⚖️ Free Governmental Background Check Resources

1. FBI – Criminal History Summary Checks

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:

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.