Police Clearances (Arrest and Criminal History Section)

The Arrest and Criminal History Section provides police clearances to the general public for many of the following needs: employment, licensing, adoption, apartment rental, hackers (taxicabs), or overseas travel.

At least 95 percent of the people served at our public service counters are seeking a police clearance. If you have an arrest record, your wait may be somewhat longer than others.

To get a clearance, you will need to complete a PD Form 70 (Criminal History Request) for a record check. This form is available when you visit the Arrest and Criminal History Section, on the first floor of Police Headquarters. Most requests will take approximately 24 hours to be processed.Arrest and Criminal History Section

Address: Henry J. Daly Building
                 MPDC Headquarters
                 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 1075
                 Washington, DC 20001
                (202) 727-4245

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 am - 5 pm

Fee: $7 (cash or money orders only, payable to DC Treasurer; no credit cards or personal checks)

What's Needed
To make a request, you will need one of the following:

• Driver's License
• Non-Driver ID
• Original Birth Certificate AND Social Security Card

Things to Remember:  

• You must be 18 years of age to retrieve a police clearance.
• You can ONLY get information about yourself.
• Read over information on your record before leaving service counter.
• Note the name of the clerk who served you.

To Request a Local Background Check by Mail

Persons living outside of the District, or who are otherwise unable to come to the office in person, may do the following:

Write a NOTARIZED letter requesting a background check to:

Metropolitan Police Department
Corporate Support Bureau
Criminal History Section
300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 5138
Washington, DC 20001

The letter must include the following information:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Self-addressed Stamped Envelope
• $7 Money Order payable to the DC Treasurer (Checks Not Accepted)

Letter must be notarized by a Notary Public prior to mailing.  Please allow six weeks for processing from the date the request is made. For more information or additional assistance, contact (202) 727-4245.