How Far Back Does a Background Check Go? Screening Lookback Guide
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Background checks generally include seven years of criminal and court records, but federal and state employment laws may limit or extend this timeframe. Understanding the factors that influence background check lookback windows helps you better understand what to expect from the process.
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Key takeaways:
- Most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for criminal and court records.
- Under the FCRA, non-conviction data (arrests, liens, civil suits) is limited to seven years, while bankruptcies can appear for ten years.
- States like California, New York, and Massachusetts have stricter reporting limits, often capping conviction reporting at seven years.
- Criminal convictions can technically be reported indefinitely at the federal level, though many CRAs default to seven years for consistency.
- Checkr helps businesses and individuals run compliant background checks, offering criminal, employment, and personal background checks that align with federal, state, and local regulations.
Most background checks cover seven years of criminal and court records, though federal and state laws can shorten or extend this timeframe. A background check reviews a person's history to help employers verify resume details and assess candidate eligibility. Common components include:
- Criminal history
- Employment verification
- Education verification
- Credit history
- Driving records
For employers, background checks reduce hiring risk, support workplace safety, and protect company reputation.
You can also order a personal background check to see what potential employers might find and address any inaccuracies before applying.
The lookback period varies by screening type and state law. Here's what you need to know about how far back background checks go.
How far back does a background check go?
The length of a background check’s lookback period varies, but employment background checks often go back seven years. However, the timeframe may differ depending on the type of search conducted. For example, when performing a criminal background check, convictions may be reported by a background check company indefinitely or may be restricted to seven years, depending on where the candidate is located. For employment history, you can often verify information over the candidate’s lifetime, though many organizations limit the search to a certain number of employers or a number of years.
In this table, you’ll find more information about how far back background checks go:
Type of check | Length of time |
Pre-employment background checks | Pre-employment background checks commonly used by employers typically cover seven years of criminal records, but can go back further depending on federal and state laws and what type of search is requested. |
Bankruptcy checks | Bankruptcies can go back as far as ten years. |
Credit history checks | Employment credit checks go back a minimum of seven years. More history may be available depending on the candidate’s expected salary and specific state laws. Some state laws may further restrict the specific kinds of credit data that can be reported and for how long. |
Criminal background checks | Convictions may be reported indefinitely, or restricted to seven years, depending on the state where the candidate lives or works. |
Driving record checks | Most driving records go back between three to ten years, depending on the state. |
Educational history | May be verified throughout their lifetime, although it may be limited to a specific number of institutions. |
Employment history | May be verified throughout their lifetime, although it may be limited to a specific number of employers or years of history. |
Professional license verification | May be verified throughout their lifetime, although it may be limited to a specific number of licenses. |
Legal considerations for background checks
When determining how far back background checks can go, there are legal factors to keep in mind. Federal laws establish a general lookback period for certain types of background information, while state laws can extend or shorten the lookback window for different checks. Here’s an overview of the laws and regulations that impact background check lookback periods.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts how far back certain background checks can go. The FCRA prohibits consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) from reporting:
- Bankruptcies older than ten years from the date of the reporting
- Civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest older than seven years from the date of the report
- Paid tax liens older than seven years from the date of the report
- Collections accounts (unpaid bills turned over to collections agencies) older than seven years from the date of the report
- Other adverse information (aside from criminal convictions) that is older than seven years from the date of the report
Selecting a background check that is FCRA-compliant helps to ensure that the check has been conducted and collected correctly and provides legally reportable results with regard to the lookback period. Employers are still responsible for ensuring that the way they order and use background checks is legally compliant. They may need to consult with the appropriate counsel, such as their legal team, to determine their compliance requirements.
State laws
Some states have enacted specific limits or requirements on how far back background checks can report certain types of history:
- California: Restricts conviction reporting to seven years; prohibits reporting non-convictions entirely
- New York: Seven-year limit unless expected salary is $25,000 or more; non-convictions cannot be reported
- Massachusetts: Seven-year limit for felonies
Consult your legal counsel to determine what laws and regulations apply in your area.
Order a background check with Checkr
The lookback period for background screenings depends on federal and state regulations, the scope of a search, and other factors. Partnering with a trusted background check provider like Checkr helps you navigate these complexities.
Checkr offers background screening packages for employers of all sizes, with features that include:
- Automatic filtering of non-reportable information
- Built-in compliance tools
- Faster hiring with reduced risk
Get started with Checkr today.
Starting running business background checks
Order personal background checks here >
Frequently asked questions
How far back does a federal background check go?
Federal background checks generally cover a seven-year lookback period for non-conviction information, which includes arrests, civil judgments, tax liens, and most credit report information. Bankruptcies may be reported for up to ten years and criminal convictions may be reported indefinitely. If a candidate’s expected salary is $75,000 or higher or if searches are conducted by the employer themselves, seven-year lookback limitations may not apply.
How far back does a fingerprint background check go?
Fingerprint background checks can reveal criminal convictions across a person's entire lifetime unless state law restricts reporting. Other information obtained through a CRA may be limited to seven years, though regulated industries like education may have access to all records.
How far back does a criminal background check go?
Most criminal background checks go back at least seven years, though federal law places no limit on reporting criminal convictions. Some states impose stricter restrictions, while non-conviction records like arrests are typically limited to seven years.
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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.