How to Search Criminal Records Nationwide (Start Here)
There is no single nationwide criminal records database available to the public. Criminal records are maintained at the county, state, and federal level in separate systems.
What this page covers: Federal criminal case searches (PACER), FBI resources, and the national sex offender registry. What it does not cover: State and county criminal records (those are on each state and county page).
Where to start: For federal criminal cases, use PACER. For sex offenders nationwide, use NSOPW at nsopw.gov. For state records, go to the specific state page.
Common mistake: Commercial "nationwide background check" services are not official records. Use official government sources.
Blocked and Specially Designated Nationals | OFAC
Visit → Official Free
United States Department of the Treasury Specially Designated Nationals List and List of Sanctioned Countries.
District Court Records | PACER
Visit → Official Free
Search this database for all available United States Federal District PACER criminal court records at once. Requires PACER registration.
ICE Immigration Detainee Locator
Visit → Official Free
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee search.
Inmates | Federal Bureau of Prisons
Visit → Official Free
Search for Federal Bureau of Prisons inmates by name, register number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number.
Interstate Offenders | ICOTS
Visit → Official Free
Use the Interstate Compact Offender Tracking System (ICOTS) to search for supervised offenders who have transferred supervision to another state.
Sex Offenders Nationwide
Visit → Official Free
United States Department of Justice National Offender Public Registry nationwide search for registered offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a national criminal records database? ▼
Not for the public. The FBI's NCIC is law enforcement only. The public must search state-by-state or use PACER for federal cases.
What is the NSOPW? ▼
The National Sex Offender Public Website (nsopw.gov) searches sex offender registries across all 50 states from a single search.
Are arrest records the same as conviction records? ▼
No. An arrest does not mean conviction. Many states restrict access to arrest records without conviction.
Other Federal Databases
Last reviewed:
BBB A+ Rated