How to Obtain a Criminal History Record
There are two methods of requesting a Criminal Record.
1. Online Request
The Pennsylvania State Police has also established a web-based computer application called “Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History,” (PATCH) Using this system, a requestor can apply for a criminal background check on an individual. Eighty-five percent of the time, “No Record” certificates are returned immediately through the Internet to the requestor.
Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) Web Site
2. Submitting a Request Form
**********************************************NOTICE*************************************************
On July 17th 2013 the process for obtaining a notarized copy of Criminal History Record Check and an Access and Review will change. All requests for a notarized copy must be MAILED IN and a $5.00 notary fee is being added. A notarized copy will cost $15.00, $10.00 for the Criminal History Record Request and $5.00 for the notary fee. All requests for an Access and Review will require a photo copy of a valid government issued ID bearing a current address.
Criminal History Request Form - SP4-164
This response is based on a comparison of data provided by the requester in Part I of the form against the information contained in the files of the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository only, and does not preclude the existence of criminal records which might be contained in the repositories of other local, state, or federal criminal justice agencies.
Download the Criminal History Request Form - SP4-164 (Updated 7-1-2009)
One Copy is to be submitted with a money order or certified check for the amount of $10.00 payable to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. After completion mail to:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository - 164
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
For assistance call the PATCH Help Line toll-free at 1-888-QUERY-PA (1-888-783-7972).
Addtional Information:
Other Related Information:
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
This form is distributed and proccessed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
It may be downloaded here.
If you have questions about the form please contact the Department of Welfare at (717) 783-6211.
