Tucson Background Check Records
Tucson background check services are offered through the Tucson Police Department Records Section. As Arizona's second largest city, Tucson handles a large number of record requests each year. The police department provides arrest history letters, clearance letters, and fingerprinting by appointment. Pima County also serves Tucson residents through the sheriff's office for county-level records. Whether you need a check for licensing, a visa, or personal use, the city has options to help you get what you need.
Tucson Quick Facts
Tucson Police Background Check Services
The Tucson Police Department provides several background check services. You can get arrest history letters, clearance letters, and fingerprinting. The Records Section is at 270 S Stone Ave in downtown Tucson. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: 520-791-4462. Email: tpdpublicrecords@tucsonaz.gov.
Arrest history letters show arrests made by Tucson Police. Clearance letters state that no arrests were found in Tucson records. Both cost $5.00 for three copies. These letters only cover Tucson Police records. They do not include county, state, or federal records. For a full background check, you may also need records from Pima County and Arizona DPS.
The Tucson Police public records page explains how to request police records and reports.
You can find forms, fees, and contact details on that page. The site has info on what records you can get and how to ask for them.
For paper report copies, the fee is $5.00 per report. Digital copies on CD or DVD cost $25.00. Video records run $44.00 per video-hour. These fees apply to all Tucson Police records. Crime victims may get their first report free under Arizona law.
Tucson Fingerprinting Services
Fingerprinting in Tucson is by appointment only. You cannot walk in for prints. The service is at the Patrick K. Hardesty Midtown Multi-Service Center. The address is 1100 S Alvernon Way. Call 520-791-4697 to set up a time. You can also book online through SignUpGenius.
The Tucson Police fingerprinting page has details on how to schedule an appointment.
The page lists hours, what to bring, and how to pay for your prints.
Each fingerprint card costs $10.00. If you were cited and released, prints are free. Bring your own fingerprint card or buy one there. Most licensing boards and agencies will tell you what type of card they need. Make sure you have the right one before your visit. The process takes about 15 minutes once you are called.
Note: Tucson Police prints are ink-rolled, not Live Scan. For electronic prints needed for state clearance cards, use a Fieldprint location instead.
Tucson Arrest History and Clearance Letters
Arrest history and clearance letters serve different needs. Both are issued by Tucson Police. The fee is the same: $5.00 for three copies.
An arrest history letter lists arrests on file with Tucson Police. This does not mean convictions. It shows when police made an arrest. A clearance letter says that no arrests were found. People use clearance letters for licensing, various purposes, and immigration paperwork. The letter only covers Tucson records. It does not include the county or state.
The arrest history and clearance letter request page explains the process.
The page shows what documents you need and how to submit your request in person or by mail.
To request a letter, bring valid photo ID to the Records Section. You can also mail a request with a copy of your ID and payment. Processing takes a few business days. Rush service may not be available. Plan ahead if you have a deadline. The staff can tell you how long it will take when you call.
Pima County Background Records
Tucson sits in Pima County. The Pima County Sheriff's Department handles records for unincorporated areas. If an incident happened outside city limits, you may need to contact the sheriff instead. The Records Maintenance Unit is at 1650 E. Benson Hwy, Suite C, Tucson, AZ 85714-1758. Phone: (520) 351-4650.
The sheriff's office provides clearance letters for $5.00. They also offer VISA and immigration letters for international travel. Background clearance is based on PCSD records from the past 10 years. These records cover the sheriff's jurisdiction only, not Tucson city incidents.
For court records in Tucson, contact the Pima County Clerk of Superior Court. Their main office is at 110 West Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701-1317. Phone: (520) 724-3200. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $30.00. You can search case records online through the Agave public access portal.
The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court handles misdemeanor cases. Their case search tool lets you look up justice court records online for free.
Arizona State Background Check Resources
For a full background check, you may need state-level records. Local checks only cover what happened in that area. State checks pull from all Arizona agencies.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety runs the Fingerprint Clearance Card program. This card shows you passed a state and federal background check. Many positions in Arizona require it. Teachers, healthcare workers, and childcare staff often need one. Apply through the DPS Public Services Portal. The fee is $67.00 for a standard card. The card is good for six years.
DPS does not take fingerprints at their office. You must use a Fieldprint location or law enforcement agency. Tucson Police provides ink prints, not electronic. For Fieldprint, check for locations near Tucson on their website. Electronic prints are needed for the clearance card process.
The Central State Repository at DPS maintains all Arizona criminal history records under A.R.S. 41-1750. You can request your own record through the PSP portal. Phone: (602) 223-2222 (option 2, then 3).
How to Request Tucson Background Records
You have several ways to get records from Tucson Police. Pick the one that works best for you.
In person is the fastest for clearance letters. Go to 270 S Stone Ave in downtown Tucson. Bring a valid photo ID. Pay with cash, check, or money order. Staff can often process your request the same day if it is not busy. Ask about wait times when you arrive. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Mail works for people who cannot visit in person. Send a written request with a copy of your ID and payment. Include your return address and phone number. Mail to: Tucson Police Department, Records Section, 270 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1917. Allow extra time for mailing and processing.
Phone and email are good for questions. Call 520-791-4462 for the Records Section. Email tpdpublicrecords@tucsonaz.gov. Staff can explain what records are available and help you with the process. They may not be able to release records over the phone.
Tucson Background Check Fees
Here is a summary of fees for Tucson Police background check services:
Arrest history or clearance letter: $5.00 for three copies. Fingerprinting: $10.00 per card. Fingerprinting for cite-and-release: free. Paper report copies: $5.00 per report. Digital copies on CD or DVD: $25.00. Video records: $44.00 per video-hour.
Payment options include cash, check, and money order. The office may not take credit cards for all services. Call ahead to confirm. Fees can change, so ask about current pricing when you visit or call.
Crime victims may be eligible for a free first copy of their incident report. This is under A.R.S. 39-127. Ask the Records Section about this when you make your request.
Nearby Arizona Cities
If you need records from other cities near Tucson, these police departments may help:
Each city has its own police department and records process. Contact them for records about incidents in their area.
Nearby Arizona Counties
These counties are near Tucson and may have records you need: