Search Oregon Background Check Records
Oregon background check records are held by the Oregon State Police, the Oregon Judicial Department, and each of the 36 county circuit courts across the state. You can search these records online, by mail, or in person at local courthouses and state offices. A background check in Oregon may include criminal history, court case files, and other public records kept by state and county agencies. This page covers how to find, request, and obtain background check records throughout Oregon.
Oregon Background Check Quick Facts
Oregon State Police Background Check
The Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Services division handles statewide criminal background checks. Their office is at 3565 Trelstad Ave SE in Salem. You can call them at 503-378-3070. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. OSP runs two types of background check searches for the public in Oregon.
An open records request lets you check someone else's criminal history in Oregon. The fee is $33.00 and it is not refundable. This is a name-based search. OSP requires the person's full name, date of birth, and current or last known address. A Social Security number helps but is not required. There is a 14-day waiting period, and OSP notifies the subject that a background check was requested. The results show Oregon convictions and arrests less than one year old that have no dismissal on file. Federal offenses and out-of-state records do not appear in this Oregon background check.
The OSP CJIS Criminal History page has full details on how to submit your request. You can mail it to Oregon State Police CJIS, Attn: Open Records, 3565 Trelstad Ave SE, Salem, OR 97317. Payment goes to Oregon State Police, Unit 11, PO Box 4395, Portland, OR 97208-4395. OSP accepts checks, money orders, and cash if you go in person for your Oregon background check.
You can also request a copy of your own record. The fee is $33.00 plus a $5.00 notary fee if needed. This type of background check in Oregon requires fingerprints on an FD-258 card. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. OSP mails results only to the person who requested them. Fingerprinting costs $30.00 and is available at the Salem office only.
Oregon Court Records for Background Checks
The Oregon Judicial Department manages court records across all 36 circuit courts. Court records are a key part of any background check in Oregon. They show criminal cases, civil filings, and other matters heard by the courts. You can request records through a centralized form that works for every circuit court in the state.
The statewide records request process accepts submissions online, by mail, or in person. The court delivers copies through encrypted email with a 14-day download window. They must respond within 5 business days and complete requests within 60 days. Paper copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $0.25 per page. Exemplified copies run $10.00 plus per-page fees. The first 10 minutes of staff time are free for any Oregon background check court records request.
Note: Court records do not include police reports, vital statistics, marriage licenses, or land deeds in Oregon.
Free Background Check Search in Oregon
Oregon offers a free court records search through the eCLI system. This is the Electronic Court Information portal. It covers all 36 circuit courts, the Tax Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. You can search by case number or by name. Results show case numbers, party names, case type, filing date, and current status. This free tool is useful as a starting point for a background check in Oregon.
The OJCIN subscription service provides deeper access. Setup costs $160, and monthly fees range from $27 to $1,620 based on access level. Each user profile costs $16 extra. OJCIN includes real-time case data, judgment dockets, register of actions, and full case history. Contact ojcin.online@ojd.state.or.us for details. For most people running a basic Oregon background check, the free eCLI search is enough to find case information.
What an Oregon Background Check Shows
A criminal history background check from OSP in Oregon includes the date of arrest, offense charged, arresting agency, court of origin, and disposition. Disposition covers the sentence, parole status, and any revocations or post-conviction activity. These records cover Oregon state offenses only.
Court records add more depth to a background check in Oregon. Circuit courts handle criminal cases, civil disputes, family law matters, probate, small claims, and traffic violations. Under ORS 192.314, every person has the right to inspect public records in Oregon. This includes court files used in background checks. However, ORS 181A.220 makes criminal history records from OSP confidential, with access limited to court orders, OSP rules, and criminal justice agencies.
Some records will not appear in an Oregon background check. Arrests over one year old that ended in dismissal are excluded. Expunged records under ORS 137.225 are sealed from public view. Juvenile records stay confidential. Adoption cases, mental health cases, and VAWA cases are restricted from online searches in Oregon.
Background Check Fees in Oregon
Costs vary by source and method. The state-level background check through OSP costs $33.00. Court record copies start at $0.25 per page. Certified copies from any Oregon court cost $5.00 plus per-page charges. Under ORS 192.324, public bodies must respond to records requests within 5 business days, and fees must reflect actual costs. If a request will cost over $25, the agency must send a written estimate first.
Fee waivers are available for background check requests in Oregon. If the records serve the public interest, you may qualify for reduced or waived fees. The first 30 minutes of research time are free at most agencies. After that, you pay the actual cost of staff time. Attorney review costs may also apply for complex background check requests in Oregon.
Oregon Background Check and Expungement
Oregon law allows certain convictions to be set aside under ORS 137.225. Once a record is expunged, it will not appear in a background check. The person can legally deny the conviction existed. The filing fee for expungement in Oregon is $335.
Most misdemeanors qualify one year after conviction. Most felonies qualify three years after conviction. Dismissed charges and arrests without charges are eligible right away. Sex crimes, crimes against children, most Class A felonies, and certain violent crimes cannot be expunged in Oregon. If a record has been set aside, it will not show up in an Oregon background check from OSP or the courts.
Oregon Public Records Law
The Oregon Public Records Law gives every person the right to inspect public records. This is the legal basis for requesting background check records in Oregon. All public bodies must comply, including courts, police, and state agencies. Under ORS 192.345, some records are conditionally exempt from disclosure. This includes investigatory information, trade secrets, and certain personal data.
Fully exempt records under ORS 192.355 include juvenile records, mental health records, medical records, and attorney-client communications. These will never appear in a public background check in Oregon. If an agency denies your request, they must cite the specific exemption that applies.
Note: Always verify fees and procedures directly with the agency before submitting an Oregon background check request.
Browse Oregon Background Check Records by County
Each county in Oregon has its own circuit court that keeps criminal and civil records. Pick a county below to find local background check resources and contact details for that area.
Background Check Records in Major Oregon Cities
Residents of major cities can access background check records through their local police department or the county circuit court. Pick a city below for local details.