Heros_Subpage_TrooperPatch_1920x225px

Central State Repository

Under A.R.S. § 41-1750, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Central State Repository Section serves as the Central State Repository (CSR) for all Arizona criminal records. This statute requires all Arizona criminal justice agencies to report arrest and disposition information to the CSR. Copies of criminal records are restricted to authorized individuals/agencies.

Instructions

Employment Background Checks for Authorized Agencies:

Arizona state law does not allow the Central State Repository to perform a criminal history records check for private citizens, private employers, or agencies outside of the state of Arizona for the purposes of employment, immigration, obtaining a visa, or foreign adoptions. If you would like to receive a letter stating that Arizona cannot share records for these reasons, please go to https://psp.azdps.gov/criminal-history-csrs/backgroundlettersformTriage and print this letter. If a private citizen would like to review and/or challenge their criminal history record, they may do so by downloading the 'Record Review Packet' at the bottom of this page or go to https://psp.azdps.gov/account/login to begin a record review online. 

Noncriminal Justice agencies within the state of Arizona who are authorized under A.R.S. § 41-1750(G) and Public Law 92-544 to receive official criminal history records information from the Central State Repository may apply for the Noncriminal Justice (NCJ) Compliance Program, which conducts fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history background checks for authorized agencies. Agencies submitting applicant fingerprints must have an FBI-approved city, town, or county ordinance, tribal resolution, executive order, or state statute mandating the criminal history records check. For more information about the NCJ Compliance Program, please visit their webpage at https://www.azdps.gov/services/governmental-services/noncriminal-justice-compliance-ncj-program.

A.R.S. § 41-1750(G) does not provide the Arizona Department of Public Safety the statutory authority to process applicant fingerprints and release Arizona state criminal history record information to private companies for employment purposes, with the exception of non-profit organizations pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1750(G)23.

Fingerprint Clearance Card: If you have been told by an employer or agency that you need a fingerprint clearance card in order to work for a company/agency, contact the Applicant Clearance Card Team at (602) 223-2279.

Clearance Letter: Arizona law does not permit the Central State Repository to do a criminal history record check or provide a clearance letter for immigration, obtaining a visa, or foreign adoption. If you need a notarized copy of this statement, please visit https://psp.azdps.gov/criminal-history-csrs/backgroundlettersformTriage to print this letter.

National Check / Clearance: A national check or clearance can be obtained by contacting the FBI:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Special Correspondence Unit
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
(304) 625-5590

Local Clearance: If you need a local clearance, you should contact your local law enforcement agency.

Record Reviews: Individuals wishing to review their Arizona criminal record must complete a Record Review Packet. 

Record Review Packet

The subject of a criminal record may review the information contained in the record for the sole purpose of reviewing the accuracy and completeness of the record. To review the record, the subject may begin the process by going to https://psp.azdps.gov/account/login or by contacting the Central State Repository Section at (602) 223-2000, selecting Option #2 (Records and Reports), and then Option #3 (Statewide Criminal Records).

  • The Record Review Packet contains the following items:
    • Instructions 
    • Blank Applicant fingerprint card
    • Contact Information Sheet
    • Pre-addressed return envelope

A response, including a copy of any existing criminal record information, will be mailed to the requester within 15 days of receipt of the completed Record Review Packet. No personal information regarding the requester's identity or address will be included in the response.

Forms
  • Download and print the Record Review Packet Instructions 
  • Download and print the fingerprint card and take it to a law enforcement agency to be fingerprinted. The agency may prefer to use a fingerprint card on standard stock. You may use the fingerprint card provided by the printing agency as long as it is the FBI blue standard applicant fingerprint card and all information identified in the instructions, including the agency and official taking the fingerprints, has been entered on the fingerprint card. 
  • Download and print the Contact Information Sheet 
  • Download and print the Record Review Packet Checklist
  • Download FAQ for any questions