Search Colorado Criminal Records
Colorado criminal records are public documents maintained by state and local agencies across all 64 counties. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation serves as the central repository for criminal history information. Citizens can access these records through online portals, in-person requests, or by mail. Understanding how to find these documents helps individuals stay informed about public safety matters. The state provides multiple pathways to obtain arrest records, court case files, and other criminal justice documents.
Colorado Criminal Records Quick Facts
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Records
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) maintains the state's official criminal history repository. Established in 1967, the CBI provides investigative and forensic services along with comprehensive criminal justice data management. More than 330 CBI members support local, county, and state agencies across Colorado. The agency responds to requests from law enforcement, district attorneys, and other state organizations. Citizens can also request their own criminal history records directly from the CBI.
The Biometric Identification and Records Unit (BIRU) manages all fingerprint-based criminal history records in Colorado. This unit maintains the Multimodal Biometric Identification System (MBIS) for fingerprint identification. It also operates the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC), which stores all fingerprint-based Colorado Criminal History Record Information (CHRI). These systems work together to provide accurate identification and record keeping statewide.
Visit the CBI homepage to learn more about their services and mission.
The CBI's online portal provides instant access to criminal history information. This service allows users to obtain name-based background checks from any computing device. Results are available immediately upon completing the search and payment process.
Internet Criminal History Check System
The Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) system offers instant access to Colorado criminal records. Users can obtain name-based background checks directly from the CBI website. Each search costs six dollars and provides immediate results. The system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This makes it one of the fastest ways to check criminal history in Colorado.
Most Colorado criminal history information is accessible through ICHC. However, certain records remain restricted from public view. Juvenile arrests for individuals seventeen and younger are not included unless the juvenile was adjudicated as an adult. Traffic arrests for individuals fifteen and younger are also excluded. Arrests sealed by court order do not appear in public searches. Only currently registered sex offenders are noted on the CHRI results.
Access the ICHC portal to begin your search.
Keep in mind that common names may return multiple results. Users should verify identity using dates of birth and other identifying information. The ICHC search cannot be notarized. Users needing notarized copies must request records through the traditional CHRI process.
Criminal Record Fees and Request Forms
Understanding the fee structure helps users choose the right service for their needs. The ICHC name-based search costs six dollars per query. This is the most affordable option for basic criminal history checks. For a notarized Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) document, the fee is thirteen dollars. Fingerprint-based checks range from sixteen dollars and fifty cents to nineteen dollars and fifty cents for state-only searches. Combined CBI and FBI fingerprint checks cost between thirty-eight dollars and fifty cents to thirty-nine dollars and fifty cents.
The CBI accepts multiple payment methods for record requests. Credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. Pre-printed business checks are valid for six months from the date of issuance. Cash payments are accepted in person, though denominations larger than twenty dollars are not accepted. Credit card transactions over the phone are not available. All credit card authorization forms require a handwritten signature.
Find current fees and forms information on the CBI website.
Mail payments to the Biometric Identification and Records Unit at 690 Kipling Street, Suite 4000, Lakewood, Colorado 80215. Make checks payable to "Colorado Bureau of Investigation" or "CBI". Forms can be emailed to cdps.cbi.biru.dis@state.co.us for processing.
Colorado Sex Offender Registry Search
The Colorado Sex Offender Registry helps citizens locate information about registered offenders. The CBI has managed this registry since July first, 2002. The system operates on the Colorado Crime Information Center computer system for law enforcement. It also maintains a public website for citizen access. This information is shared with the National Sex Offender Registry for broader coverage.
The public website does not list all convicted sex offenders in Colorado. It excludes misdemeanor sex offenses and juvenile adjudications. The registry includes sexually violent predators, adults with multiple felony convictions, and adults convicted of felony sex offenses. Users can search by name, location, or view the one hundred most wanted sex offenders list. Map search functionality helps identify registrants in specific areas.
Search the Colorado Sex Offender Registry for public information.
Using registry information to harass or intimidate offenders is prohibited by law. Violators may face criminal charges. Contact the SOR unit at (303) 239-4222 or email CDPS.CBI.SOR@STATE.CO.US for questions. The tip line for reporting non-registering offenders is (303) 239-5732.
The Sex Offender Registration Unit provides detailed information about registration requirements. Adults must register until a Colorado court releases them from this requirement. SVP addresses are verified quarterly. Other registrants are verified annually.
Colorado Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Colorado Department of Corrections maintains an online offender search system. This tool allows users to locate current and former inmates in state facilities. Searches can be conducted using name or offender identification number. The system includes Parole Board information for eligible offenders. This resource helps families, victims, and legal representatives track inmate status.
Victims of violent crimes have special notification rights under Colorado law. C.R.S. 24-4.1-301 and C.R.S. 24-4.1-302 establish these victim rights. Notifications include current location, transfers to community corrections, parole hearings, and releases. Victims must enroll in the notification program to receive updates. Notification is not automatic and requires active registration.
Access the DOC Inmate Locator to search for offenders.
The victim notification program requires current contact information. Victims must notify the Department of Corrections of address or telephone changes. Enrollment is confirmed only upon receiving an acknowledgement letter. This ensures victims receive timely updates about offender status changes.
Colorado Court Docket and Case Records
Colorado courts maintain public dockets for criminal cases statewide. The court docket search system provides access to trial courts by county and district. Users can also find Court of Appeals and Supreme Court records. Water Court records are available through the same portal. This system complements law enforcement records with judicial documentation.
The Colorado State Courts Data Access program includes Denver District Court records. Denver County Court records require separate searches through the city and county court system. The database contains court data only, not law enforcement records. Users should understand these limitations when conducting comprehensive searches. Court records show case progress, hearings, and dispositions.
Search Colorado court dockets for case information.
Each judicial district operates Self-Help or Court Resource Centers. These centers help people navigate the court system for non-criminal matters. Staff can direct users to appropriate forms and resources. They cannot provide legal advice or advocacy. Forms are available for criminal cases, record sealing, protection orders, and appeals.
Background Check Services in Colorado
The Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) program expands access to fingerprinting services. Created through 2017 legislation, CABS serves more than seventy professions requiring licensing. Two approved vendors operate statewide: IdentoGO and Colorado Fingerprinting. These vendors maintain fixed and mobile sites across Colorado. Prints are submitted directly to the CBI for processing.
Results are delivered securely through the CBI's Secure Document Delivery System. This ensures sensitive information reaches authorized agencies only. Standard fingerprint-based checks cost thirty-nine dollars and fifty cents for Colorado and nationwide searches. Additional vendor service fees apply based on location and services. Applicants have thirty days from letter generation to request reprints for lost or stolen documents.
Learn about records and background checks through the CBI.
Certain professions require background checks under Colorado law. These include school employees, emergency medical responders, and motor vehicle dealers. Each profession has specific statutory requirements for background screening. The CBI website lists applicable statutes for each license type. Employers should verify current requirements before initiating background checks.
Questions about fingerprinting should be directed to the appropriate CABS vendor. IdentoGO and Colorado Fingerprinting handle all applicant inquiries. The CBI does not process questions about the fingerprinting appointment itself.
Colorado Public Records Laws for Criminal Information
Two main statutes govern access to criminal records in Colorado. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) applies specifically to criminal justice records. This law is found at C.R.S. 24-72-301 through 24-72-309. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) governs general public records access at C.R.S. 24-72-200.1 through 24-72-206. CORA requests for criminal justice records are treated as CCJRA requests.
The CCJRA provides more limited access than CORA. Courts have construed the CCJRA to favor less broad disclosure. Records of official action must be open for inspection. These include arrests, indictments, dispositions, and probation decisions. Other criminal justice records are released at the custodian's discretion. Requestors must sign statements affirming records will not be used for direct solicitation of business for financial gain.
Review CORA and CCJRA information from the Colorado Attorney General.
View the CCJRA statutes on Justia for complete legal text.
Records sealing is governed by C.R.S. 24-72-701 through 24-72-710. Eligible individuals may petition to seal certain arrest and conviction records. Class 4, 5, and 6 non-violent felonies may be eligible. Some drug felonies and misdemeanors qualify for sealing. The filing fee is sixty-five dollars, which may be waived for indigent petitioners. Class 1, 2, and 3 felonies, sexual offenses, DUI convictions, and violent crimes are not eligible for sealing.
Learn about record sealing statutes for detailed eligibility requirements.
Browse Colorado Criminal Records by County
Each of Colorado's 64 counties maintains local criminal records through sheriff's offices and courts. Select a county below to find local resources and contact information for obtaining records in that area.
Criminal Records in Major Colorado Cities
Colorado's major cities provide local access to criminal records through police departments and municipal courts. Select a city below to learn about local record resources.