National background checks: What they include and how they work

A national criminal background check is a search that queries a collection of over 2,500 databases sourced from state and county agencies nationwide. Because it casts a wide net, it's often the first step in examining a candidate's criminal history.

An employer may run a national background check as part of a larger pre-employment criminal background check to help them make more informed hiring decisions.

A national check is not the same as a federal background check, which searches only for federal crimes. And while a national criminal background check is extensive, it’s not necessarily comprehensive: Results point to potential records so you can investigate further. National background checks are frequently paired with county criminal checks when a preliminary record is found and more detail is needed.

A national background check can search over 900 million records from 2,500+ databases to identify potential criminal records for further investigation. It may report various interactions with law enforcement, including:

A national criminal background check can uncover potential records at the state and county level, including locations where the candidate doesn't currently reside. While searching a candidate's home county and state is recommended, a national check helps identify additional locations by flagging records for further review.

If a record is found during a national background check, a county criminal history search may be conducted for more comprehensive information.

At Checkr, a national criminal background check for employment usually only takes a few seconds. If the search returns a hit (a potential record), Checkr automatically expands the search to those counties to look for records that may belong to the candidate. In this case, the turnaround time for a more comprehensive background check is often one to five days, but it may take longer depending on the counties searched.

Whatever the scope of your search, partnering with a company that specializes in background screening, like Checkr, can deliver faster, more accurate results. Checkr's advanced platform offers:

Working with a consumer reporting agency (CRA) is the most efficient way to get accurate national background checks. A qualified, FCRA-compliant screening company, like Checkr, has access to nationwide databases and also helps your business comply with federal, state, and local background check laws.

For job seekers, running a personal background check is also an option. This lets you see what employers might see, including national criminal info, so you can be better prepared when you apply for a job. With this information, you may proactively dispute any inaccuracies you find or decide in advance how to address the findings with prospective employers.

The typical cost for a national criminal background check from an accredited provider ranges from $25 to $100. It’s often packaged with additional screening options. Pricing varies depending on where you purchase the report.

Employers should note that consumer-focused, public records search websites could come with some risks. For example, many of those websites prohibit, usually in their terms of service, use of their services for FCRA-covered decisions, such as employment.

At Checkr, all packages include a National Criminal Record Search. The Basic package starts at $29.99 and also includes an SSN trace and searches the National Sex Offender Registry and global watchlist. Discounts are also available for employers who are hiring at high volume.

Checkr offers hundreds of criminal background check options for employers, including national background checks, federal background checks, and state and county background checks to help simplify your screening process. Our advanced data engine delivers fast, accurate reports, while our easy-to-use dashboard provides clear, understandable reports. Organizations of all sizes use Checkr to build trusted teams. Get started with Checkr today.

While pass-fail language isn’t completely accurate for the way background checks typically work, candidates “pass” national background checks by providing accurate information and having no disqualifying criminal records based on the employer's hiring criteria. Honesty is essential, since purposely misrepresenting your history can lead to eventual disqualification.

However, even if you respond accurately and don’t have a disqualifying criminal record, it’s possible that inaccurate information may appear on the report due to data mismatches, like similar names or birthdates. Running a personal background check beforehand allows you to review what employers will see and address any inaccuracies proactively. If you discover errors, you have the right to dispute them through the proper channels.

Again, pass-fail language isn’t typically helpful in discussing the full background check process, but felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, pending criminal cases, or false information on your application can cause your background check to be flagged for further review.

The specific factors that may eventually disqualify you or keep you under consideration depend on the employer's hiring policies, the requirements of the position, and applicable fair chance hiring laws. Some industries have strict regulations that automatically disqualify certain convictions, while employers that don’t have industry-level restrictions may evaluate candidates’ records on a case-by-case basis. Employers must also follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act when evaluating a candidate’s background check, which includes informing them when a background check may negatively impact their hiring chances.

National background checks search records across all states and counties where data is available, not just your current area of residence. The lookback period for a background check varies by state law and the specific type of record. In California, conviction records older than seven years cannot be reported for most positions, and arrests that didn’t lead to conviction cannot be reported regardless of when they occurred. Other states have similar restrictions, while some allow unlimited lookback periods for certain offenses, like high-level felonies. Federal regulations also limit reporting of civil judgments, tax liens, and other non-conviction records to seven years. Understanding how far back background checks go can help you anticipate what information may appear and prepare accordingly.

National background checks are generally accurate when they’re conducted by reputable screening companies that follow the FCRA and use verified data sources. However, errors can occur due to outdated records, data entry mistakes, or confusion between individuals who have similar names. That's why the FCRA requires employers to provide candidates with a copy of the report and an opportunity to dispute any inaccuracies before making a negative hiring decision.

Candidates should carefully review their background checks and report any errors immediately. Screening companies must investigate disputes within 30 days and correct inaccuracies on their reports. Choosing a provider that prioritizes accurate background checks and regulatory compliance helps protect both your business and your candidates from the consequences of incorrect information.

A national background check searches multi-jurisdictional databases covering records from across the country. A county criminal search examines records from a specific county courthouse. National checks provide broader coverage and faster results by pulling data from aggregated databases, but they may not include the most recent filings or all local records. County searches offer more comprehensive and up-to-date information for specific jurisdictions but require you to know where the candidate has lived or worked. Many employers use a combined approach, starting with a national check to identify potential records, then conducting targeted county searches.

Standard national criminal background checks focus on criminal records and don’t automatically include employment verification services. Employment verification is a separate screening component that confirms a candidate’s dates of employment, job titles, and sometimes eligibility for rehire with previous employers.

Employers typically request employment verification as an additional service when they want to validate the accuracy of information provided on resumes and applications. This process involves contacting former employers directly or using third-party verification services. Some comprehensive background check packages bundle criminal checks with employment and education verification for a more comprehensive assessment.

Many industries require national background checks to make their workplaces safer, protect vulnerable populations, and comply with regulatory requirements. Healthcare, education, financial services, transportation, and government sectors commonly mandate comprehensive background screening. This is particularly important for positions that involve working with children, elderly individuals, or sensitive financial information.

Understanding and following the various legal regulations can be challenging for any HR team. Working with a trusted third-party provider can help. Checkr’s platform has built-in technology designed to surface only legally reportable results to reduce bias, while workflows are being continuously updated to help enable compliance with applicable federal, state, and local screening laws.

About the author

As Chief Product Officer at Checkr, Denise is responsible for leading the product vision, teams, and roadmap to deliver customer delight and innovation while advancing our mission of building a fairer future. Denise brings a relentless focus on customer success, adoption, and innovation to meet our customers’ needs.