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.

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:

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.

Running a background check on yourself helps you:

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.

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.

Yes, individuals have the legal right to request their own state and FBI background checks for personal review. Running a background check on yourself helps you verify that your criminal record history is accurate and up to date before potential employers or landlords review it. This proactive step allows you to identify any errors or outdated information that might appear during employment screening.

By reviewing your own records first, you can address discrepancies, understand what employers may see, and prepare explanations for any issues that may arise. Self-background checks are particularly valuable when you're actively searching for jobs or applying for housing, as they give you confidence in knowing exactly what information will be disclosed.

No, background checks do not reveal your application status for disability benefits or whether you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This information remains private and protected under federal privacy laws.

Employers cannot access your medical records, disability status, or health insurance claims through standard background checks. The only disability-related information that might appear would be if a disability discrimination lawsuit became part of public court records. Standard employment screening focuses on criminal history, employment verification, education credentials, and driving records, not personal health or disability information.

Personal background checks often include an SSN trace, national and county criminal searches, federal criminal records, sex offender registry results, global watchlist searches, county civil cases, or motor vehicle records. The specific results depend on which screenings are requested and any applicable state laws.

An SSN trace reveals your name variations and address history, helping verify your identity and determine which jurisdictions to search. Criminal searches cover felonies, misdemeanors, and pending cases from various court levels. Civil records may include lawsuits, judgments, liens, and bankruptcies. Motor vehicle records show your driving history, including violations, suspensions, and accidents. Some comprehensive reports also include professional license verification and education confirmation.

Yes, you can get the same type of background check that employers use by ordering a personal background check through a service like Checkr. This allows you to review your criminal history, employment records, education verification, and other information exactly as it would appear to potential employers. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you also have the right to receive a copy of any background check report that an employer uses to make an adverse hiring decision. Reviewing your report in advance helps you prepare for conversations with hiring managers, correct any inaccuracies, and understand how your history might be perceived.

Most personal background checks are completed within one to five business days, though timing varies based on the scope of the search and the responsiveness of various data sources:

Using a professional background check service generally provides faster results than requesting records individually from multiple government agencies, which could take weeks to fulfill.

Personal background checks do not include:

Your browsing history, social media passwords, personal emails, and private financial account details are also not included in the background check. Bankruptcy records older than ten years are typically excluded.

Personal background checks are generally accurate when conducted by reputable screening companies that follow FCRA guidelines and use reliable data sources. However, errors can occur due to outdated court records, name similarities, incorrectly entered data, or incomplete information from reporting agencies. Common inaccuracies include records that should have been expunged still appearing, cases belonging to someone with a similar name, or outdated address information.

This is precisely why running your own background check is helpful—it allows you to identify and dispute any errors before employers see them. If you find inaccuracies, you have the right to request corrections through the reporting agency. Reputable background check providers maintain quality control processes and offer dispute resolution procedures to comply with the FCRA and use accurate data.

A personal background check through Checkr starts at $49.99 per report and typically includes an SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist search and national criminal search. Requesting records directly from government agencies may seem cheaper initially, but fees quickly add up when you need multiple record types from different jurisdictions. That's why professional background check services, like Checkr, offer better value by bundling multiple searches into one report with faster turnaround times. When comparing costs, consider what's included in each package and whether the provider offers customer support to help interpret results.

Yes, when you obtain your personal background check through a consumer reporting agency, you generally have the legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information on your background check report. If you identify errors, contact the background check company that generated the report and formally request an investigation. The company must review your dispute, typically within 30 days, and verify the information with the original source. If the information can’t be verified or is found to be inaccurate, it must be corrected or removed. You should provide supporting documentation such as court records, police reports, or official letters that demonstrate the error.

Common disputes involve cases that were dismissed, records belonging to someone else with a similar name, or offenses that should have been expunged. Keep detailed records of all correspondence during the dispute process. If the background check company doesn't resolve the issue satisfactorily, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or consult with an attorney specializing in employment law.

About the author

Kate leads workforce research and editorial content at Checkr, covering HR strategy, background screening, compliance, and HR technology. She helps business and HR leaders translate industry trends into operational decisions and is passionate about expanding opportunity through fair chance hiring.