If you have worked on clearing your criminal record in Arizona, one of the most helpful things you can do now is complete a Review and Challenge through the Arizona Department of Public Safety Public Services Portal.
Many people have never heard of this pivotal process before, which is why we are making this resource available.
What Is a Review and Challenge in Arizona?
A Review and Challenge is a process through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) that lets you see what appears on your Arizona criminal history record, review the information for mistakes, challenge records that should be corrected or sealed and help update background check information.
Many people assume their court records automatically update everywhere after a case is sealed. Unfortunately, that does not always happen right away. Sometimes records still appear in state databases or background checks even after a court grants a sealing order. A Review and Challenge helps fix that problem.
At Rasa Legal, we often recommend a Review and Challenge after weāve handled records because it helps identify what is still showing on your criminal record. With a Review and Challenge, you can fix records that should no longer appear in background checks.
Once DPS and the courts update the information properly, it can help reduce the chance that old or sealed records continue appearing during background checks. This matters for jobs, housing, education, and other opportunities. Getting a Review and Challenge is a proactive way to ensure DPS and the courts have updated the information properly.
How This Step Helps You
Many people wait until the last minute to review their criminal history record. That can create delays if errors appear while applying for jobs, housing, education or other opportunities after a sealing process.
Completing a Review and Challenge can help you catch problems, reduce delays, improve record accuracy and help background checks reflect the correct information.
What You Need Before Starting a Review and Challenge
Before you begin your Arizona Review and Challenge application through the Arizona Department of Public Safety Public Services Portal, it is incredibly helpful to gather a few vital pieces of information. Preparation helps the process move much faster and minimizes delays.
By gathering your vital information ahead of time, the Review and Challenge application process is much easier than many people expect. It is often completed in less than an hour. Keep in mind, scheduling a fingerprinting appointment is the longest part of the process. Once your request is submitted, DPS typically takes about 15 days to process it and provide your results.
Here is what we recommend you have ready before you start:
Basic Personal Information
The portal will generally require the following details:
- Full legal name
- Any prior names or aliases you have used
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Current residential address
- Phone number
- Email address
Your email address is particularly important because it is what creates your official account on the DPS portal to access your results and challenge, if necessary, later.
Government Identification
Ensure you have a valid form of photo ID accessible, such as:
- Arizona Driverās license
- Official State ID
- U.S. Passport
It is vital that the information on your identification matches the details you provide in your application exactly.
Fingerprints
Fingerprints are a mandatory requirement for the Review and Challenge process. Fingerprinting is also the most time consuming part of the process. In other words, when you have them, the rest is simple.
To complete this step, you will need to:
- Schedule a fingerprinting appointment through a local law enforcement agency or an approved provider
- Provide your identification at the time of service (AZ Driverās license, State ID or Passport)
- Strictly follow all instructions issued by DPS
- Pay a fee between $10-$30
Depending on the location, you may use electronic fingerprinting or traditional physical fingerprint cards. This is usually the longest part of the process.
Once you have these things, youāre ready to complete the process for a Review and Challenge. It will not take longer than an hour, sometimes as quick as 20 minutes.
How to Complete an Arizona Review and Challenge
The process is much easier than many people expect. Here is a step by step guide.
Step 1: Visit the Arizona DPS Public Services Portal
Go to the official DPS website:
Arizona DPS Public Services Portal
This portal handles criminal history reviews, background challenges, fingerprint clearance cards, and other DPS services.
Step 2: Click āCriminal History Review and Challengeā
Once you enter the portal, look for the option called āCriminal History Review and Challenge.ā
This section allows you to request your Arizona criminal history record.
Step 3: Create an Account
You will need to create an account and provide basic personal information. The portal will guide you through the setup process step by step. Make sure your information is accurate. Small mistakes can cause delays later.
Step 4: Submit Fingerprints
This step is required. DPS uses fingerprints to confirm your identity and match you to the correct criminal history record.
You can usually get fingerprints at a local law enforcement agency or directly through DPS. Bring identification with you. Itās best to have this step done before starting the process for a Review and Challenge.
Step 5: Wait for DPS to Process Your Review and Challenge Request
After everything is submitted, DPS typically takes up to 15 days to process the request. When ready, you can view your criminal history review results from your account in the portal.
Step 6: Review Your Record Carefully
Once you receive your results, the things to look out for include cases that should have been sealed, incorrect charges, wrong case outcomes, cases that were dismissed but still appear incorrectly and missing updates from the court. Look through and review carefully.
Step 7: Submit a Challenge if Needed
If you see something that should not appear on your record, click the āChallengeā button in the portal. Afterwards, you are able to complete a short form explaining what should be corrected. We’ve seen those facing this situation be most successful by keeping their explanations short and clear. All DPS needs to act is something like:
“This case was sealed on [date] and should no longer appear on my criminal history record.”
Step 8: DPS Works With the Court
After you submit the challenge, DPS works directly with the court to verify and update the information. This process often takes another 15 days or so, too.
What Happens After the Review and Challenge Is Complete?
Once the updates are processed, your record should better reflect your current legal status. Moving forward, this can help future background checks, job applications, housing applications, professional licensing and record sealing efforts. If you worked with Rasa Legal, this process can help make sure your sealing is accurately reflected in your record going forward.
Common Questions About Arizona Review and Challenge
Does This Seal My Record Automatically?
No.
A Review and Challenge does not automatically seal or expunge your record. Instead, it helps review and correct what appears in the DPS system. If you still need to seal your record, Rasa Legal can help guide you through that process.
How Much Does a Review and Challenge Cost?
The Review and Challenge process is generally free but you will have to pay for fingerprinting. This is usually $10-$30 depending on location and processing fees. Once you find where to go, try calling ahead and asking for the price to make sure it fits your budget.
How Long Does a Review and Challenge Take?
Most people receive their initial review results within about 15 days. If you submit a challenge, the correction process may take about another 15 days. So, expect at least a month turnaround.
Is This Difficult?
Most people can complete the process themselves by following the instructions. The biggest things to consider are taking your time to make sure your information is accurate and having your fingerprints done ahead of time.
Who do I Contact if Iām Having an Issue?
If you feel stuck in the process, call DPS and leave a message. DPS is pretty good at returning phone calls. To help, the direct number for questions about Criminal History Review and Challenge is (602) 223-2222. You can find this number and other contact routes by clicking ācontact usā on the AZDPS website.
Need Help Clearing Your Arizona Record?
At Rasa Legal, we help people understand their options for Arizona record sealing and expungement. Our technology and legal team work together to make the process easier, faster, and more affordable for people across Arizona. If you want to seal or expunge your record, you can start by checking your eligibility through our online tool.