Why Run a Self Background Check in West Virginia?
West Virginia's criminal record system covers 55 counties spread across rugged terrain, which can mean longer disposition lag times than in densely populated states. Running a self-check is the cleanest way to know exactly what's actually in your file before someone else opens it.
1. Find and Fix Errors Before Employers See Them
State Police data is fed from county sheriffs, magistrate and circuit courts, and municipal police departments. Common errors: cases dismissed but not closed at the state level, identity matches with similar names, and lag times on disposition transmission from rural counties. A self-check catches these before they cost you a job offer.
2. Confirm Your Expungement Was Processed
An expungement order under §61-11-25 or §61-11-26 has to make its way from the circuit court to the State Police to actually clear the record. The process isn't automatic. Running a self-check 30–60 days after the court grants expungement confirms it was actually applied.
3. Prepare for Healthcare, Energy, and Licensed Profession Reviews
WVU Medicine, CAMC, and other major employers run thorough background checks. The state's licensing boards (nursing, medicine, real estate, security, education) require fingerprint-based State Police + FBI checks. Knowing what's on your record beforehand is essential.
4. Tenant Screening in Charleston, Morgantown, and Beyond
West Virginia's growth markets, particularly Morgantown around WVU, use commercial screening services that aggregate State Police and court data. Fixing errors at the source produces cleaner reports going forward.
What Shows Up on a Personal Background Check in West Virginia?
Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions
Felony convictions and most misdemeanor convictions processed in West Virginia circuit and magistrate courts appear on the State Police record unless expunged. The report shows offense, court, conviction date, and sentence.
Arrests
Arrest records, including arrests not leading to conviction, appear on the State Police record. Under §61-11-25, charges that resulted in not guilty or were dismissed are eligible for expungement.
Pending Charges
Open and pending charges appear on the State Police record. If a case was dismissed and the disposition wasn't transmitted to the State Police, the record may still show "pending" until corrected.
What's Not Included
Federal court records, out-of-state convictions, juvenile records (sealed), most traffic offenses (excluding DUI), and civil cases fall outside the State Police system. A complete personal check usually combines the state report with federal and multi-state sources.
How to Check Your Own Background in West Virginia
Option 1: WV State Police Fingerprint-Based Check (via IdentoGO)
West Virginia processes its criminal history checks primarily through fingerprints submitted via IdentoGO. Schedule an appointment or call 855-766-7746. Fees vary by purpose, generally $44–$50 for a combined State Police + FBI check. Information is available
Option 2: Mail-In Request via WV State Police
For specific purposes, a $20 processing fee plus FBI fee may apply for mail-in fingerprint card submission. The exact procedure depends on the type of check requested (employment, licensing, adoption, etc.).
Option 3: Search WV Courts Records
West Virginia Judiciary Public Records Search provides public access to circuit court records. Some basic searches are free.
Option 4: FBI Identity History Summary ($18)
For nationwide coverage based on fingerprints, request an Identity History Summary directly from the FBI. Particularly useful if you've lived in multiple states.
West Virginia Background Check Laws You Should Know
WV Code §61-11-25 (Non-Conviction Expungement)
Allows expungement of records for individuals who were found not guilty or had charges dismissed. The petition is filed in the circuit court of the county where the case was brought.
WV Code §61-11-26 (Misdemeanor Expungement)
West Virginia's primary misdemeanor expungement statute. Eligibility:
- Single misdemeanor, eligible for expungement 1 year after conviction and completion of any sentence, probation, or supervised release
- Multiple misdemeanors, eligible for expungement 2 years after the last conviction and completion of sentence
- Excluded offenses are listed in §61-11-26(i) and include domestic violence offenses, DUI, and offenses involving children or vulnerable adults
Expungement is petition-based and judicially discretionary.
WV Code §61-11-26a (Treatment/Recovery Program Expungement)
A newer provision (added in recent reforms) allowing expungement of certain criminal convictions following completion of court-approved treatment or recovery programs combined with employment. This is one of the more progressive expungement pathways in West Virginia.
No Statewide Ban the Box
West Virginia has no statewide private-sector Ban the Box law. Private employers can ask about criminal history on initial job applications. The city of Charleston has adopted a Ban the Box ordinance for city employment, but state agencies and other municipalities are not covered statewide.
Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
Third-party background checks in West Virginia are governed by the FCRA: written consent required, pre-adverse-action notice required, right to dispute errors, and 7-year cap on non-conviction reporting.
West Virginia Human Rights Act
The WVHRA does not specifically protect criminal history, but the West Virginia Human Rights Commission follows EEOC individualized-assessment guidance for employer use of conviction records.
Should You Check Your Background Before Applying in West Virginia?
Yes, particularly if you have any conviction now eligible for expungement under §61-11-26 (1 year for single misdemeanor, 2 years for multiple), any dismissed or not-guilty case you assumed was cleared, or any expungement order you've never verified at the State Police level. The fingerprint-based check is the only way to know exactly what licensing boards and employers will see.
Run Your Self Background Check in West Virginia
Take control of your West Virginia background information before applying for jobs or licenses. Review your records and fix errors early.
Order a Personal Background CheckUse your report to verify your history, then contact the appropriate West Virginia state agency or county courts if corrections are needed.
FAQs: Self Background Check in West Virginia
How do I run a self background check in West Virginia?
West Virginia's official statewide route is fingerprint-based, submitted through IdentoGO. Fees vary by purpose, typically $44–$50 for combined State Police + FBI. For free court searches, use the WV Judiciary Public Records Search. For broader coverage, request an FBI Identity History Summary or use a professional multi-state service.
How far back do background checks go in West Virginia?
West Virginia has no state cap on conviction reporting. The federal FCRA caps non-conviction records (arrests not leading to conviction) at 7 years on third-party employment reports. Expunged records are removed entirely.
Will expunged records show up on a West Virginia background check?
Records expunged under §61-11-25 or §61-11-26 should be removed from the State Police database and should not appear on FCRA-compliant employer background reports. Because WV expungements aren't automatic, verify yours was processed by running a self-check after the court order.
How much does a background check cost in West Virginia?
WV State Police via IdentoGO: typically $44–$50 (state + FBI), varies by purpose. School/certification fingerprinting: $47.25. FBI Identity History Summary: $18. Professional comprehensive multi-state checks: $20 to $80.
Do West Virginia employers need my permission to run a background check?
Yes, when they use a third-party background check company, the federal FCRA requires written authorization. West Virginia has no statewide Ban the Box, so private employers can ask about criminal history on initial applications. You always have the right to see any report used in a hiring decision and dispute inaccuracies.