Conduct an Internet search for your state's public records. In addition to property, birth, death, marriage, divorce, law and business records, each state maintains public records on criminal activity, incarcerated inmates, the state's most wanted fugitives and missing children. Visit these online resources and search for information on the person you are investigating. You may also visit your state's Department of Justice in person to conduct a criminal activity search.
Conduct searches of online local city and county police departments for their police records, arrest records and warrant depositions. These are often separate from the state records and are typically the most current records available as they are updated as soon as a crime is reported. You will be asked to identify yourself and the person you are investigating, and will likely be charged a fee.
Visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation's online National Crime Information Center to look for local and federal criminal records. Request a search by providing information including the person's name, date of birth, social security number, maiden name, and place of birth. If possible, provide fingerprints of the person to ensure he is not using someone else's name or identification. The FBI provides guidelines on how to acquire good fingerprint records. You can also visit your local FBI office in person to conduct a search.
Search these and other databases using your own information to see if the records are accurate while making certain you are not the victim of identity theft. When you are traveling out of the country, some countries require you to provide certified evidence that you are not a criminal. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for details about required certified criminal record checks requested by other countries.