The UCIA or Uniform Conviction Information Act makes criminal records that have received convictions available to the public. The records are preserved and collected by the Illinois State Police or ISP and are made available to the community. The criminal records can serve as a background check on any individual to check their personal arrest records or to check on another person\'s history. Currently the ISP provides two ways to obtain criminal records – fingerprint or non-fingerprint. To request for criminal records, the person requesting should use the forms provided by the ISP as each form has its own unique processing control number.
For those who use the \"non-fingerprint conviction information request form\", the ISP will search the database based on the identification provided by the person requesting the information and thus may affect the results of the search. Processing fee for non-fingerprint costs $16; for checks not drawn in US banks, the cost is $30. On the other hand, for those who want a more accurate research, they might want to request for a fingerprint conviction report. The report will search the ISP fingerprint database criminal records. The payment costs about $20 for each record request and $50 is charged for checks not drawn from a US bank. All payments must be made payable through checks or money order and addressed to the ISP.
The ISP accepts multiple requests and a single payment made through the options mentioned above are allowed; however, each request must include only one name. A person\'s maiden name is considered as a separate request. Before submitting the request form, it is pertinent that one should check the details submitted as the ISP will not process incomplete request forms and the fee is non-refundable.
In case those who request background checks on themselves find some inconsistencies with their records, they might request to view and challenge their records with the local enforcement agency. The agency will then process a fingerprint-based inquiry and would send the details to the person within 60 days. The person can view their file in the agency themselves and make corrections if necessary. There are no fees being charged by the ISP; however, the law enforcement agency might charge the person to cover the cost of the fingerprint.
For those who want to obtain their criminal record from the FBI, they can do so by sending a request copy directly to the FBI. The cover should include an introduction of the person, contact info, a copy of their fingerprints as well as payment of $18. Payments can be made through credit card, money order and check. Processing can take between one to two months upon receipt.
Another easier way to get a background check on oneself or another person is by visiting the local police department or the county clerk office. The police department contains arrest records for public use whereas case records with conviction are available from the Court clerk. For those who want a faster and convenient way to obtain records, they can research through public search portals available online. These sites provide access to vital records as well as public records for free or for a minimal fee.
