Search Yuma County Background Check Records

Yuma County background check services are handled by the sheriff's office in downtown Yuma. The county sits along the Arizona border with California and Mexico. Residents can request criminal history reports, arrest records, and clearance letters from the records department. The sheriff's office also offers fingerprinting by appointment for those who need ink-rolled prints for applications or licensing.

Yuma County Sheriff Background Check Services

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office runs one of the most detailed background check systems among Arizona counties. The records department is located at 160 S. 3rd Avenue, Suite B in Yuma. Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can reach them at (928) 329-2254 for questions about records or at (928) 783-6274 for fingerprinting.

Criminal history checks through the Yuma County Sheriff are limited to your own record. You cannot request another person's criminal history. This is a common rule across most Arizona counties. The office can search local records going back many years. But they do not have access to state or federal databases. For a full background check, you would need to apply through Arizona DPS for a Fingerprint Clearance Card.

The Yuma County Sheriff's criminal history page explains what records you can request and what forms you need.

Visit the criminal history services page to download forms and learn about the process before you go in.

The sheriff's office keeps incident reports, case reports, traffic accident reports, and arrest records. Booking photos are also available. They maintain a sex offender registry for the county as well. Court records such as judgments and case filings are held separately by the Clerk of Superior Court.

Yuma County Background Check Reports

Getting a report from the Yuma County Sheriff is straightforward. You can request records in person at the records office. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff will help you fill out the right forms. Most requests are processed the same day if the records are readily available.

The sheriff's reports page shows what types of records you can get and the cost for each.

Check the reports services page to see the full list of available records and current fees.

You can also send requests by mail. Address them to Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Records Department, 160 S. 3rd Avenue, Suite B, Yuma, AZ 85364. Include your full name, date of birth, and a copy of your ID. Add a check or money order for the fees. The office will mail your records once payment clears. Email inquiries go to SORec@ycso.yumacountyaz.gov, but you cannot submit formal requests by email alone.

Note: Processing time for mail requests is usually 5 to 10 business days depending on how busy the office is.

Yuma County Background Check Fees

Yuma County has some of the most reasonable fees for background check records in Arizona. Many basic requests cost just a few dollars. Some records are even free.

Case reports cost $3.00 each. These include detailed information about specific cases the sheriff handled. Incident reports are just $1.00 per report. Traffic accident reports cost $3.00. If you need fingerprinting done, the fee is $3.00 per card. Adult arrest records are free of charge. Booking photos are also free. If the sheriff has no record on file for you, a letter of no record is provided at no cost.

Payment can be made by cash, personal check, money order, or cashier's check. The office does not take credit or debit cards at this time. If you mail a request, do not send cash. Use a check or money order made out to Yuma County Sheriff's Office.

Fees apply whether you pick up records in person or have them mailed. There is no extra charge for mailing. But if you need certified copies for court or official use, ask staff about any added certification fees that may apply.

Fingerprinting in Yuma County

The Yuma County Sheriff provides ink-rolled fingerprinting by appointment only. This is not a walk-in service. You must call ahead to schedule a time. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Call (928) 783-6274 to set up your appointment.

Fingerprinting is done at two locations. The main office is at 141 S. 3rd Avenue in Yuma. The Foothills Substation at 13190 E. South Frontage Road also offers the service. Bring your own fingerprint cards if you have specific ones required by your licensing agency. The sheriff's office can provide standard cards if needed.

The fee is $3.00 per fingerprint card. Cash, personal check, money order, or cashier's check are accepted. Most people need two cards, so plan on $6.00 total. The sheriff's office does not issue Fingerprint Clearance Cards. Those must be obtained through Arizona DPS at the Public Services Portal. The sheriff's fingerprints are for local background checks or out-of-state licensing needs.

Note: Arrive a few minutes early to fill out paperwork so your appointment can start on time.

Yuma County Records Administration

The records administration division handles the storage and release of all sheriff's office documents. This includes maintaining records in compliance with Arizona public records laws.

The records administration page provides information about how the office manages its record keeping and what you need to know about requesting documents.

Arizona law under A.R.S. 39-121 gives the public the right to access most government records. Some records are protected or restricted. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and ongoing investigations may not be available. If your request is denied, staff will explain why and tell you about any appeal options.

Forms are available in both English and Spanish. This helps serve Yuma County's diverse population. Ask at the counter if you need forms in Spanish or have questions about the process in either language.

Yuma County Inmate Search

Looking for someone who might be in Yuma County jail? The sheriff's office has an online inmate search tool. It shows current inmates held at the Yuma County Detention Center. You can search by name or booking number.

The inmate search portal provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots. This is a free tool anyone can use. Information updates regularly but may not reflect the most recent bookings or releases. For the most current information, call the detention center directly.

This tool is useful for bail bondsmen, attorneys, and family members checking on arrest status. It only shows people currently in custody. Once someone is released, their information is removed from the online system. For historical arrest records, you need to make a formal records request.

Statewide Background Check Options

Yuma County records only cover local incidents and arrests. If you need a complete background check, you should also check state and federal databases. Arizona DPS maintains the Central State Repository with criminal records from across the state.

For various purposes, many Arizona agencies require a Fingerprint Clearance Card. This involves a fingerprint-based check against Arizona DPS and FBI records. The card is valid for six years and costs $67 for a standard application. You apply through the DPS Public Services Portal and get fingerprinted at a Fieldprint location or local law enforcement office.

Teachers, childcare workers, healthcare staff, and security guards often need this card. Check with the requesting agency to see if you need a state clearance card in addition to any local background check from Yuma County.

Cities in Yuma County

Yuma County has several cities and towns. The largest is the City of Yuma. For incidents that happened within city limits, you may need to contact the city police department instead of the sheriff. The sheriff handles unincorporated areas and provides support to smaller communities.

Yuma Police Department offers its own record services including free fingerprinting on most Wednesdays. Call ahead to confirm availability. For incidents outside city limits, contact the Yuma County Sheriff.

Nearby Arizona Counties

If you need records from neighboring counties, these offices can help:

La Paz County is directly north of Yuma County. Maricopa County, home to Phoenix and the majority of Arizona's population, is to the northeast. Each county maintains its own records. You will need to contact each county separately for records of incidents that occurred in their jurisdiction.