The Montana Department of Justice, Criminal Records and Identification Services Section (CRISS), keeps all state criminal history records. These records are open to the public. The CRISS keeps records only for Montana offenses.
There are two ways to get your criminal history record in Montana:
- You can get a name-based record online from the Criminal History Online Public Record Search, called "CHOPRS"; or
- You can get a fingerprint-based record by mail or in person.
The online method is faster but costs more. The fingerprint-based record takes more time but costs less. However, the fingerprint-based record is more reliably accurate.
Here are the three steps to get your name-based criminal history record online using the CHOPRS database:
- Go to the Montana CHOPRS online system to get a name-based record. To access your record, visit the CHOPRS website here: Criminal History Online Public Record Search.
- Select "Start Service" and follow the online instructions to complete the form.
- Pay the $20.00 fee for the name-based search. Acceptable forms of payment include a credit card or eCheck. You will get immediate results for your name-based search.
Here are the five steps to get your fingerprint-based record from CRISS in person:
- Go to the Montana Criminal Records office at this address:
222h 11th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.
- Pay the $5.00 fingerprint fee.
- Ask for your criminal history record.
- Pay the $10.00 fee for the criminal history record. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card.
- Wait. It will take about 7-10 business days to receive your record by mail.
Here are the five steps to get your fingerprint-based record from CRISS by mail:
- Get fingerprinted at a local police or sheriff's department.
- Pay the $15.00 fingerprinting fee. If you go to the CRISS office in Helena, the cost may be less.
- Complete the fingerprint card. For instructions on how to complete the card, visit the Montana Department of Justice website here: Background Checks.
- Pay the $10.00 fee for the criminal record. Acceptable forms of payment include check or money order made payable to “State of Montana”.
- Mail the completed fingerprint card, with a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and payment to this address:
Montana Criminal Records
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620-1403
The CRISS will respond to your request by mail in about 7-10 business days. If you have any questions, call the CRISS at (406) 444-3625 or email dojcriss@mt.gov.