Requesting Your Own FBI Criminal Record
An FBI Identification Record, often referred to as a "criminal history record" or "rap sheet," is a list of information taken from times you were fingerprinted in connection with arrests, federal employment, naturalization or military service.

You can request a copy of this report about yourself. But it must be for the following reasons: personal review (or for proof that one does not exist on you), to challenge the information, you want to do an international adoption and to satisfy a requirement to live and work in a foreign country.

Here is how to request a copy of your criminal record, courtesy of the FBI:

1. Complete a cover letter. There is a form you can fill out on the FBI Web site at www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm If it's for a couple or family, every person must sign it. Include your complete mailing address. And if you have a deadline, include it in the cover letter and on the outside of the mailing envelope.
2. Obtain proof of identity. This means you need a set of fingerprints (on a standard fingerprint form commonly used by applicant and law enforcement purposes, not a copy) with your name and date and place of birth. You will need rolled impressions of all 10 fingerprints and impressions of all 10 fingerprints taken simultaneously. If possible, have your fingerprints taken by a fingerprint technician (call your local police to find out if this service is available near you). Previously processed fingerprint cards will not be accepted.
3. Include $18 United States dollars (per person) in the form of a money order or certified check made payable to the Treasury of the United States. Or pay by credit card. A completed credit card payment form can be found at the above link. No personal checks or cash are accepted.
4. Mail everything to: FBI CJIS Division -- Record Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306. If any of the above items are missing, your request will be mailed back to you.