Free Pa Criminal Background Check
Request a Criminal History Background Check Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Overview Criminal record checks can be requested on yourself, a potential hire, or, if you’re an attorney, your client. Some of the reasons you might need a background check include: - hiring an employee - volunteering - adopting a child (international or domestic) - fostering a child - applying for a visa - accessing and reviewing your records Checks for volunteers are free.
https://www.pa.gov/services/psp/request-a-criminal-history-background-check
Criminal Background Check Department of Human Services Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
How to Submit an Application There are two methods of requesting a Pennsylvania Criminal record: Online Request The Pennsylvania State Police have established a web-based computer application called "Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH)". Results are often received immediately when applied for online.
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/keep-kids-safe/child-abuse-clearances/criminal-background-check
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History - Home
The PATCH unit will no longer mail out any PATCH check that is requested on the EPATCH web site. It will be the responsibility of the requestor to print out the No Record or Record response. PATCH Helpline 1-888-QUERY-PA (1-888-783-7972) All requests for Notarized copies of a Criminal Record Check MUST BE submitted by mail.
https://epatch.pa.gov/
Court case information Public Records Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
Court case information To search and view individual court case information—for free—please go to the UJS web portal. On the web portal you will find: - appellate court case information (Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth); - criminal Common Pleas court case information - magisterial district court case information including: - civil cases - criminal cases - traffic cases - non-traffic cases - landlord/tenant cases Court case information shoul...
https://www.pacourts.us/public-records/court-case-information
Clean Slate - Record Clearing Eligibility in Pennsylvania
Fill out this form to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and ... Community Legal Services of Philadelphia - 2026 | Website designed by TwoG Marketing.
https://clsphila.org/my-clean-slate/Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History PATCH Department of Education Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Required by Act 34 of 1985 and Act 114 of 2006, as amended, for all prospective employees of public schools, private schools and their contractors' employees who will work in direct contact with children. Also required for "student teacher candidates". This is one of three required background checks or clearances.
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/educators/clearances/pennsylvania-access-to-criminal-history-patch
50-State Comparison: Limits on Use of Criminal Record in Employment, Licensing & Housing Collateral Consequences Resource Center
Below are state-by-state summaries, with links to analysis and legal citations. Effective in 2021, federal agencies and contractors may not inquire into an applicant’s criminal history until after a conditional offer has been made. The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission has interpreted Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to bar employers from discriminating against individual based on their criminal history, absent justifying busine...
https://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/50-state-comparisoncomparison-of-criminal-records-in-licensing-and-employment/
Criminal Records - Allegheny County, PA
Find records for all criminal cases filed in Allegheny County.
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Government/Court-Related/Criminal-Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records PACER: Federal Court Records
PACER provides information about accessing and filing federal court records electronically. Find resources for using PACER.
https://pacer.uscourts.gov/
8 Best Background Check Sites of January 2026 Money
We list the best background check sites of January 2026, including TruthFinder, instant Checkmate, Backgrounds Online and Checkr.
https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/
Background Check Procedure Laws in Pennsylvania
Federal law requires federally licensed firearms dealers (but not private sellers) to initiate a background check on the purchaser prior to sale of a firearm. Federal law provides states with the option of serving as a state “point of contact” and conducting their own background checks using state, as well as federal, records and databases, or having the checks performed by the FBI using only the federal National Instant Criminal...
https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/background-check-procedures-in-pennsylvania/
Clean Slate and Expungement Clinics PALawHELP.org - Your Online Guide to Legal Information and Legal Services in Pennsylvania
Below is information on clinics and other events being held in Pennsylvania on the topics of Clean Slate Record Sealing or Expungement of Criminal Records. Click on or tap a listed event for details about the event: Clean Slate Screeneer: Community Legal Services has launched the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options.
https://www.palawhelp.org/resource/clean-slate-and-expungement-clinics
Public Access to Court Electronic Records PACER: Federal Court Records
PACER provides information about accessing and filing federal court records electronically. Find resources for using PACER.
https://pacer.uscourts.gov/
Pennsylvania Everytown Research & Policy
For decades, Pennsylvania has required background checks on all handgun sales, and in 2018, the state enacted a law with strong provisions to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. However, Pennsylvania is still missing several foundational gun laws.
https://everytownresearch.org/rankings/state/pennsylvania/
Part 2: New Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026 - Jil Tracy
In the second part of our series, we highlight new laws that focus on supporting farmers, environmental changes, improving business practices, laws impacting public safety across Illinois and more. Helping Tomorrow’s Farmers Individuals seeking to enter Illinois’s top industry of agriculture and farming will receive valuable assistance through Senate Bill 2372 (P.A.
https://senatorjiltracy.com/2025/12/23/part-2-new-laws-taking-effect-january-1-2026/
Employment Background Checks & Screenings First Advantage
Our complete background check services for employees and volunteers help you minimize risk. Hire confidently with our employment background check solutions.
https://fadv.com/solutions/employment-background-checks/
Background Clearance Info - PIAA
Background Clearance Info BACKGROUND CLEARANCES PIAA is not able to accept clearances for volunteers. Officials must supply PIAA with copies of their background clearances. The Pennsylvania State Police, PA Department of Human Services, and Identogo/PA Department of Education DO NOT supply PIAA with copies of your background clearances.
https://www.piaa.org/officials/become/clearances.aspx