Virginia State Police - CJIS Criminal Record Checks

Criminal Record Check

NOTE: There is no expedited or same-day service.

There are two methods of obtaining a Virginia criminal history record check. This will entail Virginia conviction data only. To receive Virginia arrest/charge data, a fingerprint card must accompany form SP-167. Listed below are the two required forms:

(1) Criminal History Records Check (SP-167)

Click here to create your SP-167 request to be printed for mailing to the Virginia State Police (must mail in one form per request).
Criminal history record dissemination is governed by Section 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia.

Requests for criminal record searches must be executed by the submission of a signed and notarized “Criminal Record Name Search” form SP-167. The instructions for the completion of this form are included with the document. This form can be viewed, downloaded and/or printed by visiting the Virginia State Police Forms page.

Examples of entities/individuals eligible to use this form are:

Individuals

General Public

Private Companies

(2) Criminal History Records Check (SP-230)

NOTE: You MUST be an approved Virginia agency.

Criminal history record dissemination submitted on the SP-230 is governed by Section 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia. Pursuant to this section, the following non-criminal justice entities are empowered to receive criminal record name searches using the SP-230 form. This form does not require notarization.

Domestic/ International Adoptions & Foster Care Agencies

Hospital Pharmacy Employees

Adult Home Care Facilities

Licensed Homes for Adults

District Homes for Adults

Adult Day Care Centers

Licensed Child Care Centers

Unlicensed Child Care Centers

Cities/Counties Under a Duly Enacted Ordinance

The following agencies are entitled to receive complete criminal record information from CCRE as specified by law:

Alcoholic Beverage Control Board

Specific Volunteer Agencies

Foster Care Agencies*

Domestic/International Adoption Agencies

Gaming Commission

Office of Interdepartmental Regulations*

State Lottery*

Armed & Unarmed Security Guard Companies

Court Order/Subpoena

Public School Boards*

State Corporation Commission

State Board of Elections

Volunteer Fire & Rescue Depts.

VISA/Passports for International Travel

Virginia Racing Commission*

Depts. Social Services-Mental Health/Retardation Substance Abuse*

Virginia Power

*Statutes provide for submission of fingerprints for state and federal search of fingerprint files at a cost of $13.75 for CCRE search and $13.25 for search of Federal Bureau of Investigation file; total $27.00 fee. Click here for information on how to obtain fingerprints for non-criminal purposes.

Since these entities are statutorily entitled to criminal name searches, the State Police has developed the Non-criminal Justice Interface (NCJI). This program is explained on the Central Criminal Records Exchange page, and a name search produces electronic responses within 72 hours, or less.

Please e-mail specific questions to: Criminal Record Check or call 804-674-2131.

BACKGROUND CHECK FAQ

I am a citizen and would like to run a background check on someone. How do I do this?
To complete a Virginia criminal record background check on someone, a SP-167 form must be completed. Each individual must sign and have your signatures notarized. Please click on the following link to take you to the SP-167 form. https://vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov/catspublic/public/publicHome.html

I sent my background check a few weeks ago and the check cleared. What is the status of my request?
The processing time to complete a Criminal Record background check is approximately 15 business days after mail-in. If it has passed that time frame and your confirmed payment has been cleared, please email us at Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov. Please include the name and date of birth of the individual being searched, the date you submitted it and whether it was a $15 or $20 background check.

I need a background check for employment/adoption/school/housing. How do I do this?
You must complete an SP-167 form. Please go to https://vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov/catspublic/public/publicHome.html, and where you see "form" please choose the correct form (either SP-167 for individual requests or SP-230 for acceptable businesses). After typing in the correct information, click "confirm." After you confirm all information is correct, click on submit. This will generate the form, which you will need to print. Have your signature notarized under "affidavit for release of information" and agency or individual receiving the results (mail reply to section) must also have signature notarized under "signature of person making request" (SP-167) and mail the form to us with payment. We recommend making a copy for yourself.
I need a background check and I need it quickly. Is there a way to expedite this?
No, there is no same day or expedited service. If you live in the Richmond, Virginia, area, you may drop your form off at Virginia State Police Headquarters at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235. You must show two forms of ID and bring the exact amount for payment, either cash or money order. You may also mail your form in by next day air (at your cost) and include a next day air return envelope (at your cost). Processing credit card payments takes a little longer, so you may want to pay with a money order, certified check or business check.

Can I get my background check in person?
You may complete and drop off your form at the Virginia Department of State Police Headquarters at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235, but your form will not be processed the same day. The processing time to complete a background check is approximately 15 business days. You may choose to put your phone number along with a note on your form for us to call you to pick-up your form when completed.

How long will it take to get my background check?
The usual processing time takes about 15 to 20 business days from time of receipt after mail-in.

Something on my record is incorrect. How do I fix this?
Please contact the arresting agency.

I am in prison and need my criminal history. Can you waive the fee for this?
A fee is charged on all background checks to cover processing costs.

I am overseas and need a criminal history check. How do I do this?
You must complete an SP-167 form. Please go to the https://vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov/catspublic/public/publicHome.html and, where you see "form," please choose the SP-167. Choose "VISA" as the purpose (this will ensure you receive a notarized letter along with you background check). After typing in the correct information, click on "confirm." After you confirm all information is correct, click on "submit." This will generate the form, which you will need to print. Have your signature and agency signatures notarized (SP-167) and mail the form to us with payment. We recommend making a copy for yourself. If you cannot access a notary, www.notarycam.com provides online notaries.

Can you provide a report for a charge showing up on my criminal history?
No. Please contact the arresting agency. Virginia State Police arrest reports are not releasable to the public.

I cannot find the SP-167 form on your web site. Where can I find it?
The following link will take you to the form that must be generated and printed online: https://vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov/catspublic/public/publicHome.html

What am I getting when I submit a SP-167 to the state police?
The SP-167 runs a background check on Virginia Convictions only.

I need a certified background check to apply for a VISA, how do I obtain this?
You must complete an SP-167 form. Please go to https://vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov/catspublic/public/publicHome.html and, where you see "form," please choose the SP-167. After typing in the correct information, click on "confirm." After you confirm all information is correct, click on "submit." This will generate the form, which you will need to print. Have your signature notarized under "affidavit for release of information" and agency or individual receiving the results (mail reply to section) must also have signature notarized under "signature of person making request" and mail the form to us with payment. We recommend making a copy for yourself. A certified letter will be sent along with your completed request.

How can I get a national criminal records check?
Please go to the following link for a national background check through the FBI: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.

If you are a private party and want to request a national background check under the national Child Protection Act, please contact our accounts section to set up a tracking number by emailing ncjihelp@vsp.virginia.gov.

I am an employer and need a SP-230 for an applicant. Where is this form located?
Please click on the following link to generate and print the form: https://vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov/catspublic/public/publicHome.html. Please make sure you are an approved Virginia agency before submitting the form.

I can’t print my SP-167 form. What do I do?
Clean out your temporary internet files and cookies. Try using a different browser. On a Windows desktop, click on my computer, then downloads and open the downloads file. You should see an Adobe icon for the form if it generated properly.

Still have questions? Please email Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov.

If you have questions about firearms background checks, please email firearms@vsp.virginia.gov.