How to look up federal warrants?

Asked by: Lavina Fay  |  Last update: August 19, 2025
Score: 5/5 (5 votes)

The WIN is not publicly available; therefore, it is not possible to search the WIN in order to find out if you have a federal warrant. Most often, it is not until United States Marshals arrive at a person's residence or workplace to arrest them that they find out that they have a federal warrant.

How do I check if I have a warrant in the USA?

Check on websites

Here are some options: Local court websites: many counties and states in the U.S. have searchable databases. State-level judicial websites: some states maintain centralized warrant databases. Federal court system: the PACER system allows searches for federal warrants.

Can you look up FBI search warrants?

Federal warrant records are kept by the U.S. Marshal's Service Warrant Information System (WIN). The WIN acts like a database for all federal warrants, court records and internal documents on the case. Information in the WIN isn't available to the public, unfortunately, so there's no way for the public to search it.

Are warrants public record in Kentucky?

According to the Kentucky Open Records Act, warrants are, in fact, public records in Kentucky. Thus, anyone can view them unless specifically determined by a court order or federal statute.

How do I look up public records in Kentucky?

Kentucky​ residents wishing to inspect a public record in the possession of the Office of the Attorney General may submit an open records request by completing our Open Records Request Form. After completing your open records request form, email it to the Attorney General's Open Records Custodian at KYOAGOR@ky.gov.

Understanding Federal Warrants

44 related questions found

Are warrants public record in the US?

Arrest warrants become a part of the public criminal court record once they have been executed and charges are filed. Search warrants are law enforcement investigative tools and are not a part of the public record. Some states restrict the public's access to warrant information.

How will I know if I have a federal warrant?

How Can I Check if I Have a Federal Warrant in the USA? You cannot check to see if you have a federal warrant. There is no database in which You can search to find out if you have a warrant. You may be able to call a federal agency directly and ask them if you have a warrant in their system.

How serious is a federal warrant?

A federal arrest warrant is a serious matter. This legal document, signed by a judge, authorizes federal law enforcement officers to deprive someone of their liberty and take them into custody.

How is a federal warrant served?

Once the federal magistrate has issued the warrant, United States Marshals are sent to apprehend the suspect and take them into custody. Federal arrest warrants are stored in a database known as the U.S. Marshal's Service Warrant Information System (WIN).

Are federal search warrants public?

The Federal Warrant Search List is the first and only warrant search list in the United States available to the public.

How do you know if the FBI has a file on you?

How to request your FBI file. Use the eFOIPA portal for Privacy Act requests, but responses will be mailed to the address provided by the requester. Or, you can send a letter to the FBI for your request, following the instructions in U.S. Department of Justice Certification of Identity Form DOJ-361.

Who is the most wanted man right now?

Ten Most Wanted Fugitives
  • YULAN ADONAY ARCHAGA CARIAS.
  • ALEXIS FLORES.
  • OMAR ALEXANDER CARDENAS.
  • DONALD EUGENE FIELDS II.
  • BHADRESHKUMAR CHETANBHAI PATEL.
  • ALEJANDRO ROSALES CASTILLO.
  • VITEL'HOMME INNOCENT.
  • WILVER VILLEGAS-PALOMINO.

How do they find you if you have a warrant?

They have computers, radios, and the court records are on searchable databases. If you don't live at the listed address, often you are found for a routine traffic stop, but if the warrant is extremely serious they may check credit history, internet social media, and other such resources.

Can you fly with a warrant?

While it's technically possible to board a flight with an open arrest warrant without TSA interference, risks abound. From local police presence at airports to CBP checks during international travel, the potential for arrest is real. It's crucial to consult with a legal expert to understand your options and risks.

What type of warrants do US Marshals serve?

The United States Marshals Service is charged with ensuring the effective operation of the judicial system through the execution of Federal arrest warrants, parole violator warrants, Federal custodial and extradition warrants, and the investigation of fugitive matters, domestic and foreign, involving escaped Federal ...

How powerful is a warrant officer?

Warrant officers can and do command detachments, units, vessels, aircraft, and armored vehicles, as well as lead, coach, train, and counsel subordinates.

Can you get a federal job with a warrant?

People with criminal records are eligible to apply to most federal jobs, however there are some exceptions. You may not be eligible for certain federal jobs because specific statutes or laws prohibit employment depending on the crime committed.

What is a federal hold warrant?

HFED – HOLD FEDERAL: A hold issued by the federal government when other cases/arrests on an incarcerated individual detained in Sheriff's custody with federal cases are pending. HFUG – HOLD FUGITIVE WARRANT: A hold placed on an incarcerated individual wanted on charges in another state.

How to look up warrants in the USA?

Searching for a Warrant
  1. Search official government websites. If you have access to the Internet, then you can quickly find out whether or not there is a local warrant out for your arrest. ...
  2. Call the court clerk. ...
  3. Check the public records at a county courthouse. ...
  4. Use an online third-party service.

What would cause a federal warrant?

In these situations, the government has presented some degree of evidence to a Grand Jury or a Federal judge and a determination has been made that there is probable cause to believe that you committed at least one Federal crime.

Why would federal marshals be looking for someone?

Federal law mandates that the U.S.M.S. seek and arrest persons charged with Federal crimes. Accordingly, the U.S.M.S. investigates and executes Federal arrest and escaped fugitive warrants.

Will jobs hire you if you have a warrant?

Since most public warrants are publicly accessible as part of court records they may be found by employers during a background check. Bottom line, you can get hired if you have a warrant. In most cases, yes, especially if it does not lead to a conviction.

Do warrants expire in the US?

However, while arrest warrants themselves don't expire, statutes of limitations can come into play in criminal cases, potentially affecting whether someone can be prosecuted. Understanding how these two legal mechanisms work together is important, especially for those facing an outstanding warrant.

Will warrants show up on a background check?

Warrants in and of themselves are not criminal matters, so they should not appear on your criminal record. However, they may appear in other data that some background checks may have access to.