Do Background Checks Check Every State?
A common inquiry from prospective clients seeking a new background screening provider is, “Do background checks check every state?” This question is particularly pertinent for companies looking for a service that is comprehensive, fast, affordable, and compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and local and state laws. Understanding the geographical scope of a background check is crucial for ensuring that the screening process aligns with the hiring needs and regulatory requirements of your organization.
The Role of Background Checks for Employers
Background checks are a fundamental part of the hiring process, providing several key benefits:
- Enhanced Security: Comprehensive background checks help protect against hiring individuals with histories that could pose risks to the workplace. Employers that implement thorough background screenings can see a significant reduction in workplace incidents.
- Compliance with Regulations: Background checks help ensure that companies remain compliant with industry regulations, potentially avoiding fines and legal issues that arise from non-compliance.
- Verification of Candidate Information: By confirming the information provided by candidates, employers can make informed hiring decisions, thereby improving the quality of hires and reducing turnover rates.
How Background Checks Work
Background checks involve several steps and components designed to gather and verify various types of information:
- Social Security Trace: This step confirms the candidate’s identity and traces their address history, which guides the direction of further checks.
- Public and Private Records: These may include criminal records, civil records, driving records, credit history, and education and employment verification.
- Scope and Duration: Most background checks cover records going back seven to ten years. The depth and breadth of the search depend on the job’s requirements and the employer’s policies.
- Results: Typical findings from a background check include criminal records, verification of education and employment history, credit status, and potentially other relevant public records.
Scope of State Coverage in Background Checks
The extent to which background checks cover every state depends largely on the employer’s requirements and the specifics of the job:
- Defined Scope by Employers: Employers typically define the scope of a background check based on the job’s requirements and the level of responsibility. For positions that require extensive security or trust, an employer might opt for a more comprehensive check.
- Seven-Year Due Diligence Search: Commonly, employers request a seven-year due diligence search, which includes every jurisdiction where the applicant has lived within the past seven years. This often is supplemented by searches in nationwide databases, which serve as pointer information indicating additional jurisdictions to search.
Conclusion
To answer the question: Background checks do not automatically check every state unless specified by the employer based on the role’s requirements. The scope of a background check is often tailored to include specific states where the candidate has lived, worked, or studied, depending on the level of detail the employer deems necessary for the position. For organizations in need of precise and legally compliant background screening services, EDIFY Background Screening offers tailored solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective. We encourage prospective clients to choose EDIFY, a qualified consumer reporting agency, to benefit from our extensive experience and advanced technology in conducting thorough background investigations. Contact us today to ensure your background checks meet your organization’s specific needs and compliance requirements efficiently and affordably.
