⚖️ Free Governmental Background Check Resources

1. FBI – Criminal History Summary Checks

• Link: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
• Overview: Request your own criminal history summary (also called Identity History Summary).
• Usage: Individuals can check their criminal records at the federal level.

2. National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)

• Link: https://www.nsopw.gov/
• Overview: Search for registered sex offenders nationwide.
• Usage: Free, official information on sex offender registry in all U.S. states.

3. State-Level Criminal Records & Background Checks

Many states provide online access for residents to request or view their own criminal records. Here are examples:

• California – DOJ Record Review
  https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record-review
• Texas – Public Criminal History Information
  https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/crime-records
• Florida – Criminal History Records
  https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records

Tip: Every state has its own portal — search "[state name] criminal records background check site" to get the official governmental source.

4. PACER – Federal Court Records

• Link: https://pacer.uscourts.gov/
• Overview: Public Access to Court Electronic Records for federal cases.
• Usage: Access civil, criminal, and bankruptcy cases from U.S. federal courts.

5. Office of Inspector General (OIG) – Excluded Individuals/Entities

• Link: https://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/
• Overview: Lists individuals and entities excluded from federal health programs.
• Usage: Verify whether someone is barred from participating in government health programs.

6. Department of Justice – National Sex Offender Public Website

• Link: https://www.nsopw.gov/
• Overview: Federally maintained sex offender registry.
• Usage: Search by name, location, or ZIP code to find registered offenders nationwide.