The department’s Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section, Criminal Records Section, and Aided Unit provide different types of records or reports upon request. Some reports are only available online while requests for Certificates of Conduct must be made in person at Police Headquarters in Lower Manhattan. Information about the various types of requests is available below.
FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) requests can be made through the Department’s Legal Bureau.
Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section
All appointments for fingerprinting services must be scheduled online. Walkins are not accepted. After reviewing information listed below to ensure that you have the correct documents to schedule an appointment, please click on the following link https://nypdonline.org/ then click services and click schedule an appointment.
Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. If not, your appointment may have to be rescheduled based on availability. Bring all required identification, documents and payment to the appointment.
All applicants will be fingerprinted and/or photographed to obtain Certificates of Conduct or Non-Criminal Fingerprint Cards.In order to decrease the spread of illnesses, it is suggested that face masks be worn during your visit. Due to limited space, do not bring additional people to your appointment. Translation services can be provided, if necessary. When planning your travel time, include extra time to pass through two (2) security checks.
All Certificates of Conduct will be mailed via United States Postal Service after the completion of processing. Processing and mailing should occur within ten (10) business days.
Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section
The Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section processes applicants for Certificates of Conduct and Non-criminal fingerprints which may be required to obtain certain permits or licenses.
Certificates of Conduct (formerly known as Good Conduct Certificates) requests are criminal history searches/background checks within the five boroughs of New York City. Applicants must schedule an appointment for services. Applicants are fingerprinted and photographed at One Police Headquarters, Room 152-A, Lower Manhattan. Applicants must submit a $50.00 money order or certified check payable to the New York City Police Department. International Money Orders are not accepted. Credit and bank debit cards are also accepted (Debit cards must have a Visa or Master Card logo). Credit or debit card holders must be onsite at the time of payment.
When a Certificate of Conduct or a Non- Criminal Fingerprint card is purchased, additional non-criminal fingerprints can be purchased for $1.00 per card.
Valid photo identification must be provided to obtain services. Processing and mailing normally takes approximately ten working days.
Accepted types of documentation and identification required for obtaining a Certificate of Conduct are listed below. No document photocopies, pictures of documents or laminated documents will be accepted. All documents for services must be intact.
- A United States citizen is required to submit the following documents as proof of citizenship:
- Valid US Passport, or;
- Original U.S. birth certificate ALONG WITH a valid U.S. driver’s license with photo or DMV photo identification card, or IDNYC (New York City identification card) or;
- Voter’s registration card ALONG WITH a valid driver’s license with photo or DMV photo identification card, or IDNYC (New York City identification card) or;
- Certificate of Naturalization
- A non-U.S. citizen is required to submit the following documents when applying for a Certificate of Conduct:
- Valid passport or Alien Registration Card or Employment Authorization Card, or;
- Current letter from the Department of Homeland Security (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) which requests a Certificate of Conduct, local background check or non-criminal fingerprints. The letter should indicate the applicant’s name, address, alien registration number and current status in this country ALONG WITH a valid U.S. driver’s license with photo or Department Motor Vehicle photo identification card (issued in USA), or IDNYC (New York City identification card) or;
- Current letter on letterhead from the applicant’s consulate or an attorney that contains the applicant’s full physical description (height, weight, hair color, eye color, etc.) and date of birth ALONG WITH a valid U.S. driver’s license with photo or Department Motor Vehicle photo identification card (issued in USA) or IDNYC (New York City identification card).
Non-Criminal Fingerprints may be required for certain permits or licenses and can be obtained from the Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section. Background Checks are not included with Non-Criminal Fingerprints. The fee is $25.00 and the applicant must submit a money order or certified check payable to the New York City Police Department. International money orders are not accepted. Credit and bank debit cards are also accepted (debit cards must have a Visa or Master Card logo). Credit or debit card holders must be onsite at the time of payment. Once a Non- Criminal Fingerprint card has been purchased, additional sets of Non-Criminal Fingerprints can be purchased for $1.00 per card.
Accepted types of documentation required for obtaining Non-Criminal Fingerprints are listed below:
- Valid driver’s license with photo or DMV photo identification card (issued in the US) or IDNYC (New York City identification card) or valid Passport or Alien Registration Card or Employment Authorization card or Certificate of Naturalization.
Location and Contact Information
NYPD Certificate of Conduct & Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section
One Police Plaza, Room 152-A (Rear of 1 Centre St.)New York, NY 10038-1497(646) 610-5541
Hours for fingerprinting services 8:00am – 3:00pm Monday-FridayOffice hours are 8:00 am – 4:00pm Monday- Friday
AccessibilityFor persons with disabilities who may need assistance or require reasonable accommodations, please notify staff.
Translation Services
For persons who may need translation services, please notify staff.
Websites That May Be Of Assistance
Background Checks for USA
Identity History Summary Checks www.fbi.gov
NY State of Criminal Justice Record Review www.criminaljustice.ny.gov
Immigration Services
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services www.uscis.gov
Criminal Records Section
The Criminal Records Section stores and maintains reports of crime and lost property, and provides information from these files to members of the public and authorized agencies, as required by law and department rule.
Location and Contact Information
NYPD Criminal Records Section
Verification of Crime/Lost Property/Aided Records
375 Pearl StreetSuite 4, 16th FloorNew York, NY 10038(718) 610-8457
Request a Copy of an Incident
Verification of Incident reports are provided by the Criminal Records Section, which stores and maintains crime and lost property reports and provides information from these files to members of the public and authorized agencies, as required by law and department regulations.
You can request a copy of a Verification of Incident by submitting your request online or by mail. The form is available for download, or can be picked up at any police precinct, Housing Bureau public service area, or Transit Bureau district. Reports can only be returned through the mail and are NOT available at Police Headquarters.
If mailed, you must include two copies of the completed form, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Complainants/victims designating an authorized representative must complete, notarize, and mail the request to the address above.
NYPD/Criminal Records Section375 Pearl StreetSuite 4, 16th FloorNew York, NY 10038
*Please note: Effective Sunday, May 5, 2019, 7:30 AM, there is NO LONGER any fee assoicated with the Verification of Crime/Lost Property report.*
The Criminal Records Section is NOT open to the general public.
Aided Records involve occurrences when a person is injured (not involving a motor vehicle), or becomes sick or lost, and service is rendered by the New York City Police Department. Aided Records can only be obtained through the mail and are NOT available at Police Headquarters. The form can be downloaded here or is also available at any police precinct, Housing Bureau public service area, or Transit Bureau district. Two copies of the form are required along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mail two copies of the completed form, with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
NYPD/Criminal Records Section (Aided Unit)375 Pearl StreetSuite 4, 16th FloorNew York, NY 10038
