Guide to North Carolina Background Checks

A North Carolina background check may be used by employers to confirm a candidate or volunteer’s qualifications or eligibility for a role. In some cases, such as child care workers, background screenings may be required to comply with industry regulations. Background checks can also help employers maintain a safer work environment, mitigate potential risk, and help protect against liability claims.

Here is a closer looks at common background checks in North Carolina:

The cost of a background check in NC varies depending on the type of search and how they are obtained. Other factors that may affect the cost include the service provider, scope of the search, and search volume. Employers that choose to conduct pre-employment background checks by requesting records directly from law enforcement agencies or courthouses may have to pay fees for such records.

For example, a fingerprint-based North Carolina criminal history report ordered from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) has a $14 processing fee, while a federal criminal record check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) costs $18. Using a third party background check provider, like Checkr, can help streamline processes and save you money, with background check packages starting at $29.99.

The turnaround time for a North Carolina background check depends on a variety of factors, including how and where the records are stored, the scope of the screening, and who is conducting the search. For example, some records may be available digitally, while others may need to be requested over the phone, by mail, or by visiting a courthouse. Employers that choose to handle background checks directly may find searching records to be a time-consuming process.

However, turnaround times can be sped up significantly by partnering with a trusted background check provider, also known as a consumer reporting agency (CRA), like Checkr. Checkr’s database screenings, such as National Criminal Records Checks and SSN Trace, typically only take just seconds to complete. And when some background checks take longer, such as county criminal record checks, the Checkr ETA tool provides both the employer and candidate with updates. Checkr also provides peace of mind by helping employers support compliance with federal, state, and local hiring laws.

To get a North Carolina background check, employers can conduct screenings on their own, including requesting criminal records or motor vehicle records and contacting past employers for job history and professional references.

However, handling background checks directly can be time consuming, costly, and even confusing for hiring managers – especially when it comes to remaining compliant with federal, state, and local laws. Employers that choose to work with a CRA, like Checkr, often benefit from a more streamlined process with quicker turnaround times and more comprehensive reporting with built-in features that support compliance.

There is one statewide Ban the Box law that applies to public sector employers when conducting criminal background checks in North Carolina for employment. Local Ban the Box and fair hiring laws may also apply, depending on the city or county. To stay compliant and mitigate the risk of potential liability, North Carolina employers may wish to comply with the strictest laws during the background check process.

Summary: Executive Order No. 158 applies to state agencies conducting criminal background checks in NC and prohibits North Carolina state agencies from doing the following during the hiring process:

In the event that a background check reveals that a candidate has a criminal record, public sector employers must allow the candidate a chance to provide proof of rehabilitation, such as a certificate of relief, or an explanation surrounding the circumstances. While North Carolina’s Ban the Box law is only legally applicable to public sector employers, private sector employers are encouraged to follow the same regulations. See law.

Summary: Employers in North Carolina that partner with a CRA to conduct pre-employment background checks must comply with federal FCRA requirements to protect the candidate. Under this law, employers are required to give a candidate proper disclosure of their intent to perform a background check, obtain written consent, and follow the adverse action process if they decide against hiring a candidate based on information discovered on the screening. See law.

In North Carolina, local fair hiring regulations, such as Ban the Box laws, apply in certain counties and cities as follows:

Employers that choose to partner with Checkr for a North Carolina state background check benefit from a more efficient background check process with access to multiple screening options for comprehensive and accurate reporting. Plus, Checkr offers 100+ ATS and HR integrations for a seamless hiring process for both employers and candidates alike. Get started with a North Carolina background check today.

About the author

As Compliance Manager, Danielle analyzes the ever-changing laws and regulations affecting background screening to ensure that Checkr and its customers stay compliant. She also writes content to educate employers about background checks, screening best practices, and fair hiring laws.