Guide to Texas Background Checks

Before conducting pre-employment background screenings, it’s important for employers to understand how background checks work and what federal, state, and local regulations may apply. This guide covers how Texas background checks work, how long it takes to conduct one, how far back screenings may go, and Texas background check laws applicable to local jurisdictions.

Texas employers typically run background checks to confirm a candidate or volunteer has the necessary qualifications for a role. Pre-employment screenings offer insight into a candidate’s history beyond what shows up on a resume or application, like criminal history or professional references. Background checks also help employers maintain a safe and productive work environment, mitigate risk, and protect their brand. 

Some Texas employers may be required by law to conduct background checks. For example, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires ridesharing services to conduct a pre-employment screening that includes MVRs for driver safety as well as a criminal background check.

Even when not required by law, many employers choose to conduct a comprehensive background check in Texas to make informed hiring decisions.

The cost of a Texas background check for employment varies widely depending on who is conducting the search, the type of reports ordered, and the frequency of checks. 

Employers can choose to conduct background checks in-house, but should consider the cost to have staff source, review, and follow-up on reports. Free background checks in Texas may include limited publicly available information, but prices for more detailed reports generally depend on the type of records ordered. For instance, Texas motor vehicle records range from $4.50 to $22. The time it takes to manually order and review reports can also result in higher operating costs and lower ROI. 

Texas employers who choose to partner with a qualified background check provider often benefit from reduced staff burdens, lower overhead costs, and comprehensive screening packages. For example, Checkr offers packages that start at $29.99 that can be customized to fit your hiring needs, including criminal records searches, employment and education verification, driving records, drug testing, and more. 

Individuals can run a Texas background check on themselves, though the results may be limited. Like employers, individuals can choose to search public databases or order records on their own; fees will vary, depending on the type of report. For instance, to order Texas criminal background check records through the Texas DPS database, individuals must create an account and purchase credits for each search which start at $1.00 each.

Individuals can also use Checkr’s personal background check service which can be easily requested and viewed online. This search includes a Social Security number (SSN) trace, national criminal search, global watchlist search, and sex offender registry search. 

Texas background checks show a wide range of information about a candidate that goes beyond an application or resume. This may include criminal records, credit history, driving records, and more. Background screenings may also verify information such as education and employment history. Here’s what shows up on some common types of Texas background checks. 

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

For employers wondering “how long does a background check in Texas take,” it's important to understand that turnaround times vary depending on the scope of the search, the type of records requested. For example, ordering Texas driving records online may be quicker than requesting them by mail. 

Running background checks in Texas on your own can be time-consuming. Contacting past employers, submitting requests to government agencies, and searching county court records online or with in-person trips to the courthouse can burden your HR team.

Employers that choose to partner with a CRA, like Checkr, often experience a more streamlined background check process, allowing staff to focus on other initiatives. Using advanced technology, Checkr is able to gather and sort data from thousands of databases and record sources—delivering 89% of all criminal searches within one hour. Plus, Checkr’s candidate portal provides both candidates and hiring managers transparency into the real-time status of each report. 

Thistle, a plant-forward meal delivery service, is on a mission to make it easy to get and stay healthy while improving the sustainability of our food system. With their previous background check provider, they were experiencing slow turnaround times, candidate drop-off, and a cumbersome experience for candidates, so Thistle sought a more efficient and automated solution.

Since partnering with Checkr, Thistle has significantly reduced the time it takes to fill positions. The quick turnaround time on background checks, within 48 hours or less, has allowed them to bring new hires on board quickly and avoid the costs associated with candidate drop-off. Plus, they often receive positive feedback from candidates about the quick and simple screening process using Checkr. 

Employers can choose to perform a Texas criminal records search directly or partner with a qualified CRA. Employers that conduct screenings on their own can often order reports online, by mail, or in-person from courthouses and law enforcement agencies.

Local criminal records can often be obtained at the county-level. Many counties have online databases that contain criminal history information like court records and arrests, such as Dallas County and Harris County. Texas criminal records and name-based criminal conviction records are also available online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), including fingerprint-based checks through the FACT Clearinghouse. TXDPS also operates the state’s Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system, which acts as a statewide repository for criminal history record information reported by local criminal justice agencies.

Checkr offers comprehensive criminal background checks for employers which can include federal, national, state, or county criminal record checks, sex offender registry check, global watchlist search, or international criminal searches.  

Individuals looking for a better understanding of what may show up on a criminal background check in Texas may choose to run a personal background check on themselves. With Checkr, individuals can purchase a view of your records, including a national criminal search, SSN number trace, sex offender search, and global watchlist search.

Summary: This statewide law limits how far a background check in Texas can go for certain record types. Civil lawsuits and judgments, arrests, indictments, paid tax liens, and medical collections are limited to seven years. Convictions are also limited to seven-year lookback periods, however, this is preempted by federal law. Lookback restrictions don’t apply to roles with an expected salary of $75,000 or more and certain positions in the insurance industry. See law. 

Summary: In 2023, the state passed this new law on background checks in Texas, which nullifies any previously existing county or city Ban the Box laws under Labor Code Section 1.005. Texas employers are instead encouraged not to ask about a candidate’s criminal history until after making a conditional offer of employment. See law.

After the passing of the TCRA, local Ban the Box laws in all Texas city and county jurisdictions are now preempted by state law. Employers must still be sure to comply with all federal and state fair hiring regulations. 

Summary: Texas employers who choose to partner with a CRA to conduct pre-employment background checks are required to comply with certain regulations under the federal FCRA. This includes providing notice to the candidate of your intent to conduct a background check and receiving written consent before proceeding. If information that appears on a background check results in an adverse decision regarding the candidate or employee, the employer is responsible for following the adverse action process. See law.

Texas, known for its thriving industries, diverse economy, and fast-growing metro areas, offers a dynamic labor market full of opportunities for women. With sectors ranging from energy and technology to education and healthcare, the Lone Star State presents a wide range of pathways for professional growth and success.

Despite facing challenges such as income inequality and access to affordable childcare, many cities in Texas are leading the way in creating supportive environments where women in the workforce can thrive. Today, more women are stepping into leadership roles, pursuing higher education, and advocating for workplace equality across Texas.

Following national trends—and a significant rebound after the “women’s recession” brought on by COVID-19—Texas women have returned to work in force. In fact, labor force participation for women continues to climb, reaching near-record levels as of mid-2023.

Key factors, such as educational attainment, the rise in women’s salaries, narrowing wage gaps, and greater representation in management positions, are helping reshape the employment landscape in the state. And some Texas metro areas are standing out more than others.

Honoring Women’s History Month in March, Checkr set out to analyze the US Census Bureau data to identify the top ten cities in Texas for women in the workforce.

The key metrics analyzed include:

Each of these metrics was weighted appropriately and scaled to develop a final ranking of the cities where women are best positioned for success.

Texas businesses, government leaders, and workforce developers alike can benefit from understanding which Texas cities are excelling in building gender equity—and why.

Now, let’s get into the details about the top cities in Texas for working women. 

Ranked number one overall, Brownsville stands out for its rapid growth in workforce participation among women. The city also showed strong gains in women's median income and a noticeable narrowing of the wage gap. Its affordability and steady job market make it an appealing hub for working women seeking advancement.

Austin lands in second place, thanks to its booming tech industry, vibrant startup culture, and progressive workplace policies. Women in Austin benefit from growth in management positions and a continued increase in labor force participation.

Dallas-Fort Worth claims the third spot due to robust job creation, expanding industries, and an above-average reduction in the gender wage gap. The metroplex also ranks highly among Texas cities for women in leadership roles.

Killeen continues to impress with its steady increase in women entering the workforce and notable improvements in women’s unemployment rates. It is also emerging as a regional leader in female participation in management, helping it secure the fourth overall spot.

San Antonio ranks number five for its consistent performance across all key metrics. The city boasts growing representation of women in leadership and a rapidly improving wage landscape for female professionals.

With a strong showing in workforce participation and a marked drop in the unemployment rate for women, McAllen is quickly gaining recognition. It ranks sixth overall for creating access to economic opportunity for women in South Texas.

Corpus Christi has demonstrated solid performance in workforce growth and wage equality. The area is also making gains in placing women in higher-income roles providing great opportunities for women in the workforce.

El Paso continues to invest in workforce development, particularly for women. Its improvements in wage equity and access to leadership roles earn it a place in the top ten.

Despite being Texas’ largest metro area, Houston ranks ninth, mainly due to slower progress in wage gap reduction. However, its massive job market and concentration of Fortune 500 companies still provide significant opportunities for career advancement.

Rounding out the top ten is Beaumont. The city posted notable improvements in median income for women and job growth, though challenges remain in closing the wage gap and boosting female leadership numbers.

This data-driven analysis shows that Texas cities are making meaningful progress toward gender equality in employment. While there is still work to be done, many metro areas are building a future where women have equitable access to opportunity, income, and leadership.

Key takeaways for businesses include the importance of promoting pay equity, offering flexible work options, and developing women for leadership roles. These strategies not only create a more inclusive environment but also drive better organizational outcomes and enhance talent retention.

As Texas continues to grow and diversify its economy, embracing policies that empower women in the workforce will be essential for long-term prosperity.

For more information on Checkr’s research or to request graphics for this study, please contact press@checkr.com.  

To rank Texas’ best cities for women in the workforce, Checkr analyzed five key factors from the US Census Bureau from the last five years. The factors include the change in the size of the workforce, change in the number of women in management positions, change in median income, change in the wage gap between women and men, and change in the unemployment rate. Each factor was weighted appropriately by Checkr and scaled, resulting in the final rankings of the ten best places in Texas for women in the workforce.

Working with a qualified CRA, like Checkr, to conduct pre-employment background checks in Texas can help you streamline a complex process and navigate hiring laws with greater confidence. Checkr offers multiple screening options to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, with a mobile-optimized platform and automated workflows to help make the background check process efficient for you and your candidates. Get started with Checkr today.

About the author

Sarah writes about small business topics and corporate communications. She has written on a wide range of topics, including background checks, hiring trends, company culture, and employee training and development. Her work includes educational articles, press releases, newsletters, and employee onboarding collateral.