FAQs: Self Background Checks
How do I run a background check on myself?
You have three main options. First, request your state criminal history record from your state police or attorney general. Each state has its own agency, listed in the guides above. Second, request your FBI Identity History Summary for a nationwide criminal record search ($18 fee). Third, order a personal background check from a consumer reporting agency for an employer-style report that combines state, federal, county, and identity records into a single document.
How far back do background checks go?
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), most negative non-conviction information (including arrests that did not lead to a conviction, civil judgments, paid tax liens, and collection accounts) generally cannot be reported after seven years. Convictions, however, can be reported indefinitely under federal law. Many states impose stricter limits that cap conviction reporting at seven years for most positions.
Will an arrest that did not lead to a conviction show up on my background check?
It may appear on the raw record, but under EEOC guidance, employers cannot deny employment based on an arrest alone. The EEOC has stated that the fact of an arrest does not establish that criminal conduct has occurred, and an exclusion based on an arrest by itself is not job-related or consistent with business necessity. Employers may only consider the underlying conduct of an arrest if it directly makes you unfit for the specific position.
What if I find an error on my background check?
You have the right under the FCRA to dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information. Contact the background reporting company directly and follow their dispute process; the company is required to investigate, typically within 30 days, and correct or remove confirmed errors. If you were denied a job because of the report, the employer must give you the reporting company’s name and address, and you are entitled to a free additional copy of the report within 60 days of the decision.
How long does a self background check take?
Timing depends on the method. State name-based checks are often instant or take one to three business days when submitted online; mail-in requests can take two to four weeks. State fingerprint-based checks typically return within one to two weeks. The FBI Identity History Summary takes three to five business days for electronic submissions and several weeks by mail. Personal background checks from consumer reporting agencies are usually returned within minutes to a few business days.