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Employers in North Dakota may conduct background checks on prospective employees during the hiring process to verify their qualifications and eligibility for a role. Understanding North Dakota’s state requirements for conducting background checks can help your business better comply with hiring laws. Background checks are also useful tools for individuals who want to view their own records before applying for jobs. This guide to North Dakota background checks covers how both employers and individuals can perform screenings and the information that may be reported.
Key takeaways:
- Employers conducting background checks in North Dakota must comply with federal, state, and local laws, including FCRA and North Dakota's statewide Ban the Box ordinance
- Checkr offers employers background check packages starting at $29.99, with popular add-ons available, like driving record checks or employment verification
- Individuals can also use Checkr to run personal background checks, starting at $49.99
What is a North Dakota background check?
A North Dakota background check searches public records, databases, and other relevant sources to gather information about a candidate. This may include criminal records, driving records, education and employment history, and other pertinent information.
This process is useful for pre-employment screening, helping employers verify a candidate's qualifications and eligibility for a role. Additionally, background checks are helpful for volunteer screening, supporting due diligence efforts to maintain organizational integrity.
How to get background checks in North Dakota
For employment purposes
- Employers can conduct independent background checks by accessing records through state databases, such as the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s criminal history record checks.
- Checkr offers criminal background checks starting at $29.99, which may include SSN trace, sex offender registry check, global watchlist search, and criminal records searches.
- Using Checkr can streamline the hiring process, providing fast and accurate results while helping support legal compliance.
- North Dakota employers should be aware of any applicable state or industry-specific requirements when conducting employment background checks.
For personal use
- Running a background check on yourself is a helpful step to take before job applications and interviews so you know what to expect before an employer runs a background check on you.
- In North Dakota, individuals may request a criminal history record check of their own through the North Dakota Attorney General.
- Running a personal background check with Checkr is another option that can simplify and expedite the process, offering insights into what might be reported on an employment background check.
- This proactive approach allows individuals to anticipate potential questions and correct potential errors to be reflected on your Checkr report before applying for jobs.
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The benefits of background checks for North Dakota businesses
Background checks can be a useful step in the hiring process for North Dakota businesses, contributing to a safer work environment. Here's why background checks are important:
- Protecting the workplace: Background checks may help identify potential safety risks and may also help prevent incidents that harm employees, customers, or assets.
- Maintaining compliance: Adhering to background screening laws, like those outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), can help businesses comply with regulations and may also help protect them from legal consequences.
- Improving business reputation: By demonstrating a commitment to hiring qualified candidates, businesses may improve their reputation and attract more customers.
- Mitigating risks: Background screenings may identify a history of fraud or theft, reducing the likelihood of hiring individuals who might pose risks to the company.
Legal considerations for North Dakota employers
North Dakota employers must comply with federal, state, and local laws when conducting background checks. Some of 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 employers to follow specific guidelines if you choose not to hire candidates based on background check results.
- North Dakota 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. North Dakota’s Ban the Box ordinance prohibits most public sector employers from asking about criminal history until a candidate has been selected for an interview.
Get a North Dakota background check with Checkr
Employment background checks can play an important role in the hiring process. However, understanding and adhering to the specific background check regulations in North Dakota can be challenging, and attempting to handle this on your own might leave your business vulnerable to legal complications.
Choosing Checkr for North Dakota background checks can enable a streamlined, compliance-forward, and efficient screening process. Checkr’s expertise and advanced technology make us a reliable partner for conducting thorough background checks, helping you make more informed hiring decisions. Get started 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.

