How to Run a Background Check on Yourself

Why Run a Background Check on Yourself?

Running a background check on yourself might feel unnecessary, but it's actually one of the smartest moves you can make before applying for jobs, apartments, or security clearances. Think of it as a dry run-you get to see exactly what employers and landlords will find, giving you time to prepare explanations or correct errors before they become problems.

There are three compelling reasons to check your own background:

• Preview what others will see: You can anticipate questions about gaps or concerning information and prepare thoughtful responses. If there's something in your history that needs context, you'll have time to craft an explanation rather than being caught off guard.
• Catch errors before they cost you: Background reports sometimes contain mistakes-wrong addresses, misattributed records, or information that should have been expunged. These errors can delay or derail job offers, and you won't know they exist unless you look first.
• Detect identity theft: If someone has used your information fraudulently, it might show up as criminal records, addresses you've never lived at, or debts you don't owe. A self-check can reveal these red flags before they damage your reputation.

This is particularly important in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, education, and social services-where even minor record discrepancies can impact your eligibility for positions or licenses.

The Hidden Cost of Background Check Errors

Background check errors are surprisingly common. Studies suggest that up to one in three background checks contains some form of inaccuracy, ranging from minor address errors to serious misattributed criminal records. These mistakes happen for several reasons: data entry errors, mixed files where someone else's information appears on your report, outdated information that should have been removed, or records that were never properly updated after being dismissed or expunged.

The consequences can be severe. A single error might cause a job offer to be withdrawn, an apartment application to be denied, or a professional license to be delayed. Even if you eventually correct the mistake, you've already lost the opportunity. That's why running a background check on yourself-before anyone else does-is such a practical investment in your future.

What Shows Up on a Background Check?

Understanding what information background checks can reveal helps you know what to look for when reviewing your own report. The specific details depend on the type of check being run, but here's what you might encounter:

Criminal History

Criminal background checks are the most common component. These searches can reveal felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending cases, and sometimes active warrants or arrests. The reports typically include the defendant's name, the specific offense charged, whether it's classified as a misdemeanor or felony, case filing details, the verdict, and any sentencing information.

The scope matters here. A national criminal search looks across state and county databases, while county-level searches focus on specific jurisdictions. Federal background checks access the PACER database for federal offenses. Many background check services also include sex offender registry checks and may search international criminal records for candidates who have lived abroad.

Social Security Number Trace

An SSN trace provides basic information tied to your Social Security number, including associated names (including maiden names or aliases) and address history. Background check companies use this as a starting point to identify which counties and states need to be searched for criminal records. This component also helps verify your identity and can reveal potential identity theft if addresses or names you don't recognize appear.

Motor Vehicle Records

If you're applying for jobs that involve driving, expect your MVR (motor vehicle record) to be checked. This confirms your driver's license status and class, identifies any suspensions or restrictions, and shows driving-related incidents including DUI/DWI offenses and traffic violations. For transportation and logistics positions, a clean driving record is often a non-negotiable requirement.

Credit History

For positions in finance or roles handling money, employers may request a credit check. This can show your credit-to-debt ratio, payment history, bankruptcies, tax liens, accounts in collections, and property ownership. Note that employers need your explicit permission for this, and some states restrict when credit checks can be used in hiring. Employment credit checks differ slightly from consumer credit reports-they won't show your credit score, date of birth, account numbers, or marital status.

Employment and Education Verification

Many comprehensive background checks include verification of your work history and educational credentials. These confirm dates of employment, job titles, degrees earned, and institutions attended. Discrepancies between your resume and verified records can raise red flags. Employment verifications typically don't include salary information due to state restrictions, though they may note if there's a discrepancy between what you reported and what the employer confirms.

Professional License Verification

For regulated professions, background checks often include verification of active professional licenses and certifications. This is particularly important in healthcare, where sanctions monitoring and OIG (Office of Inspector General) exclusion checks are standard. Any disciplinary actions or license suspensions will typically appear in these searches.

What Won't Show Up

Equally important is knowing what background checks typically don't include:

• Expunged or sealed records: If a court has sealed your record, it won't appear on standard background checks. However, background check companies must have procedures to prevent reporting expunged or sealed information.
• Juvenile records: These are protected and generally inaccessible to employers in most states.
• Arrests without conviction: Many states block employers from considering arrests that didn't result in charges or convictions. Some jurisdictions prohibit reporting non-conviction arrests unless they're still pending.
• Time-limited information: The Fair Credit Reporting Act prevents reporting of civil suits or arrests older than seven years for most positions. Bankruptcies can't be reported after ten years. Some states have additional lookback limitations-for example, some jurisdictions are reducing misdemeanor lookback periods from seven years to four years.

Step-by-Step: How to Run a Background Check on Yourself

You have several options for checking your own background, ranging from free government resources to comprehensive paid services. Here's a practical approach:

Option 1: Free Government Resources

Start with these free official sources:

• AnnualCreditReport.com: Get your free credit report from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) once per year. This shows credit accounts, payment history, and any collections.
• FBI Identity History Summary: You can request your own FBI criminal history by submitting fingerprints and paying $18. This is the most comprehensive criminal record check available. You can submit your request electronically directly to the FBI and visit a participating U.S. Post Office location to submit your fingerprints electronically as part of your request. The FBI does not expedite requests, but electronic submissions are typically processed faster than mail submissions.
• State Court Records: Many states have online portals where you can search court records for free. Search your name in states where you've lived. For example, Georgia residents can request their criminal background report from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).
• DMV Records: Contact your state's DMV to request a copy of your driving record. Most states charge a small fee for this service.
• State Criminal History Repositories: Most states maintain their own criminal history systems that you can access directly. For instance, Texas offers both name-based and fingerprint-based background checks through the Department of Public Safety.

The downside? Gathering information from multiple sources is time-consuming and may still miss records from jurisdictions that don't have online access. You'll need to submit multiple requests, pay various fees, and wait for responses from different agencies-a process that can take weeks or even months.

Option 2: Use an Online Background Check Service

For a more comprehensive view in less time, use a background check service that aggregates data from multiple sources. Our Background Checker tool provides instant access to public records and generates a trust score, giving you a consolidated view of what employers might see.

When using any background check service, look for:

• Transparent sourcing: The service should tell you where data comes from
• Comprehensive coverage: National criminal databases, not just single-state searches
• Current data: Records should be regularly updated
• Clear reporting: Results should be easy to understand and interpret
• FCRA compliance: The service should follow Fair Credit Reporting Act guidelines to ensure accuracy and consumer rights protection

Most online background check services provide results within an hour for basic searches, though more complex or thorough reports may take up to 30 days depending on the jurisdictions that need to be searched.

Option 3: Request Your Consumer File

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to request a copy of your consumer file from any consumer reporting agency. Major background check companies that serve employers (like Checkr, GoodHire, or First Advantage) must provide this upon request. This shows you exactly what they have on file and what employers would see.

To request your consumer file, contact the background check company directly and ask for a copy of all information they have about you. They must provide this information, typically free of charge, and they have specific timeframes in which they must respond to your request.

Option 4: Use FBI-Approved Channeler Agencies

FBI-approved channeler agencies receive fingerprint submissions and other relevant data and forward that information to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division to receive Identity History Summary Check results. When using a channeler agency, you may expect to receive your results in just a few days, compared to several weeks when submitting directly to the FBI. This is a particularly good option if you need results quickly for professional licensing or credentialing purposes.

Understanding Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that protects consumers by regulating how background check companies collect, maintain, and share personal information. Understanding your rights under the FCRA is essential when running a background check on yourself or when employers conduct checks on you.

Your FCRA Rights Include:

• The right to informed consent: Before an employer can run a background check, they must provide you with a clear written disclosure that they intend to do so, and they must obtain your written permission.
• The right to access your information: You can request to see your consumer file from any background check company, and they must provide it to you.
• The right to dispute inaccurate information: If you find errors in your background check, you have the right to dispute them, and the background check company must investigate within 30 days.
• The right to know when information is used against you: If an employer takes adverse action against you (like not hiring you) based on your background check, they must notify you and provide you with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights.
• The right to corrections: Background check companies must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information.

The Adverse Action Process

If an employer plans to take adverse action based on your background check-such as rescinding a job offer or deciding not to hire you-they must follow a specific legal process:

First, they must provide you with a pre-adverse action notice that includes a copy of your background check report and a document called "A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act." You must then be given a reasonable amount of time (widely interpreted as at least five business days) to review the information and dispute any inaccuracies before the employer makes a final decision.

If the employer ultimately decides to move forward with the adverse action, they must send you a final adverse action notice. This notice must include the name, address, and phone number of the background check company that provided the report, a statement that you can request a free copy of the report within 60 days, and a reminder that you have the right to dispute the accuracy of the information with the background check company.

What to Do If You Find Errors

Discovering errors in your background check isn't unusual-and it's exactly why running a self-check is so valuable. Here's how to address problems:

Dispute Inaccurate Information

If you find errors in a background check report:

1. Document the error: Note exactly what's wrong and gather evidence (court documents, ID records, etc.) proving the correct information. Take screenshots or make copies of everything for your records.
2. File a dispute: Contact the background check company that generated the report. Under FCRA, they must investigate disputed information within 30 days. In some cases, the investigation period may extend to 45 days if additional information is required. Submit your dispute in writing via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of when they received it.
3. Contact the source: If the error originated from a court, credit bureau, or other source, file corrections there too. The background check company pulls from these sources, so fixing the root cause prevents future errors. For example, if there's incorrect criminal history information, contact the courthouse where the case was filed and request that they correct their records.
4. Follow up: Request a new report after the investigation to confirm corrections were made. The background check company must provide you with written notice of the results of their investigation and a corrected report if changes were made.

Specific Types of Errors and How to Fix Them

Credit Information Errors: If you find errors on your credit report, you can file a dispute directly with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through AnnualCreditReport.com. The credit bureau must investigate and respond within 30 days. If the information they reported was wrong, they must report those corrections to any background check company or other consumer reporting agency they reported the information to.

Criminal Record Errors: Cases of misidentification can be cleared by contacting the courthouse where the supposed offense occurred and requesting documentation that shows the record belongs to someone else. You may need to provide personal identifying information such as fingerprints to verify your identity. If the error occurred through an FBI fingerprint report, visit the FBI's website and complete the appropriate forms to challenge the record.

Employment History Errors: If your background check shows incorrect employment dates or job titles, contact your former employer's HR department and request that they provide corrected information. If the discrepancy is on your resume, correct your resume to ensure it accurately reflects your actual employment history.

Address History Errors: If your SSN trace shows addresses you've never lived at, this could be a sign of identity theft. Document which addresses are incorrect and provide proof of your actual address history through utility bills, lease agreements, or other official documents.

Address Legitimate Issues

If your background check reveals accurate but potentially concerning information, you have options:

• Prepare your explanation: Most employers and landlords will give you a chance to explain. Have a clear, honest, forward-looking statement ready. Focus on what you've learned from past mistakes and the positive steps you've taken since then. Being proactive and transparent often works in your favor.
• Check expungement eligibility: Depending on the offense and your state, you may be able to have records sealed or expunged. Many states have expanded Clean Slate laws that automatically seal certain records after a period of time.
• Know your rights: Over 180 states, cities, and counties have "Ban the Box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history. Familiarize yourself with the rules in your area. Some jurisdictions also limit how employers can use criminal history in their hiring decisions, requiring them to conduct individualized assessments rather than blanket exclusions.

Understanding Clean Slate Laws and Automatic Expungement

Clean Slate laws represent a growing trend across the United States to automatically expunge or seal criminal records after a certain period of time, giving people with past convictions a genuine second chance. Understanding whether your state has a Clean Slate law-and whether your records qualify-can significantly impact what appears on your background check.

How Clean Slate Laws Work

Clean Slate laws use technology to automatically identify eligible criminal records and seal or expunge them when all conditions are met. Unlike traditional expungement, which requires individuals to petition the court (a complex and expensive process that fewer than 10% of eligible people complete), Clean Slate laws require no action from the individual.

Typically, Clean Slate laws include waiting periods that range from two to ten years, depending on the offense. During this waiting period, the individual must remain crime-free. Once the waiting period is complete and all other eligibility requirements are met, the records are automatically sealed or expunged.

Sealed vs. Expunged Records

It's important to understand the difference:

• Sealed records still exist but are hidden from most background checks and are only accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies under specific circumstances.
• Expunged records are erased from the individual's file as if they never existed, effectively wiping the slate clean.

Some states don't have expungement laws but instead allow for a "set aside" or "vacating" of the sentence. These options don't remove the charge or conviction but show evidence of rehabilitation through fulfilling probation or sentence obligations.

States with Clean Slate Laws

Several states have enacted Clean Slate legislation, with varying implementation timelines and eligibility criteria. These include Pennsylvania (the first state to pass such a law), Utah, New Jersey, Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, Oklahoma, Colorado, Minnesota, and Virginia. Washington, D.C. and New York have also enacted Clean Slate provisions.

Each state's law has different specifics about which offenses qualify, waiting periods, and exclusions. For example, serious offenses like murder, sex offenses, and certain violent felonies typically don't qualify for automatic sealing. Most states automatically seal non-conviction records and certain lower-level misdemeanors after specified waiting periods.

Virginia's Clean Slate law took effect in the summer of this year, allowing automatic sealing of certain low-level offenses after waiting periods and permitting individuals to petition courts to seal specific misdemeanor and felony convictions. Similarly, Washington State has tightened when employers can ask about criminal history, requiring them to wait until after a conditional offer has been made.

What This Means for Your Background Check

If you live in a Clean Slate state and have old, minor offenses on your record, there's a good chance they've already been sealed or will be sealed automatically soon. However, the implementation of these laws has been uneven, and there have been some technical challenges. Some records that should be sealed may still appear temporarily due to system updates and processing delays.

If you believe your records should be sealed under your state's Clean Slate law but they're still showing up on background checks, you may need to contact your state's criminal justice information system or the background check company to request that they update their records.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Different industries have different background check requirements and concerns:

Healthcare

Expect sanctions monitoring and license verification. OIG exclusion checks are standard-healthcare employers must verify that you're not on the federal exclusion list that bars individuals from participating in federal healthcare programs. Any fraud-related offenses are particularly scrutinized. Professional licensing boards also maintain their own databases of disciplinary actions that may appear in background checks.

Finance

Credit checks are common and sometimes required by regulation for positions that involve handling money or accessing financial systems. Fraud, embezzlement, or financial crimes will be carefully examined. Employers in this sector often conduct more thorough credit history reviews than other industries and may look at debt-to-income ratios and payment patterns.

Education

Sex offender registry checks are mandatory for anyone working with children. Any crimes involving children will likely be disqualifying. Many states also require fingerprint-based background checks for educators and school employees, which access both state and FBI criminal databases.

Transportation

DOT regulations require ongoing MVR monitoring for commercial drivers. DUI/DWI history and license status are critical factors. Driving record checks will show whether you have a clean driving record, including any license suspensions, moving violations, major accidents, and any vehicle-related criminal charges. The number of points on your license will also be visible.

Government and Defense

Security clearances involve the most comprehensive background investigations, including interviews with references, financial review, and foreign contact disclosure. These investigations can take months to complete and examine your entire life history, including foreign travel, relationships with foreign nationals, and any potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Technology and Startups

While tech companies may be more flexible about certain types of records, they still conduct thorough background checks, particularly for roles involving access to sensitive data or intellectual property. Many also include social media screening to evaluate professionalism and cultural fit.

Beyond Background Checks: Cleaning Up Your Digital Footprint

Modern employers don't just run formal background checks-they also Google you. While checking your official records, take time to review your digital presence:

Search Yourself Online

Google your name and see what comes up. Check image results too. Use quotation marks around your full name to get more specific results. Try different variations of your name (with and without middle initials, maiden names, etc.). Look at results from multiple pages, not just the first page of results.

Review Social Media

Audit your public posts on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Remove anything unprofessional. Many employers conduct social media checks as part of their hiring process, reviewing your public posts, photos, and comments across popular platforms. Even seemingly harmless posts could raise red flags or be misinterpreted. Consider the following:

• Make your personal accounts private if they contain content you wouldn't want employers to see
• Review photos and posts you've been tagged in by others
• Google your username or handle to see if accounts you've forgotten about still exist
• Check what shows up when someone clicks on your name from professional networks like LinkedIn
• Update your LinkedIn profile to ensure it accurately reflects your experience and presents you professionally

Check Data Broker Sites

Services like Spokeo, Whitepages, and BeenVerified aggregate personal information from public sources. You can often opt out and request removal from these sites. While time-consuming, removing your information from data broker sites reduces your digital footprint and gives you more control over what information about you is easily accessible online.

Professional Social Media Audits

Before entering the job market, conducting a thorough social media analysis on yourself using professional researchers is a strategic move. Professional researchers are trained to identify potential risks, outdated or inappropriate posts, and privacy vulnerabilities that may not be obvious to you. By proactively auditing your social media presence, you can address any issues before they impact your job prospects, ensuring that your digital footprint aligns with the image you want to present to potential employers.

Build a Positive Online Presence

If you're in sales or business development, your digital presence matters even more. Tools like our Email Finder and Mobile Number Finder make it easy for prospects (and employers) to find your contact information-so make sure what they find represents you well.

Consider creating professional content that showcases your expertise: write articles on LinkedIn, contribute to industry discussions, or maintain a professional blog. These positive digital assets will appear in search results and can help push down any less flattering content that might exist.

The Cost of Background Checks

Understanding what you might spend on a background check can help you budget appropriately:

Free Options

Several government resources are available at no cost or for minimal fees. Annual credit reports are completely free from AnnualCreditReport.com. State court record searches are often free through online portals, though some states charge small fees for official copies.

FBI Identity History Summary

The FBI charges $18 for an Identity History Summary Check. This is the most comprehensive federal criminal background check available to individuals and includes all federal offenses in the FBI's database.

Commercial Background Check Services

Paid background check services vary widely in price depending on what's included. Basic personal background checks typically start around $40-$60, while comprehensive employer-level checks can cost $60-$100 or more. These services aggregate information from multiple sources and provide results much faster than requesting records individually from government agencies.

Channeler Services

FBI-approved channeler agencies typically charge fees in addition to the FBI's $18 processing fee. However, the faster turnaround time-often just a few days compared to several weeks for direct FBI submissions-may be worth the additional cost if you need results quickly.

How Long Does It Take?

The timeline for completing a background check on yourself depends on which method you choose:

• Online background check services: Most basic reports are ready within one hour. More comprehensive searches may take 24-48 hours. Complex searches requiring access to multiple jurisdictions can take up to 30 days.
• FBI Identity History Summary (direct submission): Several weeks to a few months, depending on processing times and mail delays.
• FBI Identity History Summary (through channeler): Typically 24 hours to a few days.
• State criminal history records: Processing times vary by state, from same-day results for online searches to several weeks for fingerprint-based checks.
• Credit reports: Immediate access online through AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Court records: Immediate if available online; several days to weeks if you need to request copies from the court.

Special Situations and Considerations

International Background Checks

If you've lived, worked, or studied abroad, some of that history may appear on international criminal background checks. Employers hiring for global positions or those involving international travel may conduct these additional checks. The process and availability of international records vary significantly by country.

Background Checks for Contractors and Gig Workers

Even if you're not a traditional employee, you may still be subject to background checks. Rideshare companies, delivery services, and freelance platforms often require background screenings. The FCRA applies to these situations just as it does to traditional employment.

Ongoing Background Checks

Some employers conduct continuous background monitoring rather than one-time checks. This is particularly common in industries like transportation, where employers must monitor driving records on an ongoing basis. If you're subject to continuous monitoring, you should receive notification and provide consent, just as you would for an initial background check.

Ban the Box Laws

Many jurisdictions have enacted "Ban the Box" laws that remove questions about criminal history from initial job applications. These laws vary by location but generally require employers to wait until later in the hiring process (often after a conditional offer has been made) before asking about criminal history. Some laws also require employers to conduct individualized assessments rather than automatically disqualifying candidates with certain types of records.

Questions to Ask Background Check Companies

If you're using a commercial service to run a background check on yourself, ask these questions:

• Are you FCRA-compliant and accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA)?
• What sources do you pull information from?
• How recent is the data in your reports?
• What is your dispute process if I find errors?
• How long will my report take to complete?
• Will I receive the same report that an employer would see?
• Do you check for expunged or sealed records that shouldn't be reported?
• How do you verify that criminal records are matched to the correct person?

Take Control Before Others Look

Running a background check on yourself isn't paranoid-it's proactive. You wouldn't go into a job interview without reviewing your resume, and you shouldn't go through a background check without knowing what's in your report.

The process doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Start with our free Background Checker to get an instant snapshot of your public records and trust score. If you find issues, you'll have time to dispute errors or prepare explanations. If everything looks good, you'll have the confidence of knowing exactly what employers and landlords will see.

The best time to discover a problem with your background is before it costs you an opportunity-not after. Take control of your narrative by understanding what's in your records, fixing any errors, and being prepared to address any concerns head-on. In today's competitive job market, this level of preparation can make the difference between landing your dream job and watching it go to someone else.

Remember that background checks are becoming more sophisticated and comprehensive every year. Employers have access to more information than ever before, and they're using it to make hiring decisions. By running a background check on yourself first, you're simply leveling the playing field and ensuring you're not caught off guard by something you could have addressed in advance.

Additional Resources

If you're preparing for job interviews or career transitions, Galadon offers additional free tools that can help you throughout the process:

• Use our Email Verifier to ensure your contact information is professional and working correctly
• Find decision-makers at target companies with our Email Finder
• Research companies' technology stacks with our Tech Stack Scraper to prepare for interviews
• Explore new career opportunities with our Startup Idea Generator

For sales professionals and recruiters who need more advanced tools and support, consider Galadon Gold, which offers live group calls with experts, proven frameworks, and a community of professionals navigating similar challenges.