Local criminal background checks

Do you need a local (limited) background check for:

• Employment
• Licensing
• Housing
• Immigration
• Other applications

Upon request, the Effingham Police Department will provide a local criminal and traffic background check for individuals, which can be certified if requested. This check is for local Effingham City Police records only and covers traffic, ordinance, and criminal records. Dispositions are not provided, but may be obtained from the Effingham County Circuit Clerk's Office.

Who can request a local background check

Only Individuals with a valid form of identification can request a local background check on themselves, and the request must be made in person.

No second or third party background checks will be conducted.

How to request a local background check

• Visit the Effingham Police Department Monday - Friday from 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (excluding holidays)
• Present valid identification
• Pay $16.00 fee (cash, check or money order only), payable to Effingham Police Department
• Specify if certification of records is needed ($1.00 fee)

What is not covered by this background check

Not provided under this service:

• County records
• State records
• Federal records
• Fingerprints
• Court dispositions

This check does not meet the required background check for Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) applications, concealed carry applications, liquor license applications, certain pre-employment screening and other purposes.

For a full Federal or State background check with or without fingerprinting, please visit the Illinois State Police website at ISP Background Checks.