Guide to Las Vegas Background Checks

Hayley Harrison
February 05, 2025
4 min read

In Las Vegas, Nevada, many employers rely on background checks as a necessary and important step in the hiring process to verify a candidate's history and determine their suitability for a position. When conducting background checks in Las Vegas, employers are required to adhere to a framework of federal, state, and local laws that regulate background screenings.

Start running business background checks

Order personal background checks here >

Continue reading to learn more about background check requirements in Las Vegas, the kind of information that may be reported, and the process for obtaining a background check in Las Vegas.

What is a Las Vegas background check?

A Las Vegas background check is a detailed examination of an individual's public records, databases, and other relevant sources to gather important information. This may include criminal records, driving history, educational and employment verification, and more.

This process can be utilized for pre-employment screening, helping employers confirm and enhance their understanding of a candidate's qualifications and history. In addition, background checks are important for volunteer screenings, supporting due diligence efforts to maintain organizational integrity.

The importance of background checks for Las Vegas businesses

Background checks are helpful for businesses in Las Vegas to ensure a safer and more secure working environment. Here's why background checks are important:

  • Protect the workplace: Background checks may help to identify potential safety risks and may help prevent incidents that harm other employees, assets, or customers.
  • Maintain compliance: Adhering to background screening laws, like those outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), supports legal compliance and protects businesses from legal consequences.
  • Enhance business reputation: By demonstrating a commitment to hiring qualified individuals, businesses may enhance their reputation and attract customers who value high standards.

Why should employers conduct Las Vegas background checks?

In Las Vegas, conducting thorough background checks may help employers ensure the safety and security of their business operations. These checks may identify potential risks that could negatively impact the workplace or damage its reputation.

Las Vegas background checks are often needed to comply with industry regulations and legal requirements, helping organizations avoid fines and legal issues. By implementing comprehensive background screening protocols, companies demonstrate due diligence in their hiring practices and maintain a reputable business image.

Start running business background checks

Order personal background checks here >

What shows up on a background check in Las Vegas?

In Las Vegas, an employee background check may yield various results, like criminal history, driving records, past employment or education, and more, depending on the type of screening conducted and the extent of the search (for example, whether the search includes only Nevada court records or extends to multiple states).

The information obtained from conducting a background check independently may be less comprehensive compared to that obtained through a consumer reporting agency (CRA), like Checkr.

Employers in Las Vegas may conduct various types of background checks, including:

  • Criminal background checks may show felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrest records, and pending criminal cases.
  • Driving record checks may include license type and status, suspensions, revocations, and motor vehicle-related offenses, like DUIs.
  • Employment verification may show previous employers, positions held, and employment dates.
  • Education verification identifies schools attended, degrees earned, and graduation dates.
  • Credit background checks report on a candidate’s credit history, including payment history, accounts in collections, and bankruptcies.
  • Civil court searches identify non-criminal court history, like tax disputes, liens, and judgments.
  • Drug testing indicates whether there is evidence of current or past use of certain illegal and prescription drugs.

How to get background checks in Las Vegas

For employers

Employers in Las Vegas may conduct background checks independently by accessing records through state databases. For example, employers may conduct a name-based criminal record search with a Civil Name Check (CNC) through the Nevada Civil and Criminal Information Systems (NCJIS).

However, the information obtained from conducting a criminal background check independently may be less comprehensive compared to that obtained through a CRA. Checkr offers criminal background checks starting at just $29.99, which includes an SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records search, and national criminal records search. Checkr can help make the process simpler and faster while delivering more accurate results.

For individuals

For individuals, state and local databases may provide access to public records for personal background check inquiries, though these may not be as comprehensive as those provided by a CRA, like Checkr. Running a personal background check with Checkr may help make the process simpler and faster and indicate what may show up on an employment background check, allowing individuals to anticipate potential questions or concerns and address any errors or inaccuracies.

Run a personal background check

Are you an employer? Run candidate background checks here >

How long does a background check take in Las Vegas?

The turnaround time for Las Vegas background checks may vary based on several factors, including the type of background check and the depth of the investigation. Partnering with a CRA, like Checkr, may help speed up the screening process compared to conducting background checks manually. CRAs typically deliver faster and more accurate results, aiding organizations in making timely and informed hiring decisions.

Las Vegas employers must comply with federal, state, and local laws when conducting background checks. These include:

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how employers order and consider information when performing background checks for hiring purposes.
  • Adverse action process requires providing clear explanations for not hiring an individual based on background check results.
  • Nevada state laws require that employers adhere to state-specific requirements when hiring individuals.
  • Ban the Box laws may prohibit employers from inquiring about an individual’s criminal history until later in the hiring process, like after a conditional offer is made. These laws apply statewide and in North Las Vegas.
  • Data privacy laws require that employers protect candidate information.

Get a Las Vegas background check with Checkr

Performing an employment background check is a key step in the hiring process. However, the background check laws in Las Vegas may be difficult to navigate, and handling the process independently might put your business at risk of non-compliance.

Choosing Checkr for Las Vegas background checks ensures a streamlined, compliance-forward, and efficient process. Checkr’s expertise and advanced technology make it a reliable partner for conducting thorough background checks, aiding in making informed hiring decisions. Get started today.

Start running business background checks

Order personal background checks here >

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.

About the author

Hayley Harrison writes about a wide range of business topics and best practices, including background checks, candidate experience, and recruitment and retention. Her work includes educational articles, e-books, and blog posts.

Keep reading

Ready to get started?