Virginia Criminal History Record Check

The Criminal Record Checks section has two methods of obtaining a Virginia criminal history record report. To complete a Virginia criminal record background check, a SP-167 form must be completed. The processing time to complete a Criminal Record background check is approximately 15 business days after mail-in. If you are hiring prospective employees or volunteers who will have access to children, elderly, or individuals with disabilities and want to request a national fingerprint-based background check under the National Child Protection Act, please contact our accounts section to set up a tracking number by emailing: ncjihelp@vsp.virginia.gov.

Virginia Criminal Record Check

**There is no expedited or same-day service. Normal turnaround is 15 business days after we receive your mail.**

Mailing address:
Virginia State Police 
Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE)
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
N. Chesterfield, Virginia 23235

The Virginia Department of State Police is prohibited from disseminating juvenile record information except as provided in VA Code §19.2-389.1. Anyone may use the VA State Police form SP-167 and it requires signature and notarization in Section 1 for yourself/applicant (the person who’s Virginia background check search will be conducted on), however, if you would like another individual or agency to receive your completed background check results, that individual or representative from that agency must sign section 2 and have their signature notarized as well.

There are two methods of obtaining a Virginia criminal history record check. For information regarding national fingerprint-based background checks for those providing care to children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, see the information below.

The SP-167 form below requires notarization. NotaryCam is an available service for those who need access to an online notary for Virginia name search background checks. Access NotaryCam >>>

NotaryCam is not a viable option for those who need fingerprint-based searches.

(1) Criminal History Records Check (SP-167)

Criminal history record dissemination is governed by VA Code §19.2-389.

Download the instructions for the completion of this form.

Create your SP-167 request to be printed for mailing to the Virginia State Police (must mail in one form per request).

Examples of entities/individuals eligible to use this form are:

  • Individuals
  • General Public
  • Private Companies
  • Out-of-state agencies

(2) Criminal History Records Check (SP-230)

NOTE: You MUST be an employer or prospective employer in the state of Virginia to utilize this form.

Criminal history record dissemination submitted on the SP-230 is governed by VA Code § 19.2-389. Pursuant to this section, the following non-criminal justice entities are empowered to receive criminal record name searches using the SP-230 form. This form does not require notarization and will provide the following agencies Virginia conviction data only.

  • Domestic/ International Adoptions & Foster Care Agencies
  • Hospital Pharmacy Employees
  • Adult Home Care Facilities
  • Licensed Homes for Adults
  • District Homes for Adults
  • Adult Day Care Centers
  • Licensed Child Care Centers
  • Unlicensed Child Care Centers
  • Cities/Counties Under a Duly Enacted Ordinance
  • Licensed Assisted Living Facilities

The following agencies are entitled to receive complete criminal record information from CARE as specified by law:

  • Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
  • Specific Volunteer Agencies
  • Foster Care Agencies*
  • Domestic/International Adoption Agencies
  • Gaming Commission
  • Office of Interdepartmental Regulations*
  • State Lottery*
  • Armed & Unarmed Security Guard Companies
  • Court Order/Subpoena
  • Public School Boards*
  • State Corporation Commission
  • State Board of Elections
  • Volunteer Fire & Rescue Depts.
  • VISA/Passports for International Travel
  • Virginia Racing Commission*
  • Depts. Social Services–Mental Health/Retardation Substance Abuse*
  • Dominion Energy

*Statutes provide for submission of fingerprints for a state and federal search of fingerprint files at a cost of $13.75 for the VSP CARE search and $13.25 for search of the Federal Bureau of Investigation file; for a total fee of $27.00. For more information, visit Fingerprinting for Non-Criminal Purposes.

Since these entities are statutorily entitled to criminal name searches, the State Police has developed the Non-criminal Justice Interface (NCJI). This program is explained on the Central Criminal Records Exchange page, and a name search produces electronic responses within 72 hours, or less.

3) National Criminal Background Check For Employees or Volunteers (SP-325)

The National Child Protection Act/Volunteers for Children Act (NCPA/VCA) permits the use of a national fingerprint-based background check for the screening of prospective Virginia employees with access to children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.  You must live and work in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Background Check FAQ

I am a citizen and would like to run a background check on someone. How do I do this?

To complete a Virginia criminal record background check on someone, a SP-167 form must be completed. Each individual must sign and have your signatures notarized. Please click on the following link to take you to the SP-167 form.

I sent my background check a few weeks ago and the check cleared. What is the status of my request?

The processing time to complete a Criminal Record background check is approximately 15 business days after mail-in. If it has passed that time frame and your confirmed payment has been cleared, please email us at Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov. Please include the name and date of birth of the individual being searched, the date you submitted it and whether it was a $15 or $20 background check.

I need a background check for employment/adoption/school/housing. How do I do this?

You must complete an SP-167 form. Please go to vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov, and where you see “form” please choose the correct form (either SP-167 for individual requests or SP-230 for acceptable businesses). After typing in the correct information, click “confirm.” After you confirm all information is correct, click on submit. This will generate the form, which you will need to print. Have your signature notarized under “affidavit for release of information” and agency or individual receiving the results (mail reply to section) must also have signature notarized under “signature of person making request” (SP-167) and mail the form to us with payment. We recommend making a copy for yourself.

I need a background check and I need it quickly. Is there a way to expedite this?

No, there is no same day or expedited service. If you live in the Richmond, Virginia, area, you may drop your form off at Virginia State Police Headquarters at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235. You must show two forms of ID and bring the exact amount for payment, either cash or money order. You may also mail your form in by next day air (at your cost) and include a next day air return envelope (at your cost). Processing credit card payments takes a little longer, so you may want to pay with a money order, certified check or business check.

Can I get my background check in person?

You may complete and drop off your form at the Virginia Department of State Police Headquarters at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235, but your form will not be processed the same day. The processing time to complete a background check is approximately 15 business days. You may choose to put your phone number along with a note on your form for us to call you to pick-up your form when completed.

How long will it take to get my background check?

The usual processing time takes about 15 to 20 business days from time of receipt after mail-in.

Something on my record is incorrect. How do I fix this?

Please contact the arresting agency.

I am in prison and need my criminal history. Can you waive the fee for this?

A fee is charged on all background checks to cover processing costs.

I am overseas and need a criminal history check. How do I do this?

You must complete an SP-167 form. Please go to vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov and, where you see “form,” please choose the SP-167. Choose “VISA” as the purpose (this will ensure you receive a notarized letter along with your background check). Please ensure that you choose the correct address and country code from the dropdown box. After typing in the correct information, click on “confirm.” After you confirm all information is correct, click on “submit.” This will generate the form, which you will need to print. Have your signature and agency signatures notarized (SP-167) and mail the form to us with payment. We recommend making a copy for yourself. If you cannot access a notary, www.notarycam.com provides online notaries.

Can you provide a report for a charge showing up on my criminal history?

No. Please contact the arresting agency. Virginia State Police arrest reports are not releasable to the public.

I cannot find the SP-167 form on your website. Where can I find it?

The following link will take you to the form that must be generated and printed online: vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov

What am I getting when I submit a SP-167 to the state police?

The SP-167 will return a complete Virginia criminal history record.

I need a certified background check to apply for a VISA, how do I obtain this?

You must complete an SP-167 form. Please go to vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov and, where you see “form,” please choose the SP-167. After typing in the correct information, click on “confirm.” After you confirm all information is correct, click on “submit.” This will generate the form, which you will need to print. Have your signature notarized under “affidavit for release of information” and agency or individual receiving the results (mail reply to section) must also have signature notarized under “signature of person making request” and mail the form to us with payment. We recommend making a copy for yourself. A certified letter will be sent along with your completed request.

How can I get a national criminal records check?

Please go to the following link for a national background check through the FBI.

If you are hiring prospective employees or volunteers who will have access to children, elderly, or individuals with disabilities and want to request a national fingerprint-based background check under the National Child Protection Act, please contact our accounts section to set up a tracking number by emailing: ncjihelp@
vsp.virginia.gov
.

I am an employer and need a SP-230 for an applicant. Where is this form located?

Please click on the following link to generate and print the form: vspapps.vsp.virginia.gov. Please make sure you are an approved Virginia agency before submitting the form.

I can’t print my SP-167 form. What do I do?

Clean out your temporary internet files and cookies. Try using a different browser. On a Windows desktop, click on my computer, then downloads and open the downloads file. You should see an Adobe icon for the form if it generated properly.

Still have questions about background checks?

Email: Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov

NOTE: If you have questions about firearms background checks, please email: firearms@vsp.virginia.gov.

NOTE: Virginia State Police employees cannot give legal advice, nor interpret the law for members of the public.  Information within this website is provided for general guidance purposes only and may not apply to all factual situations.  Persons needing legal advice may contact Virginia Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 552-7977 to be referred to a private attorney for a 30-minute consultation for a pre-paid fee of $35.00.