Criminal History Checks

1. Can I check to see if I have any criminal arrests or convictions through the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)? Yes. Wyoming statutes contain a provision for a voluntary record check which enables any person to obtain a criminal record check on themselves and provide that record to any person they designate. This procedure requires the submission of a State of Wyoming applicant fingerprint card with a preprinted waiver signature section on the reverse side. In addition, the applicant must also submit a fee which is also set by statute.

2. How much does it cost to check for a Wyoming criminal history? For most applicants, the fee is $15 for the state of Wyoming which includes the Western Identification Network criminal history check. If an FBI criminal history check is performed in addition to the state of Wyoming there is an additional fee of $24.00. For persons who are fingerprinted at the Division of Criminal Investigation, or at a local Wyoming law enforcement agency, they may also be charged $5 for the fingerprinting service.

3. Are there different fingerprint fees charged? While most non-criminal justice applicants are charged $15, fingerprint based criminal record checks for qualified volunteers, those where the applicant volunteers in an organization which provide volunteer services to youth or victims of family violence such as big brothers and big sisters and volunteers in safe houses for victims of family violence, are $10. In addition, applicants may be charged a fee of $5 for the fingerprinting service in Wyoming.

4. Payment should be submitted by money order for the total amount of fees and made payable to the: Office of the Attorney General. Cash (exact change) is accepted on a walk-in basis only, not by mail. No personal checks or credit cards are accepted. Please allow for ample time, as requests are processed on a first come basis.

5. How long does it take? Most Wyoming criminal history record checks are generally completed within 10 business days depending on monthly volume. However, if the results of the record check are required by a certain date, you should submit your fingerprint card with signed waiver and fees at least three weeks in advance.

6. What does the criminal history check consist of? Typically it is a check of criminal arrest and conviction records in the State of Wyoming and the Western Identification Network (WIN). Wyoming is a member of the Western Identification Network (WIN) which includes 7 other states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The history check includes all reported felonies, high misdemeanors and other specified misdemeanors. This does not include municipal ordinance violations. If authorized by state law, the check may include federal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

7. Can I check to see if my employees have a criminal record? Yes, if the employee consents through the submission of the required fingerprint card, signing and notarization of the waiver section, and the required fees.

8. Why do I have to submit a fingerprint card? All non-criminal justice searches for Wyoming criminal history records are based on positive identification through a fingerprint search. The applicants fingerprint images are compared to fingerprint images in the arrest files at the Division. This insures that any record released by the Division positively matches to the applicant fingerprints submitted, regardless of any name contained on the applicant fingerprint card or in the arrest record.

9. Can't they just check for records by name? A fingerprint card is a more accurate means of checking a record. With name changes and fraudulent identity documents widely available, the fingerprint card is the only sure method of checking for records.

10. Where can I be fingerprinted? Applicants can arrange for fingerprinting at a local law enforcement agency or at the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation in Cheyenne, Wyoming. By making an appointment, the Division will fingerprint applicants on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30AM to 11:00AM. Appointments can be made by calling 307-777-7181. Applicants desiring fingerprinting services from a local law enforcement agency should call the agency to determine what days or times they support fingerprinting services. In addition, an applicant must present a current government issued photo identification card, e.g. driver license, state identification card or passport, at the time of fingerprinting.

11. Where can a get a state applicant fingerprint card? Upon request, the Division will provide the fingerprint card with preprinted signature waiver section and an instruction sheet. Many local law enforcement agencies make available the state applicant fingerprint cards.

12. Where does the money for fingerprint checks go? All fees submitted to the Division for a State of Wyoming records check are deposited into the State of Wyoming General Fund.

13. Can I get a criminal arrest or conviction record expunged? Under limited circumstances, a person may petition the court to expunge an adult criminal arrest record. The relevant Wyoming statutes are § 7-13-1401 and § 7-13-1501. Expungement of juvenile arrest records fall under Wyoming statute § 14-6-241. Persons interested in expungement of a state of Wyoming arrest record should consult with legal counsel to determine the eligibility of their record to be expunged.

14. Where can I find more information on Wyoming criminal history records? Please refer to Wyoming state statutes 7-19-101 through 7-19-109. The Wyoming Criminal History Record Act rules and regulations can also be viewed by clicking here: Criminal History Record Act

Revised 012110.