Guide to Nebraska Background Checks
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Employers in Nebraska may run pre‑employment background checks to verify candidates’ credentials and make more informed hiring decisions. Individuals in Nebraska may also benefit from reviewing their own criminal records to anticipate what may appear in background check results. Continue reading to learn about the process of obtaining a background check in Nebraska and the information that may be reported.
Key takeaways:
- Employers conducting background checks in Nebraska must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the federal FCRA and Nebraska’s Ban the Box law
- Checkr offers custom background check packages starting at $29.99, with many popular add-ons, such as employment verification, education verification, drug testing and more
- Individuals may also use Checkr to run personal background checks on themselves or others
Why Nebraska employers run background checks
Employers in Nebraska conduct pre-employment background checks to confirm that candidates are qualified for a role and to gain insights beyond resumes or applications. This can include criminal history, driving records, educational credentials, or licenses earned. These screenings may help employers build a safer and more reliable workforce, reduce risk, and protect their organization’s reputation.
Federal law requires employers who use third-party background checks to obtain the individual’s written consent beforehand, to follow proper adverse action procedures, and to treat candidates in a non-discriminatory manner. Nebraska’s Ban the Box law adds its own layer of oversight: public employers must delay asking about criminal history until after they confirm that a candidate meets the minimum job qualifications.
Some positions in sectors such as healthcare, education, childcare, or roles involving vulnerable populations may require more extensive screening. Employers also often obtain motor vehicle records (MVRs) when driving is part of the job. By integrating legal compliance and thorough screening, Nebraska employers support better hiring decisions and help maintain their workplace’s integrity.
What shows up on a Nebraska background check?
The information included in a background check depends upon the type of search conducted; federal, state, and local laws that regulate background checks; and the employer’s background screening policy. Here are a few common types of background screenings and what might be reported:
- Criminal background checks may report felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrest records, and pending criminal cases.
- Motor vehicle record (MVR) checks may show license type and status, suspensions, revocations, and sometimes motor vehicle-related offenses, like DUIs.
- Employment verification confirms past employers, positions held, and dates of employment.
- Education verification validates schools attended, degrees or certificates earned, and graduation dates.
How to get background checks in Nebraska
For employment purposes
Employers in Nebraska can obtain official criminal history reports from the Nebraska State Patrol’s Criminal Identification Division (CID). Two types of reports are available:
- Name‑based criminal history report: Requested using the individual’s name and date of birth. Supplemental information like SSN or previous names is optional but helpful. This can be done online for $30, via mail, or in person for the same fee.
- Fingerprint‑based national criminal history check (RAP sheet): Includes state-level fingerprint arrests with dispositions. This service costs $30, whether requested online or via mail/in‑person form. Fingerprint-based checks are only allowed when required by state or federal law, and they aren’t automatically available to all requesters.
Nebraska provides an online background check portal, offering access to information such as fingerprint-based arrest records, court cases, and driving records. It does not include data like the sex offender registry, credit history, employment, or residence history. Online name-based or fingerprint-based requests are typically processed within three business days, depending on accuracy and completeness of the submission.
As an alternative, employers can choose to work with Checkr to perform background checks leveraging aggregated data sources, such as SSN trace, global watchlists, and sex offender registry, to supplement or streamline their screening processes.
For personal use
Individuals in Nebraska may also obtain their own criminal history through the CID using either method:
- Name-based report: Request online, by mail, or in person for $30.
- Fingerprint-based (RAP sheet): Also available through the same methods for $30, when fingerprint-based records are necessary or required.
Available data includes fingerprint arrests and their dispositions. Requests are typically processed within three business days.
If any errors are identified in the report, individuals must contact the original court or law enforcement agency to initiate corrections—CID itself cannot alter the records directly.
Alternatively, individuals may use Checkr to review what might appear on an employment background check. Running a personal background check can help identify any potential issues and enable you to correct inaccuracies to be reflected on your Checkr report.
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How long does a Nebraska background check take?
The time required for a background check in Nebraska can range from a few hours to several weeks. The duration depends on a variety of factors, including the scope of the screening, the type of check being conducted, and the responsiveness of relevant sources.
Standard checks that involve only online or easily accessible records, such as local criminal or basic identity verifications, may take just a few days, often between one and five business days. If the check includes more complex elements like education or employment verification or requires manual searches in multiple counties, it may take longer, potentially several weeks.
Partnering with a qualified consumer reporting agency, such as Checkr, can significantly speed up the process. Checkr’s modern technology streamlines record retrieval and automates many manual steps, enabling faster turnaround and improved accuracy. This leads to significantly shorter wait times, helping employers hire and onboard candidates more efficiently.
Legal considerations for Nebraska employers
Nebraska employers must follow federal and state laws when conducting background checks to ensure fair and compliant hiring practices.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): This federal law governs how employers order and consider information when performing background checks for hiring purposes. When using a third-party consumer reporting agency for employment screening, employers must provide a clear, stand-alone disclosure and obtain the applicant’s written authorization.
- Adverse action process: Employers must provide an explanation to candidates if they choose not to hire those candidates based on their background check results.
- Nebraska Ban the Box for public employers: Public employers in Nebraska may not ask applicants about criminal history until after they determine whether the applicant meets minimum qualifications. This restriction is subject to exceptions (for example, when checks are required by law or for specified school-related roles), and it doesn’t apply to private employers.
- State-level documentation and disclosure: Nebraska does not have a statewide requirement that private employers document the job-related necessity of each background check or provide a copy of every report when no adverse action is taken. (Normal FCRA adverse action rules still apply if a hiring decision is impacted by a report.)
- Anti-discrimination safeguards: Employers must ensure background screening is applied consistently and not in a way that discriminates based on protected characteristics under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act, which is enforced by the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission.
Get a Nebraska background check with Checkr
Using Checkr streamlines candidate background checks by combining advanced automation with built-in compliance tools. Our platform efficiently handles collecting consent to run a check, background screening, and disclosures, enabling faster, more transparent hiring. Ready to simplify your Nebraska background checks? Get started with Checkr today.
Disclaimer
The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
