison term of 6 years or less. Expungement clears the court record. Arrest records held by the Department of Justice are removed through a separate request when a person was released without charges or cleared in court. Juvenile court records can be expunged by petition. Pardons from the Governor do not seal 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.