📄 How to Get a Personal Background Check
Running a background check on yourself helps you see what an employer or landlord might see and correct any errors in advance. Background checks can include criminal history, employment and education verification, and credit history, governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
📋 Documents you'll need
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Your Social Security number (for identity verification)
- Current and previous addresses
- For fingerprint-based checks: fingerprints taken at an approved location
🪜 Step-by-step
- Decide what you need: criminal record, credit report, or a full employment-style check.
- For criminal history, request records from your state's repository or use an FCRA-compliant screening company.
- For a free annual credit report, use the official AnnualCreditReport.com.
- For an FBI Identity History Summary, submit fingerprints through an approved channeler.
- Review the results carefully for errors or outdated information.
- Dispute any inaccuracies with the reporting agency to have them corrected.
| Estimated cost | Your annual credit report is free; state criminal record checks and FBI summaries charge a modest fee, and commercial screening services vary. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Instant to a few days for online checks; fingerprint-based FBI summaries can take longer depending on the submission method. |
Frequently asked questions
Is my credit report really free?
Yes. You're entitled to free credit reports from the three major bureaus via the official AnnualCreditReport.com. Be wary of look-alike sites that charge fees.
What are my rights under the FCRA?
Employers must get your written consent before running a check, and if they take adverse action based on it, they must give you a copy of the report and a chance to dispute errors.
How far back do background checks go?
It depends on the check type and state law. Many states limit how far back certain records (like non-conviction data) can be reported, often around seven years.