Oklahoma Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Oklahoma?
Arrest records are public in Oklahoma pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. §§ 24A.1-24A.31). This comprehensive legislation establishes that most government-held records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public. The Act specifically designates law enforcement agencies' arrest records as open for public inspection, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain protected personal information. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) maintains the central repository of criminal history information and makes non-confidential portions available to the public in accordance with state law. Public access to these records serves the legislative intent of ensuring government accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system.
How to Look Up Oklahoma Arrest Records in 2025
Oklahoma residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provides several methods for obtaining these public records:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the OSBI Criminal History Reporting Unit during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records.
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
6600 N. Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 848-6724
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding state holidays)Online Portal: The OSBI maintains a secure online system where users can request criminal history information, including arrest records. Processing fees apply and are payable by credit card.
Mail Requests: Standard forms for requesting arrest records may be downloaded from the OSBI website, completed, and mailed with appropriate payment to the Criminal History Reporting Unit.
County Sheriff Offices: Each county sheriff maintains records of arrests made within their jurisdiction. These records may be requested directly from the relevant county office.
Municipal Police Departments: Local police departments maintain records of arrests within city limits. These may be requested at the records division of the respective department.
Pursuant to § 24A.5 of the Oklahoma Open Records Act, agencies may charge reasonable fees to recover the direct costs of document retrieval, copying, and/or certification.
Contents of an Oklahoma Arrest Record
Oklahoma arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by state law and OSBI regulations. A complete arrest record typically includes:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and ethnicity
- Physical descriptors: height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Booking information including facility and inmate number if applicable
- Disposition information (if available) including:
- Case numbers
- Court of jurisdiction
- Bail or bond amounts
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case outcomes
The comprehensiveness of information may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific agency providing the record. Records obtained directly from the OSBI typically contain the most complete criminal history information available.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Oklahoma
Oklahoma law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in 22 O.S. §§ 18 and 19. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- The person was acquitted of the charges
- The charges were dismissed
- The arrest occurred but no charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- The person was a victim of identity theft and wrongfully arrested
- The person completed a deferred judgment or sentence, and meets waiting period requirements
- The conviction was for a misdemeanor, the sentence has been completed, and the required waiting period has elapsed
- The conviction was for a nonviolent felony, the sentence has been completed, and the required waiting period has elapsed
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the district court where the arrest or case occurred. Petitioners must provide notice to the district attorney, the arresting agency, the OSBI, and any other agencies holding records subject to expungement. A hearing is typically scheduled where a judge determines whether the statutory requirements have been met.
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records. Under 22 O.S. § 19, the subject of the expunged record may thereafter legally state that the arrest or prosecution did not occur. However, certain government agencies retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by statute.
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