How Long Do Background Checks Take?
Contents
- Select a topic to scroll directly to it:
- How long does a background check take?
- Common background check turnaround times
- How to speed up the hiring process
- Ready to run background checks the modern way?
After a successful interview, the next step is often a background check to assess a candidate’s qualifications and eligibility for the role. With many screening options available, how long a background check takes may depend on the scope of the search, the location, record availability, and whether you’re using a consumer reporting agency (CRA), or conducting the search yourself.
For employers, background checks help inform your hiring decisions, while candidates are often eager to know how the process might impact their job offer timeline. Transparency about the process creates a better experience for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about background check turnaround times:
Key takeaways
- Accurate and consistent information across your application and background check forms help create a smooth, timely process.
- Understand background check timelines and your FCRA rights for a confident and informed experience.
- Check your own public records with a personal background check before applying for jobs to correct any inaccuracies and speed the process.
How long do background checks take?
On average, employment background checks conducted through a CRA typically take three to five days. Here’s what employers and individuals should know about background check timelines.
The time it takes to complete a background check depends on several factors, including:
- The types of screenings performed.
- The availability of online records.
- How quickly employers obtain necessary information and written authorization from candidates.
- Whether employers conduct background checks independently or with the help of a background check company, like Checkr.
For employers
Pre-employment background checks may take anywhere from minutes to several business days, depending on the comprehensiveness of the search, the types of screenings performed, the ease of communication with candidates, and whether an employer uses a background check company. Here’s a closer look at each of these key factors:
Comprehensiveness of the search
Generally, the more comprehensive the background check, the longer it may take to receive the full report. Employers' background check policies may require many types of screenings to gather the information needed to make an informed hiring decision, such as criminal background checks, education and employment verification, or driving record checks.
Type of screening performed
Turnaround times depend on the specific types of screenings requested. For example, database searches (such as national criminal record checks and sex offender registry checks) may yield results in minutes. County criminal searches may take longer if the court required manual retrieval by a court researcher, while state criminal searches are typically faster due to digitized records.
Ability to communicate with candidates
Before running a background check, employers must collect personal information from candidates (such as date of birth and Social Security number). If a candidate is slow to respond or misses communication, this may delay the background check process.
Additionally, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to notify candidates in writing of their intent to conduct background checks and obtain written authorization before proceeding. Delays in delivering these notices or securing authorization can extend the process.
Assistance available
Employers conducting background checks independently may experience longer turnaround times than those that partner with a background check company, like Checkr. Manually retrieving records, verifying employment history, and coordinating drug testing can take several days to weeks.
Partnering with a qualified background check provider, like Checkr, streamlines the process. Checkr’s industry-leading technology and real-time data network significantly reduce delays—for example, 89% of criminal checks at Checkr are completed within one hour. Plus, the candidate portal provides an estimated completion time and status updates to keep candidates engaged.
For individuals
As an individual, you can run a background check on yourself to learn what employers may see during the background check process. You can search public court records to find any listed criminal charges, which is helpful for planning to discuss or dispute any charges.
You can also use a background check service rather than conduct the search on your own. If you run a background check on yourself using a CRA, like Checkr, you may get a much more comprehensive picture of your personal records. Checkr offers easy-to-order personal background checks online, delivering clear, detailed results in minutes.
Run a personal background check
Are you an employer? Run a candidate background check here >
Common background check turnaround times
The type of screenings included in a background check is one of the most significant factors affecting turnaround time. Some checks yield results in minutes, while others can take several days or longer. Refer to the table below to help estimate how long your background checks may take.
| Type of screening | Average turnaround time |
|---|---|
| Employment background check (a more comprehensive report that typically includes multiple screenings) | >1 hour to 1-5 days |
| Criminal background check | 1-3 days |
| Employment verification | 1-3 minutes (quick verification) to 2-7 days (manual entry) |
| Reference checks | 2-5 days |
| Driving record (MVR) check | >1 hour to 1-3 business days |
| Drug testing | 10 minutes (onsite) to 3-10 days (lab-based) |
How to speed up the hiring process
As a candidate, you can take steps to streamline the hiring process and help employers complete background screenings more efficiently. By providing accurate information, responding promptly to requests, and proactively managing your background check, you can reduce the risk of delays during the pre-employment screening process. Here’s how:
Provide accurate information
Employers need accurate identifying information to conduct background checks. Errors, like transposed digits in your birth date, can lead to mismatches and delays. Missing key details, such as your Social Security number, can also slow down the process.
To prevent setbacks, double-check all your personal information before submitting it. Include any aliases, such as nicknames and maiden names, to increase the chance that all relevant records are located.
Respond promptly to requests
At various points in the hiring process, employers may request additional information. Failing to respond quickly can cause unnecessary delays.
Expect to provide:
- Personal information (full name, aliases, date of birth, Social Security number, current zip code, phone number, and email address).
- Consent for the employer to conduct the background check (required under the FCRA) before screenings can begin.
- Follow-up requests like scheduling a drug test or health screening, or submitting supporting documents such as your driver’s license, pay stubs, or W-2.
Proactively manage your background check
Reviewing your own records before applying for jobs can help you identify and address any potential issues in advance, allowing you to correct any inaccuracies and prepare explanations for anything that may require clarification.
Consider checking these key reports:
- Criminal records checks generally report felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending cases, and arrests. You can run a self-check in minutes with Checkr’s personal background check service.
- Driving record check, also called a motor vehicle record (MVR), may show driver’s license type and status, moving violations, and driving-related convictions, like DUIs. You can obtain a copy of yours from each state’s driver services department or department of motor vehicles. The US General Services Administration (GSA) provides a directory to easily find each state’s motor vehicle services.
- Credit reports show your credit history, which may include accounts in collections, outstanding balances, payment history, and bankruptcies. The federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) entitles you to one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once every 12 months. You can request your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com, the official website created to ensure compliance with FACTA.
The standard Summary of Rights document outlines the rights of individuals under the FCRA, which includes the right to dispute any inaccurate information in your criminal background check or credit report. The FCRA allows you to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report or criminal background check. To initiate a dispute, you can contact the consumer or credit reporting agency that provided the report.
Ready to run background checks the modern way?
Background checks are an important step in making informed hiring decisions, but slow turnaround times can keep employers from filling critical roles. Employers can streamline the process by partnering with a trusted background check provider, like Checkr, while candidates can stay ahead by reviewing their own background checks before beginning a job search.
For employers
Checkr’s advanced background check platform and real-time data network improve speed and accuracy, helping businesses hire faster and fairer. While turnaround times vary by screening type, 89% of criminal background checks are completed within one hour.
With multiple screening options, customizable packages, and a candidate portal for easy communication, Checkr makes scaling your hiring process easier than ever. Get started today.
For individuals
Be informed about your public records with Checkr’s personal background check service. In just a few clicks, you can order a background check and receive an easy-to-read report in minutes. Order yours online today.
With multiple screening options, customizable packages, and a candidate portal for easy communication, Checkr makes scaling your hiring process easier than ever. Get started today.
Run a personal background check
Are you an employer? Run a candidate background check 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.
About the author
Hayley Harrison writes about a wide range of business topics and best practices, including background checks, candidate experience, and recruitment and retention. Her work includes educational articles, e-books, and blog posts.
