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 third floor of Police Headquarters. Most requests will take approximately 24 hours to be processed.

If you are an applicant who requires a fingerprint and a local record check, you will receive both documents when your fingerprint results are returned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in a minimum of six to eight business weeks. Fingerprinting is available to a limited group; please check with your employer.

Requests by Mail

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

1. Write a letter requesting your police clearance to:

          Metropolitan Police Department
          Arrest and Criminal History Section
          ATTN: Police Clearances
          300 Indiana Avenue NW, Room 1075
          Washington, DC 20001

The letter should include the following information:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth (month, date, year)
• Social Security Number
• Place of Birth
• Race
• Exact Street Address

2. Letter must be notarized by a Notary Public
3. Letter must include a $7 money order (personal checks are not accepted) payable to: DC Treasurer
4. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope
5. Businesses requesting clearances on individuals for employment must have a signed/notarized authorization form from the person to whom the record relates

Please allow three weeks for processing.

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:

• Government Issued Photo ID, such as:
  • 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 cannot get information on juveniles.
• Read over information on your record before leaving service counter.
• Note the name of the clerk who served you.