Obtaining my own background check for my own use

You may request a criminal history record background check on yourself in person or by mail. 

• If you are making an in-person request, you will fill out a form at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Office hours are weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., excluding holidays.
• If you are planning to mail in your request, complete the Mail-In Personal Request Consent Form, sign it in the presence of a notary, and mail it and the required fee to the BCA at the address below.

If you need a background check for employment purposes, contact your employer for their background check form.

Obtaining a background check on another person 

To request a private criminal history record background check on another person, you will need the notarized consent of the person (data subject). Complete and submit the General Informed Consent Form and provide it and the required fee to the BCA either in person or through the mail. 

To access public criminal history records on another person go to the Minnesota Public Criminal History website.

Where do I submit a background check request?

Requests for background checks may be made by mail or in person:

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
CHA Unit
1430 Maryland Ave. E.
St. Paul, MN 55106

Reading a RAP sheet

Watch this video or read this document for a high-level overview of the information you will receive from a Minnesota criminal history background check.

What if I see my name on someone else’s record?

If you believe your name has been used by another person in their interactions with a criminal justice agency, you may want to view Questioned Identity Information for the steps you can take.

Accessing your own records sealed by the Adult Use Cannabis Act or Clean Slate Act

If your criminal history record was impacted by the Adult Use Cannabis Act or the Clean Slate Act you may request your complete criminal history record, which will include sealed offenses. To request your criminal history record, complete this form and submit it and the required fee to the BCA at the address provided above. Requests may be submitted by mail or in person.  

If making the request in person you must show a current, government-issued photo ID. If mailing the request, the form must be signed in the presence of a notary public.  Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.