Get a background check

As of March 2023, our state criminal history reports, often referred to as “BCIs”, have been updated following some information technology upgrades to our system.

For information regarding what is and is not included in our state criminal history reports, please review our additional information provided below.

There are no changes to the national background checks reports.

Additional Information

FAQs

Please find answers to frequently asked questions below.

Why does my state background check look different?

As of March 2023, our state criminal history reports, often referred to as “BCIs”, have been updated following some information technology upgrades to our system.

Our updated report seeks to clearly communicate what a Rhode Island State background check report does and does not include.

What information is included in the R.I. state background check?

Your R.I. state background check will reflect fingerprint-supported arrests that resulted in a criminal conviction or equivalent or that are pending prosecution at the time of the inquiry. These include both misdemeanors and felonies. These records will include dispositions such as guilty or nolo pleas; guilty verdicts; guilty filings, not guilty filings, and deferred sentences until those dispositions are expunged or sealed by the court.

What information is not included in the R.I. state background check?

Arrests that are not pending prosecution or that did not result in a conviction or equivalent as described above, federal arrests and arrests outside the State of Rhode Island. More specifically, arrests where the grand jury did not indict (also known as a “no true bill”), the Attorney General declined to file an Information (“no information”), an acquittal, or a dismissal will not be reflected in the report. Additionally, where a court has ordered that records be sealed or expunged, those records will not be reflected in the report.

What kind of background check do I need?

Our state background check, often referred to as a “BCI”, is generally sufficient for a variety of purposes such as employment, housing, volunteering, internships, etc. Certain types of employment, or licensure applications require national background checks. See more on those below. If you are a school volunteer, please check the School Volunteer menu option below for more information about the background check procedures that pertain to you.

State background check - Law enforcement purposes

Background checks used for criminal justice, law enforcement, or other specific purposes may require additional information. These inquiries typically involve: the process for expungement of criminal charges, legal name changes, criminal court proceedings, records requested for admission to the practice of law (the bar) (including character and fitness and disciplinary committee requests), enlistment in the armed forces, firearms purchases, or concealed carry permit applications. These checks will also be provided to inquiries from a law enforcement agency, the Courts, and attorneys authorized to receive this information. If you need a state background check for one of these reasons, please advise BCI staff when you make your request.

National background check (Fingerprinting Required)

Certain types of employment and professional licenses require national background checks under Rhode Island law. For a list of jobs that require national background checks, please review the national background check menu option below. The Attorney General’s Office, the Rhode Island State Police, and local police departments are only authorized to perform these national background checks for specific, authorized purposes. National background checks require fingerprinting and will contain information not only about Rhode Island arrests but also about federal arrests and out of state arrests.

If you require a national background check for employment, your employer will provide you with paperwork prior to coming in for a background check. For more information about how to obtain a national background check please refer to the tabs below.

BCI will be able to better assist you with your background check request if you provide us with the reason for your request when you arrive.

Who may request a copy of my state background check?

We will only provide a copy of your state background check to you. We will provide a copy of your state background check to a third party only with a signed and notarized release. These records may not be disseminated, reproduced, or used for purposes other than as authorized by law.

What do I need to obtain a state background check?

You will need a valid state or federal photo identification. A list of acceptable IDs may be found under the state background check menu option below. State background checks cost $5. For acceptable forms of payment please review the payment menu option below. For more information about how to obtain a state background check please refer to the state background check menu option below.

How long is my background check good for?

There is no expiration date on a background check. However, your background check is time and date stamped. It is up to whomever you provide your background check to determine whether they require a more recent report.

Do I need an appointment?

You do not need to make an appointment to obtain a state or national background check. Our customer service center at 4 Howard Ave., Cranston, R.I., is open from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday (excluding RI State holidays).

Fingerprinting stops at 4:00 pm to ensure we can complete the processing.

Are BCI records confidential?

All BCI records are confidential law enforcement documents. However, these records may be released according to state and federal statue for specified purposes.

Can I obtain a Juvenile background check?

The Office of Attorney General of Rhode Island does not have access to Juvenile Records. We can only process background checks for anyone who is 18 years of age or older. If you have any questions regarding juvenile records, please refer to Rhode Island Family Court.

State Background Checks

State background checks are performed using a person’s name and date of birth and will only reflect Rhode Island records. A state background check will not indicate if a person has an out-of-state or federal criminal offense.

In-person background checks

To get a background check in person at AG's Customer Service Center in Cranston, you will need ONE of the following forms of ID. As well as a credit/debit card for the payment of $5.00 (fees apply):

* We do not take appointments; this is a walk-in service only.

Background check by mail

To get a background check by mail from our Office, you will need to mail the following: