Official Government Sources
District of Columbia Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official District of Columbia government websites.
General Records
Washington DC Criminal Background Check
Get criminal history clearance background check.
The Criminal Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia
local criminal matters including felony, misdemeanor, District of Columbia code violations and criminal traffic cases.
Washington DC Most Wanted
Current posting of fugitives and absconders from the DC Metropolitan Police Department.
Washington DC Sex Offenders
Search the DC Metropolitan Police Dept. database of registered offenders by name or location.
Department of Corrections Inmate Information
Washington DC Inmates
2000 14th Street Northwest 7th floor Washington, DC 20009
(202) 673-7316
District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department
Police reports, complaints, firearms registration and more.
United States Capitol Police
Criminal investigations, traffic enforcement and more.
District of Columbia Attorney General
Civil, criminal and appellate courts.
United States Pentagon Police
Threat management, anti-terrorism, physical security and more.
Washington DC Property Records
Obtain property tax info by contacting the DC Office of Tax and Revenue.
Search for a License
Health Professional Licensing Administration.
Business License Verification
check to see if some types of businesses have valid licenses -- by address, name or entire list.
Washington DC Business & Corporation Search
Business licenses, corporate registrations, certified business enterprise and alcoholic beverage license search.
Washington DC Unclaimed Property
Search property and claim status by individual name or business through the DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
Washington DC Bankruptcy Records Search
Conduct a bankruptcy search through public records to find individual or corporate bankruptcy filings.
Washington DC Court Records
Direct access to Distric of Columbia courts online; from district and county to Supreme courts.
Washington DC Case Search
Online case search system, document images, judgments and liens.
District of Columbia UCC Searches
Search the District of Columbia Uniform Commercial Code database and LLC search.
District of Columbia Judgment Forms
Judicial court forms.
District of Columbia Vital Records
Request copies of birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates from the Colorado Department of Public Health.
District of Columbia Genealogy Records
Browse state archives, historical records, and online databases, search Washington DC census records to find info about
Washington DC Death Records
Public resource for requesting death records.
Washington DC Lawyer Lookup
Look up an attorney's licensing and information from DC courts.
Washington DC Permits, Licenses and Certifications
District of Columbia permits, licenses and certifications services and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
About District of Columbia Public Records
What is included in a District of Columbia background check?
A comprehensive background check in the District of Columbia typically includes a search of criminal records, driving records, credit history, drug testing, education and employment verification, and references. Additionally, a Department of Justice-approved criminal history check may also be necessary. District of Columbia background checks are governed by the District of Columbia Public Records Law. The District of Columbia State Police processes fingerprint-based checks (used for employment and licensing) and name-based checks (for tenant screening and general use). Fee waivers are available for certain volunteer and nonprofit purposes. Visit the District of Columbia State Police website or contact their office in District of Columbia, DI for request forms and current processing times.
Where can I find police reports in District of Columbia?
You can find police reports in the District of Columbia through the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department's Open Data Portal. The portal includes access to crime and police incident reports, as well as links to their administrative data. Police report requests in District of Columbia are processed under the District of Columbia Open Records Law. Requesters must provide the incident date, location, and the names of parties involved. The District of Columbia State Police administers state trooper report requests from its records office in District of Columbia, DI. For local reports, contact the municipality or county where the incident occurred. Most agencies respond within 10 business days; certified copies are available for court use.
What are the procedures to obtain District of Columbia vital records, and what is included in those records with address, not URLs?
To obtain District of Columbia vital records, you must apply to the Office of Vital Records. Records that can be obtained include official birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. You must have a valid photo ID with proof of a notarized signature in order to pick up the records in person.
To apply online or to request a record by mail, you will need to complete and submit the District of Columbia Vital Records Application Form. This form is available on the Department of Health's website. The form must be notarized and include a copy of the applicant's valid identification. Acceptable documentation includes a driver's license, state issued ID, or passport.
When applying for a record, you must provide the full name and date of birth of the individual whose record is being requested, as well as the full names of both the applicant and the individual whose record is being requested. You should also provide any other information that may be relevant, such as the date and place of birth, death, marriage, or divorce.
To apply online or to request a record by mail, you will need to complete and submit the District of Columbia Vital Records Application Form. This form is available on the Department of Health's website. The form must be notarized and include a copy of the applicant's valid identification. Acceptable documentation includes a driver's license, state issued ID, or passport.
When applying for a record, you must provide the full name and date of birth of the individual whose record is being requested, as well as the full names of both the applicant and the individual whose record is being requested. You should also provide any other information that may be relevant, such as the date and place of birth, death, marriage, or divorce.
What is the school district and performance data for District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is the public school system in Washington, D.C. The DCPS operates 119 schools and learning centers, including 105 elementary, middle and high schools and 14 special education centers. The DCPS has earned a graduation rate of 68.2% to date and a passing rate of 63.1% on proficiency tests. On the 2017-18 School Quality Report Card, DCPS received an overall score of 78.4 out of 100, the highest rating in the District's history.
What is the crime statistics for District of Columbia?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports for 2019, the District of Columbia reported 46,386 total crime incidents, including 565 homicide offenses, 4,512 rape offenses, 4,803 robbery offenses, 6,872 aggravated assault offenses, 11,897 burglary offenses, 10,818 larceny-theft offenses, and 7,632 motor vehicle theft offenses. Crime data for District of Columbia is collected under the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and reported annually to the FBI. The District of Columbia State Police coordinates data collection from local law enforcement agencies across all counties and municipalities in District of Columbia. Full statistical breakdowns - including arrest data, clearance rates, and hate-crime incidents - are publicly available through the District of Columbia State Police's annual crime report published each year for the prior calendar year.
If I get arrested in District of Columbia where would I go to jail and court? include address.
If you are arrested in the District of Columbia, you would typically be taken to the Central Cellblock. Any Criminal Court proceedings would take place in the D.C. Superior Court. Upon arrest in District of Columbia, the individual is transported to the county jail or designated detention facility for booking. Booking involves recording personal information, photographing, and fingerprinting. The District of Columbia Open Records Law makes most booking information - including charges, bail, and arrest date - accessible to the public. The District of Columbia court system handles arraignments, bail hearings, and subsequent proceedings. Contact the District of Columbia District of Columbia Attorney General at District of Columbia, DI for rights information.
Can I find Public records in District of Columbia State Library?
Yes, the District of Columbia Library system offers access to public records in many of its locations. You can access physical public records (e.g., marriage, divorce, wills, probates, land records) at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, the Washingtoniana Division in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, and the Petworth Neighborhood Library. You can also access digital public records through the District of Columbia Library's online resources.
Where is the District of Columbia State Library located?
The District of Columbia Library is located at 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC. In addition to its main location, the District of Columbia State Library coordinates resources and services for public libraries statewide. Patrons can access LexisNexis, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, and PACER court records indexes through the library. Under the District of Columbia Open Records Law, government documents are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Reference librarians in District of Columbia, DI can assist with inter-library loans, records requests, and genealogical research inquiries.
District of Columbia State fingerprinting office
The District of Columbia police department (MPD) operates a fingerprinting office located at 300 Indiana Ave, NW, Room 3056, Washington, DC 20001. Hours of operation are 8:30-3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Appointments are not required. For more information, please call 202-727-4233. In addition to District of Columbia State Police facilities in District of Columbia, many county sheriff offices and city police departments in District of Columbia offer walk-in or appointment fingerprinting. LiveScan electronic fingerprinting is accepted for most District of Columbia licensing boards, courts, and employment agencies. The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number must be provided by the requesting agency. Fees typically range from $5 to $50 depending on purpose. Results are sent directly to the requester's agency, not to the applicant.