Background Lookup

Nationwide Background Checks: What You Need to Know

Cindy Ellis - July 4, 2023

Background checks are run by almost every company to ensure that employees are who they say they are.

While basic background checks verify someone’s identity, there are also more serious background checks that look through an individual’s criminal record. These types of public records searches are known as nationwide background checks or national background checks.

A nationwide background check reveals information about your criminal history by retrieving data from thousands of public records databases. While this may seem intimidating, there’s no need to panic, and we can help you with what to expect.

Read on to learn about what a nationwide background check is, how to run one, and how to prepare. We’ll also cover some laws pertaining to nationwide background checks.

What Is a Nationwide Background Check?

Nationwide background checks are comprehensive background checks that search through thousands of databases across the United States. The purpose of these checks is to check things like misdemeanors, crimes, jail sentencing, and other criminal records.

However, some checks will reveal court records and other public records. These background checks are usually used by employers to verify an applicant’s records, but it’s also possible for governments and private agencies to run nationwide background checks.

What Shows up on a Nationwide Background Check?

Nationwide background checks reveal information about someone’s criminal record. Information about crimes, jail time, court cases, misdemeanors, and violations show up on a nationwide background check.

Along with nationwide criminal record searches, employers will also locate basic information to verify your identity, education history, and employment experience.

Nationwide background checks may also show things like:

Sentencing history
Court records
The date and time a crime was committed
Police reports
Jails someone has been in
Sex offender status
Juvenile offenses
Credit history

Some nationwide background checks will also reveal other types of information about someone. Overall, it comes down to the nature of the background check and why it’s being run.

How Long Does a Nationwide Background Check Take?

Nationwide background checks can take a long time or they can be completed in one business day. Ultimately, it comes down to how easy it is to get someone’s record.

When waiting for a background check to process, we recommend going up to two weeks before getting in touch with someone about it. Sometimes, information is just harder to get.

If you notice that your background check is taking too long, there are a few things you can do. First and foremost, provide the company or platform with your public records or any information you have about yourself. Some other things you can do include giving them the information that they ask for and checking your records for any discrepancies.

How Much Does a Nationwide Background Check Cost?

Nationwide background checks can cost as little as $5 or as much as $500. In fact, some background checks may cost several thousand. What influences the cost is who is doing the background check, the detail of the background check, and what the background check is looking for.

Companies that run background checks for other companies will charge more than websites. There are also private investigators, which can cost several hundred or thousand dollars. We always recommend starting with the most affordable option, then working your way up if you don’t get the results you need.

When Are Nationwide Background Checks Used?

Nationwide background checks are used in several facets. First and foremost, employers use nationwide background checks to view a potential employee’s criminal record.

Another use for a nationwide background check is during the purchase of a firearm. In these cases, applicants have their information checked by FBI databases.

Government agencies and law firms you’re associated with may also look into your records.

Ultimately, anyone can request a background check as long as the person being checked consents to the terms. Once you know what a nationwide background check entails, you can work on getting your results.

How to Get a Background Check

Background checks, especially nationwide background checks, are an important part of screening someone. Unfortunately, getting one done isn’t always simple, especially when companies and private investigators make it seem harder than it is.

The good news is that we have some simple and efficient methods to help you run a comprehensive nationwide background check.

Run a Background Check With Information.com

Background checks aren’t always easy to get your hands on. While you can take the time to go through someone’s public records on your own, it’s best to work with a reputable company or platform. Keeping that in mind, Information.com is the best online resource for a background check.

Our background check tool is connected to thousands of public record databases across the United States. So, you have the power of a massive search engine at your fingertips.

Running a search is also simple and fast. Simply enter someone’s information – all you need is their full name. Still, it’s best to also have their address to ensure that you have the right person.

When you run a background check with Information.com you’ll find the following information:

Full name
Date of birth
Address
Email addresses
Phone numbers
Criminal records
Court records
Jail records
Sex offender status

Depending on the person you might learn some or all of this information about someone when you run a background check.

Contract Out to a Background Check Company

Third-party companies handle background checks for other companies. When hiring hundreds or thousands of employees, contracting out may be the best option. You can work with companies that handle fingerprints or any other company of your choosing.

That said, you always have to consider the price and if it’s worth it for what you’re looking for. Unfortunately, using companies of this scale will cost a substantial amount more than an online background check tool. So, consider your options and how many people you’re looking to hire before making a choice.

Do Your Research

Depending on the purpose of the background check you can do your research. Tools like Google and social media are nationwide, so you can view information on these platforms to learn more about someone.

Doing your own research will also reveal some information about someone that you can’t find during a traditional nationwide background check. Some examples include pictures, videos, and other types of personal information about someone.

When going this route look into the laws of your state. In some states, you may request access or limit someone’s use of social media. However, this isn’t true in all states, so be prepared and maintain compliance.

There are dozens of ways to get a background check. In fact, you can even hire a private investigator if you want to. Still, we always recommend starting with the most affordable option and working your way up based on your needs.

How to Maintain Compliance When Running Background Checks

Compliance is everything when it comes to background checks. This is because failing to maintain compliance will result in the results of the background check being void. What’s more, you can potentially expose yourself to problems with the law.

Still, it comes down to federal and state laws. The biggest factors to consider are the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Ban-the-box laws.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The Fair Credit Reporting Act was established in 1970 as federal legislation that ensures privacy, accuracy, and fairness when looking through public records. It also has other protections that focus on nationwide background checks and general background checks.

The main thing to consider about this act is that it specifies that you must have consent before running a pre-employment background check.

There are other factors that make performing a background check illegal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. They include:

Using background checks to stalk people
Running a background check on domestic help (nannies and babysitters) without consent
Using a background check on an existing employee without consent
Digging up information about people who explicitly told you not to

Always consider your reasons for running a background check and make sure you remain compliant to avoid any problems.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has been around for over 50 years, since 1965. The purpose of the commission is to ensure that all compliance laws are being followed about discrimination. Therefore, it looks into discrimination based on

Race
Age
Religion
Sex
Disability
Generic information
Color
Place of origin

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has the authority to look into organizations like labor unions, corporations, and employment agencies. Essentially, the main focus is ensuring that companies and their associates aren’t discriminating based on any of these traits from the hiring process to high-level promotions.

Ban-the-Box-Laws

The last major group of laws to consider is ban-the-box laws. These laws vary based on the state you live in.

For example, in New York, employers can’t ask you about convictions until the end of the hiring process. Furthermore, employees don’t have to disclose information about cases that didn’t lead to a criminal conviction. Lastly, employers can only view unsealed records.

These laws apply to New York and several other states, so it’s important to consider your state’s ban-the-box laws.

Some other laws may require you to not run a background check until you offer that person employment. Along with this, you might not be able to look into cases that have been dismissed. Ultimately, it comes down to your state’s rules about these laws.

Maintaining compliance ensures that you’re running background checks properly.

How to Prepare for a Nationwide Background Check

Preparing for a nationwide background check keeps you one step ahead of the game. Instead of panicking when information is revealed, you’ll have access to it first. This helps you explain situations and seem more competent during the interview process.

Preparing for a nationwide background check also helps you remove things from your records that shouldn’t be there.

Practice Honesty

When going through the application process, be open and honest about your records.

Having a criminal record is a red flag during a nationwide background check but an even bigger red flag is lying about having a criminal record. This may be an uncomfortable conversation but bringing information about your court cases and criminal history can help you explain what happened and how you’ve changed.

Plus, you’ll have a chance to explain before they see the record and dismiss you before giving you the chance.

Some applications will have places where you can list if you’ve committed a crime. While it’s good to be honest, check your records first to see what you have to show.

If you have to show something you can list it on the application with an explanation. This might hurt some of your job prospects but it’s not as bad as getting caught lying or losing your job because it was overlooked.

Remain Patient During the Process

Patience is key during the background check process. Unlike traditional background checks that just verify your identity, you might have to wait a few weeks for all of the databases to be checked. While the results usually come quickly, some background checks will also take more time if there is something found in your records.

That said, knowing when to reach out about the status of your background check is also important. After about two weeks, and if you haven’t heard anything, reach out to your employer or the firm that’s running the background check.

Verify Your Public Records

Criminal records are an important part of the nationwide background check process. However, it’s not the only thing that companies look into. Potential employers consider your work history, education, and credentials as well.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to check your public records to ensure that everything is up to par. Make sure you verify things like your social security information, identity, court records, and anything else you can think of.

Verifying your public records takes a long time when you use the wrong tools. Google and county clerks are useful, but they’re time-consuming. If you want to check your public records quickly use our public records search tool for the best results. You’ll learn everything you need to know in less than 10 minutes.

Check Your Credit Report

Nationwide background checks search for criminal records but if you’re applying for a position at a bank or another type of financial firm, it’s handy to have your credit report available. These background checks will go through your financial records like your credit score, delinquent accounts, bankruptcies, and liens.

To avoid any issues, present any information you have available during the interview process. For example, if you filed for bankruptcy make sure you explain why. Also, most credit-related reporting only stays on your record for seven years. Checking to see what’s on your report can help you clear anything up.

Have Your Personal Information Ready

One of the best ways to prepare for a background check of any kind is to have your personal information readily available. When you consent to a background check you shouldn’t have anything to hide, so it’s important to come prepared with any documents that you need.

It’s good to have things like your social security card, ID, pay stubs, and other types of records that prove who you are. Depending on the type of nationwide background check, you may also have to consent to fingerprint, so bring everything you need to the appropriate office to avoid delays.

Run a Background Check on Yourself

When you want to prepare for a background check there’s no better way to prepare than by running a report on yourself.

Using our background check tool you can discover what appears on your records. While it’s not the same as a federal background check, it reveals most of your public and criminal records. You can discover if you have anything that you may have forgotten about on your record.

Being prepared is the best way to handle a background check. Knowing what to provide your employer when necessary can save your employment chances, even if you have some red flags.

Check Your Background Today

Nationwide background checks are more thorough than state-level public records searches. This is because they’re looking through documents from across the United States.

That said, background checks are much less intimidating when you know what to expect. Always make sure you’re honest during the interview process and come prepared with any information you need to present to the employer.

Using our public records search tool and criminal records search tool is the best way to prepare yourself for a background check. This is because you’ll know what will appear on your records and can properly defend yourself if necessary. So, run a background check today and take the stress out of the nationwide background check process.