A criminal record, commonly known in society as a “criminal background check,” contains information on finalized convictions and security measures resulting from crimes committed by an individual. These records are maintained and stored by the Directorate General of Criminal Records and Statistics under the Ministry of Justice.
What Information Is Included in a Criminal Record?
- The individual’s Turkish Republic Identity Number and full name
- Date and place of birth
- Mother’s and father’s names
- Type of imposed sentence and security measures
- Sentence duration and execution status
How to View a Criminal Record?
There are three main ways to access your criminal record:
• Via e-Government (e-Devlet): The fastest and most convenient method is through the e-Government portal, where you can access your record by verifying your identity.
• In-Person Application: You may personally apply to the Directorate General of Criminal Records and Statistics under the Ministry of Justice to request your criminal record.
• Through Authorized Institutions: In some cases, criminal record documents can be obtained at the request of public institutions or organizations. It is possible to access your record by applying to such authorized authorities.
How to Delete a Criminal Record?
It is possible to delete a criminal record that was created based on a finalized court decision. However, this process requires certain legal conditions to be met and does not occur automatically. An individual application is necessary. The deletion request can be submitted by the person concerned or their legal representative to the relevant Public Prosecutor’s Office. The following conditions must be met for deletion:
- Full execution of the imposed sentence or security measure
- Existence of a situation that eliminates the conviction and its consequences entirely, such as a waiver of complaint or active remorse
- Expiry of the statute of limitations for the sentence
- Declaration of a general amnesty
If any of these conditions are fulfilled, the person may apply for deletion of the record. If it is determined that legal criteria have been met during the evaluation, the record will be deleted from the system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Records
- Are a criminal record and an archive record the same thing?
No. A criminal record includes current valid convictions and security measures. An archive record includes deleted or no longer valid records that are retained under certain conditions. In most official processes, only the active criminal record is considered; however, in some cases, archive records may also be requested. - Is a decision of “Postponement of the Announcement of the Verdict” (HAGB) recorded in the criminal record?
HAGB decisions are not recorded in the criminal record but are included in the archive record. If the probation period is successfully completed, this record may also be deleted. - Who can view my criminal record?
Apart from the individual, only public institutions and courts that have legal authority can access the record. - When is a criminal record deleted?
The record is deleted after a certain period has passed following the execution of the sentence or upon fulfillment of the above-mentioned legal conditions. The duration varies depending on the type and severity of the sentence. For example, the deletion period for a short-term prison sentence differs from that for aggravated life imprisonment. - Are deleted criminal records completely erased?
Deleted records are removed from the criminal record system but may still be retained in the archive system. In other words, archive records may be considered in specific legal procedures. Therefore, deletion of a record does not always render it entirely invisible to all institutions. - How can someone with a clean criminal record obtain a “No Criminal Record” certificate?
You can access a document stating that you have no criminal record by logging into the e-Government portal and navigating to the “Criminal Record Inquiry” section.
