
A certified criminal record check is a thorough process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure a smooth and accurate experience.
First, you'll need to determine which type of check is required for your specific situation. For example, a Vulnerable Sector Check is typically needed for employment in the education or healthcare sector.
Next, you'll need to gather the necessary identification documents, such as a valid government-issued ID and proof of residency. This will ensure that your application is processed efficiently.
You'll also need to decide which level of check is required, such as a Level 1 or Level 2 check. The specific requirements will depend on the organization or industry you're working with.
Types of Checks
There are several types of record checks available from the Kansas Central Repository. You can request a fingerprint-based record check, which is the most accurate way to get a response.
Fingerprint-based record checks are the way to go if you want to ensure you receive an accurate response. If you can obtain your subject's fingerprints on a ten-print fingerprint card, the KBI will process the card and mail the response to you.
You can also request a certified record check if you need it for a visa application, adoption, or other action. This type of check will only include adult convictions in the rap sheet.
If you want to review your own record, you can submit a fingerprint card to the KBI. However, this service is not available online.
Here are the types of record checks available from the Kansas Central Repository:
- Fingerprint-based Record Checks
- Persons Reviewing their Own Record
- Certified Record Checks
Requesting a Background Check
You can request a certified criminal history record through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, but it must be mailed in and responses will be mailed back.
The record check can be name-based or fingerprint-based, and the KBI will certify a record check response for a visa application, adoption, or immigration application. This certification includes a letter response with an original signature and notarized seal.
If you're requesting the record for employment purposes, the employer must initiate the request, as Kansas statutes prohibit employees or prospective employees from obtaining their own records as a condition of employment.
Here are the types of background checks and their associated fees:
Note that the results of a fingerprint-based background check are considered a "positive match" and will provide closed or complete records, while name-based searches are considered a "possible match" and will only include open records.
Background Check
A background check is a thorough investigation into an individual's past. It's usually required for jobs, especially those that involve working with children, the elderly, or sensitive information.
The process typically starts with a request from an employer or organization. They'll send your information to a background check company, which will then begin the investigation.
A background check can include a review of your employment history, education, and any past convictions. This information is usually gathered from public records and databases.
Requesting Your Own
You can request your own background check, but the type of record you can obtain depends on your reason for requesting it. If you want to receive a record check that includes only your adult convictions, you can request your record just as you would request another person's record.
There are three types of record checks you can request: On-Line Record Check, Certified Record Check, and Complete Record Check. For a Complete Record Check, you must mail a letter requesting your record to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and include a Personal Identification fingerprint card with your fingerprints recorded.
The fingerprint card establishes your identity to the Kansas Central Repository, so someone else can't obtain your record by pretending to be you. You must also follow the instructions on the Certified Record Check section for this type of request.
If you're requesting a background check for a visa application, adoption, or immigration, you'll need to follow the instructions on the Certified Record Check section.
Here are the details for each type of record check:
You can request a Personal Identifier Search or Fingerprint Based Search in Missouri, but the associated fees are different. A Personal Identifier Search costs $15.00 per request, while a Fingerprint Based Search costs $20.00 per request, unless you're requesting a conceal-carry weapons permit or foster care placement, in which case it costs $14.00 per request.
The results of a Fingerprint Based Search are considered a "positive match" and will provide closed or complete records for the requesting individual or qualified requesting entity.
What Information Is Released
In Kansas, the general public can obtain adult conviction criminal history information, including court convictions for felonies or misdemeanors, and confinements in Kansas Department of Corrections facilities.
This information can also include court convictions for municipal ordinances or county resolutions that are equivalent to misdemeanors under state statute, as well as records of arrests within the past 12 months when the records of disposition have not yet been received.
A fingerprint-based record check will return the same types of information as a name-based search, but with the added benefit of identifying fingerprints to locate the correct record.
Here are the types of information that can be released through a certified criminal record check:
- Court convictions for felonies or misdemeanors
- Court convictions for municipal ordinances or county resolutions that are equivalent to misdemeanors under state statute
- Confinements in Kansas Department of Corrections facilities
- Records of arrests within the past 12 months when the records of disposition have not yet been received
- Active diversions that have not yet been successfully completed
If your identity has been verified through fingerprints, you can obtain a "rap sheet" with all information contained in your criminal history record, including arrests, prosecutor and court information, and confinements in Kansas Department of Corrections facilities.
Costs and Fees
The cost of a certified criminal record check can vary depending on the type of check you need.
Name-based certified record checks are $40.00, which is a relatively affordable option for many people.
Fingerprint-based certified record checks, on the other hand, are $55.00, which is a bit more expensive.
These fees are current prices, so be sure to check for any updates before proceeding with your application.
Information Excluded and Returned
Arrests that have been disposed of and didn't result in a court conviction are not released to the public. This includes cases where the prosecutor declined to file or the subject was found "not guilty" by the court.
Records of successfully completed diversions are also not made available. This means that even if a person has completed a diversion program, their records won't be released to the public.
Expunged arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and confinements are not disclosed. This includes any records that have been sealed or erased due to a court order or other legal process.
Juvenile offender records are not released to the public. This is a separate category from adult records and is subject to different laws and regulations.
Here's a breakdown of what's not released:
- Arrests that have been disposed of and didn't result in a court conviction
- Successfully completed diversions
- Expunged arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and confinements
- Juvenile offender records
What Information Is Excluded
If you're looking to access criminal history record information, there are certain types of records that are not available to the general public.

Arrests that have been disposed of and didn't result in a court conviction are not released, which means if the prosecutor declined to file or the subject was found "not guilty", you won't be able to access that information.
Successfully completed diversions are also excluded from public records.
Expunged arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and confinements are not available either, which can be a relief for individuals who have had their records cleared.
Records of arrests that occurred 12 months ago or longer, when the records of disposition have not yet been received, are also not released.
Juvenile offender records are typically not made public, which is a good thing for young people who are trying to move forward and leave their past behind.
Return
Information is compiled and maintained by the CJIS Division for use by law enforcement and others.
Criminal history record information is collected by criminal justice agencies on individuals and includes descriptions and notations of arrests, detentions, and formal charges.

Background check requests are available in two forms: a personal identifier or name-based search and a fingerprint search.
A personal identifier or name-based search searches information based on the name, date of birth, and social security number of an individual.
Information is available for non-criminal justice requests, including background check requests.
State and FBI Background Check
A certified criminal record check can be a bit of a process, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown. You can request a certified record check by mailing a request to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the response will be mailed back to you.
The record check can be either name-based or fingerprint-based, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation will certify the response with a letter that includes the original signature of a Kansas Central Repository supervisor and an embossed seal. This certified record check is often required for things like visa applications, adoptions, and immigration.
If you're requesting the record for employment purposes, the employer must initiate the request, not the employee. And if you want to review your own record for personal reasons, you should go to the Reviewing Your Own Criminal History section for instructions.
State and FBI Background Check
The process of obtaining a state and FBI background check can be straightforward, but it's essential to understand the different types of checks available.
A Personal Identifier Search, also known as a name-based search, costs $15.00 per request and provides a "possible match" result that includes only open records.
For a more comprehensive search, a Fingerprint Based Search is available, which requires a completed applicant fingerprint card (FD-258) and costs $20.00 per request, with the exception of certain cases.
The results of a fingerprint-based background check are considered a "positive match" and will provide closed or complete records for the requesting individual or qualified requesting entity.
A notarized response can be requested for an additional $5.00 fee, which can be useful for certain purposes such as visa applications.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for different types of searches:
It's worth noting that payment must be made by check or money order to the "State of Missouri - Criminal Record System Fund."
Out-of-State Request
If you're requesting records from California for a background check, you'll need to follow specific guidelines for out-of-state requests.
To receive certified records, you'll need to submit a subpoena that complies with the Uniform Act to Secure the Attendance of Witnesses from Without a State in Criminal Proceedings, which is outlined in California Penal Code § 1334 et. seq.
This means you'll need to make sure your subpoena meets the requirements of the Uniform Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my criminal record in Delaware?
To check your criminal record in Delaware, visit your local Delaware State Police office to obtain fingerprinting services and request a background check. This is the first step in accessing your criminal history.
Is a police certificate the same as a background check?
No, a police certificate and a background check are not the same, with the former typically focusing on a specific jurisdiction and the latter covering a broader scope. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right type for your needs.
Sources
- https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record-review/cert-copies
- https://cjei.cornell.edu/about-your-record/how-get-your-rap-sheet/state-rap-sheet/florida-how-get-your-rap-sheet
- https://vsp.virginia.gov/services/criminal-background/
- https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/criminalhistory/ConductRecordCheck.html
- https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID/crimRecChk.html
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