How to Conduct a Criminal Background Check
Many employers today conduct background checks before a hire. Each state’s process for conducting a criminal background check is different. Private companies also specialize in conducting criminal background checks, but are usually more expensive than government-conducted criminal background checks. Here are the options for conducting a criminal background check.
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Instructions
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Obtain written consent. You will need to obtain the consent of the person to be searched before conducting a criminal background check.
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Provide the personal information required. You will need to provide the full name, address, date of birth and social security number of the person to be searched.
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Indicate the scope of the search. Some private and government request forms will ask on which criminal database you would like the search to be conducted. You may choose to have the searched conducted on the FBI’s database, called the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a state database or both (see Resources below).
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Pay the fee. Once you have completed the request form, follow the instructions provided on the form regarding submission. Many state agencies require that you mail the form with a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with a check or money order for the fee.
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Indicate your delivery preference. Some agencies may request that you indicate how you would like the results delivered, such as by mail or email.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are conducting a criminal background check through a government agency, be sure that you use the correct form. State governments offer different forms for nonprofit organizations, licensing groups and individuals, for example.
Many state governments have websites with downloadable criminal background check forms that can be printed and mailed.
