Record Requests
The department's Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section, Criminal Records Section, and Aided Unit provide different types of records or reports upon request. Some reports are only available online while requests for Certificates of Conduct must be made in person at Police Headquarters in Lower Manhattan. Information about the various types of requests is available below.
FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) requests can be made through the Department's Legal Bureau.
Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section
The Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section processes applicants for Certificates of Conduct and takes non-criminal fingerprints, which may be required to obtain certain permits or licenses.
Certificates of Conduct (formerly known as Good Conduct Certificates) requests are criminal history searches within New York City. Individuals must apply in person at One Police Plaza, Room 152-A, Lower Manhattan. Applicants are fingerprinted at Police Headquarters and must submit a $50.00 money order or certified check payable to the New York City Police Department. Credit and debit cards are also accepted (debit cards must have a Visa or Master Card logo). Applicants must also provide valid identification. Processing normally takes approximately ten working days.
Accepted types of documentation required for obtaining a Certificate of Conduct are listed below. No document photocopies will be accepted.
- A United States citizen is required to submit the following documents as proof of citizenship:
- Valid US Passport, or;
- Original U.S. birth certificate AND a valid U.S. driver's license or DMV identification card, or IDNYC (New York City identification card) or;
- Voter's registration card AND a valid driver’s license or DMV identification card, or IDNYC (New York City identification card) or;
- Naturalization certificate.
- A non-U.S. citizen is required to submit the following documents when applying for a Certificate of Conduct:
- Valid passport or Alien Registration Card or Employment Authorization Card, or;
- Current letter from the Department of Homeland Security (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) indicating the applicant's name, address, alien registration number and current status in this country AND a valid U.S. driver's license or DMV identification card (issued in USA) photo identification, or IDNYC (New York City identification card) or;
- Letter from the applicant's consulate or an attorney that contains the applicant's full physical description and date of birth AND valid U.S. driver’s license or DMV identification card (issued in USA) or IDNYC (New York City identification card).
Non-Criminal Fingerprints may be required for certain permits or licenses and can be obtained from the Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section. The fee is $25.00 and the applicant must submit a money order or certified check payable to the New York City Police Department. Credit cards are also accepted. Once a Certificate of Conduct or a Non Criminal Fingerprint card has been purchased, the fee for additional prints is $1.00.
Accepted types of documentation required for obtaining Non-Criminal Fingerprints are listed below:
- Valid driver's license or DMV identification card (issued in the US) or IDNYC (New York City identification card) or valid passport or Alien Registration Card or Employment Authorization card or Naturalization Certificate.
Location and Contact Information
One Police Plaza, Room 152-A
New York, NY 10038-1497
(646) 610-5541
Operates: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Certificates of Conduct that have been processed and are ready for pick up can be obtained until 4:00 PM (closed legal holidays)
Accessibility
For people with disabilities who may need assistance or require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Certificate of Conduct and Non-Criminal Fingerprint Section directly at (646) 610-5541.
Criminal Records Section
The Criminal Records Section stores and maintains reports of crime and lost property, and provides information from these files to members of the public and authorized agencies, as required by law and department rule.
Request a Copy of a Crime/Police Report
Verification of Crime/Lost Property reports are provided by the Criminal Records Section, which stores and maintains crime and lost property reports and provides information from these files to members of the public and authorized agencies, as required by law and department regulations.
You can request a copy of a Verification of Crime/Lost Property report by submitting your requestonline or by mail. The form is available for download, or can be picked up at any police precinct, Housing Bureau public service area, or Transit Bureau district. Reports can only be returned through the mail and are NOT available at Police Headquarters.
The report is free.
If mailed, you must include two copies of the completed form, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Complainants/victims designating an authorized representative must complete, notarize, and mail the request to the address above.
NYPD / Criminal Records Section
One Police Plaza, Room 303
New York, NY 10038
(646) 610-5200
The Criminal Records Section is NOT open to the general public.
Operates: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Telephone inquiries ONLY.
*Please note: Effective Sunday, May 5, 2019, 7:30 AM, there is NO LONGER any fee assoicated with the Verification of Crime/Lost Property report.*
Aided Records involve occurrences when a person is injured (not involving a motor vehicle), or becomes sick or lost, and service is rendered by the New York City Police Department. Aided Records can only be obtained through the mail and are NOT available at Police Headquarters. Theform can be downloaded here or is also available at any police precinct, Housing Bureau public service area, or Transit Bureau district. Two copies of the form are required along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mail two copies of the completed form, with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
NYPD / Criminal Records Section (Aided Unit)
One Police Plaza, Room 303
New York, NY 10038
