We call this service Premium because it offers broader, faster, and more comprehensive access to public record sources nationwide — including felony and misdemeanor records, traffic violations, court filings, inmate status, probation and parole history, escapees, arrests, and more — through our advanced search technology and multiple trusted data partners. This search compiles publicly available information and does not include private or confidential records.
How long have you been in business?▾
Our team has been part of the public records and background-information industry for over two decades. We’ve continually expanded our data partnerships, refined our technology, and maintained a strong reputation for accuracy, reliability, and privacy.
Why should I get a report from you?▾
Founded by Sam Rokni, a pioneer who launched one of the first online background-check services in 1997 and an original founding member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), our company has set the standard in background information services for more than 25 years. We’ve supported thousands of companies nationwide with fast, dependable access to public-record data. Our Premium Criminal Records Database offers broad U.S. coverage across states and counties to help users make confident, informed decisions. We’ve maintained an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating for decades. This site is part of the Search Systems Network, delivering a modern experience backed by decades of background-check and public-record research expertise.
Can I do a background check on anyone?▾
Yes. You may search your own records or those of another individual using publicly available information obtained from state, county, and federal data sources. All searches must be used for lawful personal or informational purposes only.
Can I use it for official purposes?▾
No. This service is not intended for official use or for any purpose governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), such as employment screening, tenant screening, insurance underwriting, credit or financial eligibility, or government licensing. If you need a report for a regulated purpose, obtain it from a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) that complies with the FCRA.
What if I want to hire or fire someone using this?▾
You cannot use this service to make any employment, hiring, promotion, or termination decisions. Those actions require an FCRA-compliant background report from a certified CRA and written consent from the individual being screened.
What’s the difference between this background check and one used for employment or tenant screening?▾
Employment or tenant background checks are conducted by FCRA-regulated Consumer Reporting Agencies, require written consent, include verification and dispute procedures, and must comply with federal and state laws on permissible use. Our service is instant and based solely on public records, not FCRA-regulated, and intended for personal knowledge, safety, or informational research only.
What can I use this background check for?▾
Lawful informational or personal reasons, such as checking your own record, learning more about a neighbor or acquaintance, conducting personal due diligence or safety checks, or general public-information research. Not for employment, housing, credit, insurance, or other FCRA-regulated purposes.
Will anyone know if I perform a search on them?▾
No. Searches are private and confidential — the person you search is not notified. You are responsible for using all information lawfully and ethically.
What types of businesses can use this service?▾
Businesses may use this service for informational, research, or due-diligence purposes only (e.g., private investigators or research firms; legal, media, or security professionals; non-employment risk assessment). It must not be used for employment, tenant, insurance, credit, or licensing decisions.
Do you have your own database or just act as an intermediary?▾
We do not maintain a proprietary database. Our system queries verified public-record vendors and government sources in real time. We do not store or retain personal search data once your report is delivered.
Will I be charged monthly?▾
No. Our service is pay-per-search — you pay only when you run a background check. There are no recurring or automatic charges unless you voluntarily select a subscription plan.
Can I get a bulk discount?▾
Yes. We offer volume and bulk-pricing options for verified business users who perform multiple informational searches. Please contact our support team for custom pricing.
Is this site safe?▾
Yes. We use SSL encryption, secure servers, and trusted data partners to ensure that your transactions and search activity remain private and protected. Your information is never sold to third parties.
What are the statistics that show doing a background check for informational purposes can help me stay safer?▾
While no background check can guarantee safety, research indicates that access to public record information can reduce risk: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): roughly 1 in 3 adults in the United States has some type of criminal record — public-record searches can reveal information that might otherwise go unnoticed. Pew Research Center: nearly 70% of adults report looking up someone online before meeting or interacting with them; personal safety and trust are top motivations. Industry studies: individuals and organizations performing due-diligence checks report fewer incidents involving fraud, deception, or unsafe interactions. Disclaimer: this information is educational and does not guarantee safety or specific outcomes. Always use multiple sources of information and personal judgment.
About the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)▾
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). It regulates how consumer information may be collected and used for decisions involving employment, credit, insurance, housing, and other official purposes. Our service does not provide reports for these regulated purposes.
What is a Background Check?▾
“Background check” is a term that can describe a wide variety of searches looking into the history of individuals—and in some cases, entities. The most common understanding is that it searches an individual’s criminal history, but it can also include education verification, professional licensing, marriages and divorces, property or business ownership, and employment and reference checks. Background checks can range from instant online public-record searches to comprehensive investigations performed by licensed professionals. Public records form the foundation of most background checks—because so many types of records are public, a thorough search can provide a detailed overview of an individual’s background. Not all public records are free or available online; agencies may charge fees or require a formal process before granting access.
Additional Questions About Personal & Public Record Background Checks
⏳ How long do records stay on a background check?
Criminal and public records don’t all follow the same timeline. Some may be removed or sealed after a period of time, while others can remain publicly available for many years. Certain convictions, lawsuits, or court filings may stay on record indefinitely unless removed by a court. Each state has its own rules, so results vary depending on where the search is performed and which specific databases are consulted.
👤 Why check my own background, even if I have to pay for it?
A personal background check lets you see exactly what others may see. It helps you verify your public records for accuracy, fix outdated or incorrect information, prepare for job, rental, or professional applications, and understand what appears under your name before someone else searches. Because this service retrieves official public-record data, a fee applies to access state and county sources.
💳 Is it normal to pay for my background check? Are there free options?
Yes. Paid searches are standard because they access official government sources with wider and more accurate coverage. Free searches exist, but they typically offer limited or outdated information, cover fewer states or counties, and may rely on ads instead of state databases. If you need reliable statewide or multi-state results, paid access is usually required.
🛡️ Why are background checks important?
Background checks provide access to official public records that can help protect you, your business, your finances, and your personal safety. They can reveal court records, criminal history, traffic cases, and more. Whether verifying yourself, a contractor, caregiver, applicant, or vendor — accurate public information helps you make safer decisions.
🔍 Does this invade someone’s private life?
No. A public-record background check only accesses information released by courts, law enforcement, and government agencies. It does not access anything private such as bank accounts, email, text messages, medical files, or social media content. Only legally public information is searched. Nothing confidential or protected is included.
❤️ I feel uncomfortable checking someone’s background. Is that normal?
Absolutely. The purpose isn’t curiosity. Background checks are a safety and verification tool. People rely on them to make informed decisions when hiring, working with contractors, screening caregivers, or verifying important information. The goal is protection and transparency, not intrusion.
Public Records Reference Library
Learn what each type of public record search covers, how it works, and what the results typically include.