Overview
Introduction
The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) provides a New York Statewide criminal history record search (CHRS) for a fee of $65.00. The search criteria is strictly based on an exact match of Name and DOB (variations of Name or DOB are not reported.) The search results are public records relating to open/pending and convictions of criminal cases originating from County/Supreme, City, Town and Village courts of all 62 counties. Sealed records are not disclosed. Town & Village criminal disposition data is limited (see FAQ).
Procedure and related information is as follows:
- Complete the
Criminal
History Record Search (CHRS) Application Form. Indicate name, address.
phone number, and other related information of the person or company submitting the form. - Include the individual’s full name and date of birth you want searched. Applications with unclear or omitted information will be rejected. Each alias and each date of birth is counted as an additional search.
- The results of this process are NOT certified and should not be confused with a "Certificate of Disposition" which can only be issued the court of original jurisdiction.
- Please read the CHRS FAQ for information relating to the accuracy and completeness of the CHRS Report.
- On-line searches are available via our Direct Access program. Go to Direct Access for more information.
PROGRAM FEE
The fee is $65.00 for Statewide search. Please make checks or money orders payable to the N.Y.S. Office of Court Administration. Cash will not be accepted. A $20.00 returned check charge will be imposed on items returned by the bank.
FILING INSTRUCTIONS
Applications may be mailed to, or filed in person weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at:
NYS Office of Court Administration
Office of Administrative Services
Criminal History Record Search
25 Beaver Street - Room 840 - Front Desk
New York, NY 10004
Applications hand delivered are, in most cases, completed within 24 hours.
Applications filed by mail must include a self-addressed postage paid envelope to receive the criminal history search results. Upon receipt these requests are also processed within 24 hours.
PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS
Hand delivered applications for subsequent pick up must include a self-addressed envelope indicating "Hold For Pick-Up." Blank application forms can be picked up at the same address listed above between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
CHRS RESULTS
The results of the search can be picked up, mailed (include a self-addressed stamped envelope) or emailed (include an email address on the application form)
CHRS INQUIRIES
Inquiries regarding criminal disposition data should be directed to OCA's Criminal History Record Search Unit at (212) 428-2943 between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

