Top 20 Trusted National Criminal Database Searches (2025 Update)

Did you know that there are roughly 70 million Americans with a criminal history? National criminal database searching isn’t compliance, though; it’s a smart decision-making process, ensuring safety, and obtaining peace of mind. Here, we’re going to guide you through everything regarding how national criminal database searches work, why you require them, and where the best and most up-to-date databases are found.

What Is a National Criminal Database Search?

National Criminal Database Search compiles criminal records of various jurisdictions within the United States. The search includes arrest reports, convictions, court cases, warrants, imprisonments, and more.

What Makes the Best Criminal Record Search?

The top criminal record search websites are all-encompassing, current, and compliance-regulated such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Websites such as Checkr and GoodHire are the best because they are accurate, convenient, and compliance-regulated.

Are US Criminal Records Public?

Yes, criminal records in the United States are typically public, but access is state and jurisdiction dependent. Some are available only upon request or for a fee, while others are available online for free.

Top 20 Publicly Accessible Criminal Database Searches

Federal Databases

1. FBI Criminal Background Check (FBI.gov): Comprehensive national criminal records accessible primarily through fingerprint submissions.
2. National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) (NSOPW.gov): U.S. Department of Justice managed registry of sex offenders nationwide.
3. PACER (PACER.gov): Access federal court records including criminal cases with detailed court filings.
4. National Crime Information Center (NCIC) (FBI.gov): Comprehensive criminal database available only to law enforcement agencies.

State Databases

1. VINELink (VINELink.com): Track inmate status, custody information, and notifications across various states.
2. State Department of Corrections Websites (e.g., California DOC): Access inmate and criminal record information state-by-state.
3. Local County Court Websites (e.g., Los Angeles County): Direct access to local court records, criminal histories, and case outcomes.

Private Databases

1. Instant Checkmate (InstantCheckmate.com): Offers detailed criminal background, arrest, and court record reports.
2. TruthFinder (TruthFinder.com): Provides thorough criminal records and personal background data.
3. BeenVerified (BeenVerified.com): Access to extensive court, criminal, and arrest records.
4. CheckPeople (CheckPeople.com): Offers straightforward criminal record searches and public court documents.
5. US Search (USSearch.com): Quick searches for criminal history and background details.
6. CriminalWatchDog (CriminalWatchDog.com): Specializes in efficient criminal background searches.
7. GoodHire (GoodHire.com): Highly reputable for professional and FCRA-compliant criminal background checks.
8. Checkr (Checkr.com): Widely trusted by employers for thorough criminal background screenings.
9. PublicRecords360 (PublicRecords360.com): Aggregates criminal and public records from various jurisdictions.
10. CourtListener (CourtListener.com): Free access to millions of federal and state court opinions, dockets, and legal documents. Maintained by the nonprofit Free Law Project, it’s a reliable resource for researching U.S. legal history and tracking criminal cases.
11. BackgroundChecks.org (BackgroundChecks.org): Offers comprehensive reports on criminal records and personal details.
12. PublicData.com (PublicData.com): State and county-level criminal record searches.
13. LexisNexis Accurint (Accurint.com): Professional-level detailed criminal background checks.

Comparative Table of Criminal Databases (by Category)

Final Thoughts: Selecting the Correct Criminal Database Numbers

With all of those national and statewide criminal databases available out there — from government-run sites like PACER and NSOPW to professional services like GoodHire and LexisNexis — it’s never easier to make an informed decision. And with that ease, however, comes accountability.

No matter if you are an employer conducting background checks, a landlord screening a potential tenant, or simply looking for someone’s criminal history, legality and accuracy should always be your concern. Only use credible sources, ensure that you understand where the information is derived from, and that you are following state and federal law (e.g., the FCRA).

If you are dedicated to openness and safety, don’t rely on one source. Utilize a combination of federal, state, and private databases to get the whole story.

And remember — every record represents an actual individual. Use this information ethically, responsibly, with the understanding that data is only one part.

For those also looking to verify U.S. business identities or understand how companies are registered, check out our complete guide to the EIN database — another powerful public data source worth exploring.

Expert Sources and Further Reading

1. The Sentencing Project – Americans with Criminal Records (2022)
2. GoodHire Guide – Comprehensive review of professional-grade background checks.
3. Checkr Resources – Detailed insights on compliant criminal background checks.
4. Collateral Consequences Resource Center – Overview of criminal records in employment and licensing.
5. Reddit Background Check Guide – Community recommendations for background check platforms.
6. Money.com Review – Ranking and detailed comparison of background check services.