A "no records found" response could mean one of the following:
Criminal data is subject to change. The outcome of searches for the same subject can vary over time.
The Criminal History System (CHS) is Minnesota's repository for data on subjects arrested for felony, gross misdemeanor, targeted misdemeanor, and some misdemeanor offenses.
The criminal justice community uses CHS data to inform decisions regarding investigations, arrests, bail/bond, criminal charges, plea bargains, convictions, probation, and placement in correctional facilities. CHS is also used during mandated background checks on individuals seeking employment or licensing for various positions. CHS also contains valuable information for researchers.
The Methamphetamine Offender Registry (MOR) is a subset of subjects in CHS with felony convictions for manufacture or intent to manufacture methamphetamine [Minnesota Statutes §152.0262, subd. 1 and §152.021, subd 2(a)]. The registry is intended for law enforcement and public searches via the Internet.
Minnesota criminal history records contain information on all arrests and convictions. State statutes require all law enforcement agencies in the state to report the following to the BCA:
Other misdemeanor arrests do not have to be reported.
Law enforcement agencies send a copy of each arrest fingerprint electronically to the BCA. The information from each arrest is recorded in the CHS record. Courts and Corrections report information regarding convictions, court dispositions, probation, and custody actions. These are also recorded in CHS.
A criminal history record is only as complete and accurate as the information provided to the BCA by law enforcement, courts, and corrections. If fingerprints are not received for an offense or period of confinement, that information will not be part of a criminal history record.
If the subject of criminal history data believes their information is inaccurate or incomplete, they can follow this process:
If data is correct but still disputed, the subject may go to the source of the document (i.e., the reporting criminal justice agency) to dispute the data.
If you submit a dishonored check, you will be charged $30, plus a civil penalty of $100 or 100% of the value of the check (whichever is greater). (Minnesota Statutes §604.113)
See the Questioned Identity Information Sheet for additional information.
Fingerprints are not required to conduct a criminal record search on this website or at the BCA.
In some instances, the BCA requests fingerprints of the subject of the record to ensure the correct record is provided. Since all CHS data is based on fingerprint identification, fingerprinting is the only method that guarantees a record belongs to a specific person.
The BCA does not maintain records of arrests and convictions that occur in other states. You can contact other state bureaus about their procedures for accessing criminal history records.
Federal records are available for the subject of the record or when mandated or allowed by state statute. For information regarding your own federal criminal history record, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at (304) 625-5590 or https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.
Data on criminal convictions is public for 15 years following the completion of the sentence. Public information includes:
Public information does not include an individual's arrest history.
Juvenile criminal history information is private. It can only be released as described in Minnesota Statutes §299C.095.
Any person can view public records. They are available through this website and on the public computer terminals at the BCA's headquarters.
Private data includes:
Juvenile criminal history can only be released as described in Minnesota Statutes §299C.095.
Private records can only be viewed by:
If accessing private records through informed consent, the BCA requires that you use its Informed Consent Form. You can obtain a sample form here. You can also call the BCA at (651) 793-2400 to request a copy be mailed or faxed to you.
Juvenile criminal history information is private. It can only be released as described in Minnesota Statutes §299C.095.
To request a public criminal history record:
To obtain a full (public and private) criminal history record:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Minnesota Justice Information Services - CHA Unit
1430 Maryland Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55106
Response time for mail requests is approximately two weeks.
If you are requesting your own criminal history for immigration purposes or for use outside of the United States, please indicate that in your request.
If you submit a dishonored check, you will be charged $30, plus a civil penalty of $100 or 100% of the value of the check (whichever is greater). (Minnesota Statutes §604.113)
If you represent a charitable nonprofit organization, the $15 fee referenced above can be reduced to $8. To qualify for this fee reduction, send a copy of your organization's IRS 501(c)3 determination letter to:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Minnesota Justice Information Services - CHA Unit
Attn: Nonprofit Account
1430 Maryland Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55106
Once we receive your letter, we will assign your organization an account number. This indicates that your organization is eligible for the reduced fee. All subsequent criminal history record requests must contain the account number and "Nonprofit Organization" on the consent form.
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mailing Address:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Minnesota Justice Information Services - CHA Unit
1430 Maryland Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55106
The BCA headquarters is located on the southeast corner of Maryland Avenue and Phalen Boulevard in Saint Paul.
Lobby Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Adult-Use Cannabis Act (Minnesota Session Laws – 2023, Chapter 63) was signed into Minnesota law on May 30, 2023, and goes into effect on August 1, 2023. The law eliminates certain cannabis-related offenses and requires automatic expungement of certain prior cannabis-related records from the BCA’s Criminal History System.
Eligible felony level cannabis-related convictions will be reviewed by a Cannabis Expungement Board to determine whether the records meet criteria identified in statute for expungement or resentencing.
Our analysis has identified approximately 58,000 misdemeanor criminal history records as being eligible for expungement.
An additional 230,000 felony records are eligible for review by a Cannabis Expungement Board.
All cannabis-related petty misdemeanor and misdemeanor records qualify for automatic expungement. Additional felony level cannabis records that were dismissed or otherwise resolved in the person’s favor may also qualify. A Cannabis Expungement Board will review felony cannabis-related convictions to determine whether they qualify for expungement.
Automating these expungements in a complex criminal history system requires extensive analysis, as well as technical and programmatic work, and significant testing. The BCA must analyze criminal history records and hire a vendor to help develop technical and programmatic changes to the Criminal History System so that the appropriate records can be expunged automatically.
Under Minnesota Session Laws – 2023, Chapter 63, Article 5, Section 3, Subd. 7(f)(6) , when considering record expungement or resentencing for felony cannabis-related offenses, the Cannabis Review Board will take into account whether there is good cause to restore the person's right to possess firearms and ammunition.
If the Board determines the record should be expunged and there is good cause to restore a person’s right to possess firearms and ammunition, the Board will notify the judicial branch and the court will issue an order pursuant to section 609.165, subdivision 1d.
However, since cannabis use is still considered illegal drug use under federal law, a current user of cannabis remains federally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.