Criminal Background Checks

​​​​​​​​​​ image of criminal background check formT​he Wisconsin Department of Justice (Wisconsin DOJ) maintains the state’s central repository for Criminal History Record Information (CHRI), which is composed of demographic data, arrest and charge information, and final disposition reports. This information is stored in the state's Centralized Criminal History (CCH) database. 

Public access to criminal history record information is provided through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). Anyone may pay a fee to request adult criminal history record information through WORCS. A request for criminal history record information is sometimes informally referred to as a criminal background check. 

Public Access to Criminal History Record Information

Anyone can access and obtain adult criminal history record information (criminal background check) after paying the required fee. 

Before requesting criminal history record information, please review the following resources​​:

Request a Crim​inal Bac​kground Check

About the Centralized Criminal History Database 

The CCH database, managed by the Wisconsin DOJ Crime Information Bureau (CIB), contains detailed information about arrests, prosecutions, court findings, sentences, DNA registrations, and Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) notic​es such as admissions and releases data. All information in this database is based on the submission of arrest fingerprint cards by law enforcement agencies. Fingerprint-supported records can be used to confirm whether a criminal record in the file belongs to a particular individual. Arrests without supporting fingerprints or related dispositions are not included in the criminal history database.

Wisconsin law enforcement agencies are required to submit arrest fingerprint cards per ​Wis.Stat.§165.84(1)​ for offenses designated in Wis.Stat.§165.83(2)(a)​. The Wisconsin DOJ is also required to accept any other arrest fingerprint cards taken by law enforcement agencies for offenses other than those listed in Wis. Stat.§165.83(2)(a). Criminal history information may be obtained from other sources, such as courts or the DOC.

These fingerprint-supported records confirm whether a criminal record belongs to a specific person. Any arrest or disposition with supporting fingerprints is submitted to the Wisconsin DOJ to be included on the record.

​​Forms and Materials

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Single subject criminal history request form DJ-LE-250 (PDF)

Use this form to submit a criminal background check request for one individual.

Multiple subject criminal history request form DJ-LE-250A (PDF)

​Use this form to submit criminal background check requests for more than one individual.

Non-criminal justice agency agreement for auhtorized fingerprint-based results (PDF)

Required to authorize non-criminal justice agency access to fingerprint-based background check.

Qualified entity application under the National Child Protection or Volunteers for Children Act (PDF)

Use this application to request authorization to conduct fingerprint-based background checks under the National Child Protection Act and Volunteers for Children Act.

FBI CJIS supply requisition form (external website, new tab)

Use the external Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal justice information services (CJIS) system to order fingerprint cards and related supplies for authorized criminal justice agencies.

Non-criminal justice agency security awareness training (PDF)

Required training for agencies that have employees, volunteers or contractors with access to FBI criminal history record information.

Fingerprint record removal request form DJ-LE-250B (PDF)

Use this form to request removal of an arrest fingerprint record when eligibility requirements are met. Includes instructions.

Wisconsin criminal history record challenge form DJ-LE-247 (PDF)

Use this form to challenge or request correction of information in a Wisconsin criminal history record.

Privacy Act statement and signature page for fingerprint submissions (PDF)
Required FBI disclosure explaining how fingerprint and application information may be used and retained. Includes signature page.
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Fingerprint-based background check waiver agreement and statement (PDF)

Required to authorize an employer, licensing body, or volunteer organization to request a fingerprint-based search of the FBI’s Next Generation Identification database.​​