Pa Criminal Records Check Free lets you request your own Pennsylvania criminal history at no cost through official state channels. The Pennsylvania State Police runs the PATCH system, which allows residents to get a copy of their criminal record or a “No Record” letter. You can submit your request online or by mail. Online requests take 10–14 business days. Paper requests take 7–10 business days. Both methods require your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. A government-issued photo ID and notarized signature are needed for mailed forms. If you’re applying for volunteer work, fees may be waived. Always use official state websites to protect your personal information.
How to Request a Free Criminal Record Check in Pennsylvania
There are two main ways to get a free criminal record check in Pennsylvania: online through the PATCH portal or by mailing a paper form. The online method is faster and more secure. Start by visiting the official Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) website. Create a free account using your email. Fill out the electronic form with your full name, birth date, and SSN. Submit the request and wait for processing. You’ll receive an email when your result is ready. Download the PDF labeled “Record” or “No Record.” For mailed requests, download the form from the Pennsylvania State Police site. Print it, fill it out, attach a copy of your ID, sign it in front of a notary, and mail it to 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758. Processing takes one to two weeks. Call 1-888-783-7972 if you have questions.
Official Pennsylvania State Police PATCH Portal
The Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system is managed by the Pennsylvania State Police. This is the only official source for state-level criminal background checks. The online portal, called ePATCH, lets you submit requests electronically. After logging in, enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your ID. Double-check your Social Security Number to avoid delays. Once submitted, your request enters a queue. Most are processed within 10–14 business days. Results appear in your account as a downloadable PDF. No paper copies are mailed. If your record shows charges, it will list the offense, court, date, and final outcome. If nothing appears, you’ll get a “No Record” statement. This document is valid for employment, volunteering, and licensing. Never pay third-party sites that claim to offer faster service—official checks are free and secure.
https://www.psp.pa.gov/Pages/Criminal-History-Background-Check.aspx
Paper-Based Criminal Record Request Process
If you prefer or cannot use the online system, you can request your criminal record by mail. Download the official Criminal Record Check Form from the Pennsylvania State Police website. Print it clearly. Fill in your full legal name, current address, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Sign the form in front of a notary public—this step is required. Mail everything to: Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository, RCPU, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758. Processing takes 7–10 business days after receipt. You’ll receive either a “No Record” letter or a summary of your criminal history. Keep a copy of your mailed envelope as proof of submission. If you don’t receive a response within three weeks, call the helpline at 1-888-783-7972.
Fee Waivers for Public-Interest Requests
Certain applicants may qualify for a fee waiver when requesting criminal records. This applies mainly to academic researchers, journalists, and nonprofit organizations conducting public-interest work. To request a waiver, contact the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository directly. Explain your purpose and provide supporting documents, such as a letter from your institution or proof of nonprofit status. Waivers are reviewed within five business days. If approved, your record is issued at no charge. Note that standard personal requests still require payment unless you’re a volunteer. Volunteers working with children, elderly, or vulnerable populations can often get free checks through their organization. Always confirm eligibility before applying. Misrepresenting your purpose can delay your request or lead to denial.
Accessing Court Records Through the Unified Judicial System
Beyond state police records, Pennsylvania offers free access to court documents through the Unified Judicial System (UJS) portal. This includes docket entries, motions, judgments, and case summaries from trial and appellate courts. Anyone can search by party name, case number, or filing date. Results show real-time updates. You can download PDFs of official filings. The system also provides statistics like case volume per county and average resolution times. This is useful for legal research, background checks, or personal verification. Unlike PATCH, which only shows convictions, UJS records may include dismissed charges or pending cases. Always cross-check both sources for a complete picture. The UJS portal is free and does not require registration.
https://www.pacourts.us/public-records
ePATCH: Electronic Delivery of Criminal History Results
The ePATCH system now delivers all results electronically. Once your request is processed, log into your account to download the PDF. No physical copies are sent by mail. This change speeds up delivery and reduces errors. The document will clearly state “Record” or “No Record.” If it says “Record,” it lists each charge with details like court location, offense date, and final disposition. Save this file securely—it’s your official record. If you lose access to your account, call the PATCH helpline at 1-888-783-7972. Staff can verify your identity and help restore access. Never share your login credentials. The ePATCH site is managed by Commissioner Robert Evanchick and is the only authorized digital platform for Pennsylvania criminal history checks.
http://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp
County-Level Criminal Records and Third-Party Services
Some counties in Pennsylvania maintain local criminal databases. These may include arrests not yet processed at the state level. However, only the Pennsylvania State Police can issue official criminal history reports. Third-party sites like CountyOffice.com list vendors that compile public data. While some offer free searches, most charge for detailed reports. Be cautious—many are not affiliated with the government. Always verify information through official sources. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law ensures public access to records, but fees and processing times vary. For accurate, legal-grade results, stick to PATCH or UJS. Avoid sites that ask for payment upfront or promise instant results.
Volunteer Background Checks and Exemptions
Volunteers in Pennsylvania may be eligible for free background checks. Organizations working with children, seniors, or people with disabilities can request fee-exempt screenings. The Department of Human Services provides guidance on this process. Volunteers must submit a completed waiver form along with their request. Processing is usually faster—within five business days. This applies only to roles involving direct service. Personal checks for non-volunteer purposes still require standard fees. Always confirm with your organization before applying. Misuse of volunteer exemptions can result in penalties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting Records
Many people delay their requests by making simple errors. Always use your full legal name—not nicknames or shortened versions. Enter your Social Security Number correctly; even one wrong digit causes rejection. For mailed forms, ensure your signature is notarized. Missing notarization is the top reason for denial. Double-check your mailing address so results reach you. Avoid third-party sites that charge for what the state offers free. Never submit sensitive information over unsecured websites. If your request is denied, call the helpline immediately. Keep copies of all submissions for your records.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Pennsylvania Criminal Record?
Online requests through ePATCH take 10–14 business days. Mailed forms take 7–10 business days after the Central Repository receives them. Holidays and weekends are not counted. Processing may slow during peak periods, such as school hiring seasons. If you haven’t received your result within three weeks, contact the PATCH helpline. Have your confirmation number ready. Delays can happen if your name matches another person’s record. In such cases, additional verification is required. This may include fingerprints or extra ID documents. Respond quickly to avoid further holdups.
What Information Is Included in a Pennsylvania Criminal Record?
A Pennsylvania criminal record shows convictions, not arrests or charges that were dropped. It lists the offense, court name, date of conviction, and sentence. Misdemeanors and felonies are included. Juvenile records are sealed and not part of public checks. Expunged records do not appear. If you have no convictions, you’ll receive a “No Record” statement. This document is accepted by employers, licensing boards, and volunteer organizations. It does not include civil cases, traffic tickets, or federal crimes. For those, use the UJS portal or federal databases.
Can Someone Else Request My Criminal Record?
No. Only you can request your own criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police. Third parties, including employers, must use authorized channels like the Department of Human Services for employment screenings. They cannot access your full record without your consent. If an organization needs your background check, they will guide you through the proper process. Never give your login details to others. Sharing access violates state policy and may compromise your data.
How to Correct Errors on Your Criminal Record
If your record contains mistakes, contact the Pennsylvania State Police immediately. Errors may include wrong names, incorrect charges, or outdated dispositions. You’ll need to submit a challenge form with supporting evidence, such as court dismissal papers or proof of expungement. Processing can take several weeks. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the error affects your job or housing, explain the urgency. The Central Repository will review and correct verified mistakes. Do not rely on third-party sites to fix errors—only the state can update official records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about free criminal record checks in Pennsylvania. Each answer provides clear, actionable guidance based on current state policies and procedures.
Can I get a free criminal record check in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can request your own criminal record for free through the official PATCH system. The Pennsylvania State Police does not charge for personal background checks. You must submit a request online or by mail with your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and a notarized signature if mailing. Processing takes 7–14 business days. Third-party sites may charge fees, but the state offers this service at no cost. Volunteers may also qualify for fee waivers. Always use official state portals to ensure accuracy and security.
How long does it take to receive my criminal record from Pennsylvania?
Online requests via ePATCH take 10–14 business days. Mailed forms take 7–10 business days after receipt by the Central Repository. Weekends and holidays are not included. Delays can occur if your information matches another person’s record, requiring extra verification. If you don’t receive your result within three weeks, call the PATCH helpline at 1-888-783-7972. Have your confirmation number ready. Processing times are consistent year-round, but peak periods like school hiring seasons may cause slight delays.
What documents do I need to request a criminal record check?
For online requests, you need your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. For mailed requests, you must also provide a copy of a government-issued photo ID and a notarized signature. The form must be sent to 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758. Without notarization, your request will be rejected. Keep a copy of your submission for tracking. If applying for a fee waiver, include proof of public-interest purpose, such as a letter from your institution.
Can I check someone else’s criminal record for free?
No. Only the individual named on the record can request their own criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police. Employers and organizations must use authorized channels with proper consent. Third-party searches through commercial sites are not official and may be inaccurate. The state protects privacy by limiting access to personal records. If you need background information for safety reasons, consult local law enforcement or legal counsel.
What if my criminal record has a mistake?
If your record contains errors, contact the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository immediately. Submit a correction request with evidence, such as court dismissal documents or expungement orders. Processing can take several weeks. Keep copies of all communications. Only the state can amend official records—third-party sites cannot make changes. If the error affects employment or housing, explain the urgency in your request.
Are juvenile records included in Pennsylvania criminal checks?
No. Juvenile records are sealed by law and do not appear in standard criminal background checks. Only adult convictions are reported. Expunged records are also removed. If you were charged as a minor, those details remain private. This protects rehabilitation and future opportunities. Always confirm with the PATCH system for the most accurate, up-to-date information.
Where can I find court case details not on my criminal record?
Use the Unified Judicial System (UJS) portal at pacourts.us. It provides free access to docket entries, motions, and judgments from Pennsylvania courts. You can search by name, case number, or date. This includes dismissed charges or pending cases not shown on state police records. Download PDFs of official filings. The UJS is ideal for comprehensive legal research or personal verification.
Official Contact Information:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
Phone: 1-888-783-7972
Website: https://www.psp.pa.gov/Pages/Criminal-History-Background-Check.aspx
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM EST
