Running a background check on yourself can be a helpful step when you’re beginning to apply for jobs or actively interviewing for roles. Background screening is a common part of the hiring process, particularly in industries such as law enforcement, childcare, and financial services. In this guide, you'll learn how to run a background check on yourself, what information may be reported, and the benefits of screening yourself in advance.
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Key takeaways:
- Understand what potential employers or landlords may see to avoid surprises
- Identify and dispute inaccuracies or identity theft issues before they impact your job opportunities
- Use a third-party provider to reduce the effort of contacting multiple government agencies manually
- Use your findings to prepare explanations for any records that might be reported in your history
How to run a background check on yourself
You can run a background check on yourself two ways: purchase one from a third-party background check provider, like Checkr, or request and compile the records yourself.
If you’re looking to preview a background check on yourself before interviewing, look for third-party providers that typically run FCRA-compliant background checks for employers.
If you’d rather search for the information on your own, gather a list of your previous and current addresses and request your criminal records from the state and local jurisdictions. Many states have a type of public records database that individuals can search, although you may have to pay for more detailed data. For local jurisdictions like counties, sheriffs’ departments and court clerks often have information about criminal records.
While the DIY option may sound appealing, it’s often more time-consuming and expensive than working with a CRA like a background check company. While you can often find some basic state or county records for free, you’ll also need to search and often pay fees for public records for a comprehensive background check that includes more complete results.
Checkr offers personal background checks that can be easily requested and viewed online.This background check on yourself can include an SSN trace, criminal and civil searches, global watchlist search, sex offender registry check, and driving records.
Method | Pros | Cons |
Third-party provider | Fast, comprehensive, often lower cost | Requires you to research and select a reputable provider |
DIY approach | Direct access to original sources | Time-consuming, multiple fees, potentially incomplete results |
What can a personal background check report show?
The results of a personal background check depend on who’s conducting the search; the types of screening they requested; and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Checkr offers personal background checks that may include the following searches:
- Social Security number (SSN) trace: Provides basic information on your Social Security number, including associated names and addresses. Background check companies may use this information to conduct additional searches, such as a criminal background check in counties where you have address history.
- National criminal search: May report felony and misdemeanor convictions, as well as infractions and violations, at the state and county level. State laws may dictate how far back your criminal history is reported, but generally records show the past seven years.
- Federal criminal search: May report federal felony and misdemeanor convictions from the 94 US federal district courts.
- State criminal search: Covers felony and misdemeanor convictions, along with charge type, disposition, and sentencing information, from criminal record databases in a specific state.
- County criminal search: Reviews records in associated counties based on a national criminal search and reports felony and misdemeanor convictions and related information, such as charge, disposition, and sentencing.
- Global watchlist search: Scans multiple domestic and international government and regulatory databases for individuals who are prohibited from certain industries or included on "most wanted" criminal lists.
- Sex offender registry search: Reviews registries from all 50 states, Washington DC, and US territories. The results may include the offender’s date of registration and current status.
- County civil search: Reports civil cases filed in county civil courts, such as claims, suits, or judgments.
- Motor vehicle record (MVR) check: Confirms driver's license status and class, and identifies driving-related incidents in the US.
Background checks for employment are often more comprehensive and may include additional screenings, such credit history or employment and education verification. These searches are typically requested by employers rather than individuals.
Hiring someone? Here's how to build the process around it.
Running a check on yourself is a good way to understand what employers see. If you're on the hiring side, this free guide walks small teams through a simple, repeatable framework—so you can move quickly and make decisions you can stand behind.
Benefits of running a self background check
Running a background check on yourself helps you:
- Prepare for questions: Preview your report and prepare context for any records that might concern an employer or landlord.
- Catch errors early: Identify inaccuracies caused by misreported information or identity theft, then dispute them with the background check provider.
- Save time and money: A third-party provider often compiles records more quickly than government agencies may respond to your requests, and their checks are often more affordable, too.
Even if you don’t think there’s anything to worry about, running a background check on yourself can put you at ease and help you avoid potential delays.
Get a self background check with Checkr
Reviewing your personal background check can help you understand what employers and landlords may see. It also gives you the opportunity to correct errors with the provider that ran the check and to prepare to provide context if necessary. Get a personal background check in a few easy steps through our online platform.
Run a background check on yourself today
Are you an employer? Run candidate 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.
