Pa State Criminal Background Check (2024)

FAQs

How do I check my criminal record in PA? ›

One of the primary means of accessing your criminal history is through ePATCH, which is the online portal to “Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History.” Anyone can run a background check of themselves or a loved one through ePATCH for a fee.

How long does it take to get the clearances? Some of the clearances come back within a few minutes but it could take up to 4 weeks. The online application process depends on several factors but could take an hour or more in total.

​Clearances/Background Checks

The following three background checks are required: Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance. Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check. Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)

Pennsylvania is not one of these states: PA currently has no laws or regulations in place that stipulate a lookback period restriction for criminal history checks. As such, Pennsylvania employers can technically consider felonies or misdemeanors no matter how old the convictions are.

Most public records in Pennsylvania are available online. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania has an online case search tool that allows users to search for court case information for free. The City of Philadelphia and Allegheny County also have their own online case search tools.

The PAeDocket app is available on both the iPhone and iPad. The app allows mobile users to perform quick and easy searches from their devices for publicly accessible cases from magisterial district courts, common pleas courts and appellate courts.

Fees. SP4-164 - $22; Standard record check request. Only this type of request can be notarized. Notary Fee - $5; optional, available for standard record check requests.

Summary offenses typically include minor convictions such as harassment, loitering, or disorderly conduct. Summary offenses are still considered criminal history, so they may show up on a Pennsylvania background check. Candidates should disclose these offenses if asked about criminal history on job applications.

How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record? A misdemeanor does not disappear on its' own but they are eligible for record sealing if 10 years have passed without further misdemeanor or felony convictions. The Clean Slate Law will seal some misdemeanor convictions automatically.

Get a Clearance

Clearances are required for an employee or unpaid volunteer at a minimum of every 60 months from the date of the oldest clearance. Clearances may be required more frequently based on licensure or employer requirements.

What is PA Act 33 clearance? ›

Act 33 - Child Abuse History Clearance

In order to complete the online electronic application, you must first create a Keystone Key account and then submit an application.

If you have completed this specific Pennsylvania fingerprint clearance within the last five years, we will accept that complete clearance document and you do not need to be fingerprinted again – if you are a new hire, you will be required to sign the Penn State Health background disclosure form.

OPM or the hiring agency considers your criminal conduct in determining your suitability but there are no general prohibitions against hiring you.” That being said, obtaining a government position can be more challenging for people with former criminal convictions.

In order to comply with Pennsylvania legislation (ACT 153), your position requires that you secure a new Act 34 Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) every 60 months.

If your loved one is in jail at a local correctional facility, you might be able to view their mugshot online or in person at the jail. To see a mugshot online, you need the inmate's name and the date of their arrest. Mugshots are public records, which means you should receive access to them.

Otherwise, to obtain a copy of your clearance certificate you may log in to your Child Welfare Account and go to the "PA Child Abuse History Clearance Account" screen. Here you may view submitted and / or processed applications.

Find the Agency Open Records Officer

This is the person you should address your request to. Often, the best way to find the AORO's contact information is on the agency's website. If you can't find it there, or the agency doesn't maintain a website, search the Office of Open Records' (OOR) database of AOROs.

Contact the FBI Background Check Unit at 717-783-6211 or 1-877-371-5422.