Get a Free Quote

National Criminal Record Database Search

Expand your search scope when conducting a Background Check

Knowing who you’re hiring is critical for many reasons. You want to be sure the person you add to your team is trustworthy and won’t pose risks to your customers. That’s why you should consider adding a national criminal record search to your vetting process.

Employers Choice Screening performs national criminal background checks for employment. These checks give you peace of mind when evaluating a job candidate.

Get Started

What Is a National Criminal Record Database Search?

A National Criminal Record Database Search is a comprehensive tool that lets employers discover potential criminal records not found in county or state-level searches. This broader search helps uncover records in jurisdictions beyond the known addresses provided by the applicant. It includes places where the individual may have lived, worked, or attended school.

This search pulls from over 500 million records across thousands of jurisdictions. It includes counties, Departments of Corrections (DOC), Administrative Offices of Courts (AOC), and Sex Offender Registries. Coverage spans all 50 states, plus Washington D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico.

When ECS finds a record, we verify it directly with the originating source at the county or state courthouse to ensure accuracy. Employers can only access the National Criminal Database Search when it’s paired with county or statewide record searches.

What Shows Up on a National Criminal Database Search?

Conducting a national criminal history record check as part of your background check process can reveal a number of important details about a job candidate. For example, it can include any arrests, convictions or probations he or she may have received. It also provides information about the types of offenses and their severity, if any. It is important to note, however, that there may be restrictions on the type of data you are allowed to receive concerning the individual’s criminal background. Local, state and federal laws may apply to this process.

How Far Back Does a National Criminal Database Search Go?

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), there are certain restrictions on the scope of your background check. If the position you are hiring for pays less than $75,000, information about arrests without convictions, civil lawsuits, bankruptcies, liens and civil judgments that are more than seven years old cannot be reported. In addition, there may be further restrictions on how far back a search can go depending on where you do business. There may be additional state or local laws that pertain to these types of searches.

How Is a National Criminal Database Search Different Than a Federal Criminal Record Search?

A federal criminal record search only reports on federal court records. On the other hand, a national criminal database search contains information from federal courts as well as state, county and local sources. Conducting both types of searches gives you a more complete picture of an individual’s background.

Work With Employers Choice Screening for Comprehensive Background Checks

We are your go-to resource for background check services. In addition to these searches, we also provide county criminal record search, statewide criminal record search and criminal background check services. If you want to learn more about our full range of capabilities and how they can help you vet potential new hires, reach out and speak with one of our experts today.

Average Turn-Around Time

Instant – 2 Business Days

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Free Quote
1. What is a National Criminal Background Check?
A national criminal background check is a search that scans multiple jurisdictions across the U.S., including county, state, and federal records, to uncover an individual’s criminal history. It is often used by employers, landlords, and organizations to verify past criminal activity quickly and accurately.
Criminal history is a record of an individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing, compiled from law enforcement agencies and court records.
A comprehensive background check goes beyond criminal records, combining national criminal database searches, county and state checks, employment verification, education verification, and reference checks. This provides a full profile of an individual’s history, helping organizations make informed hiring or rental decisions.
A national criminal database background check aggregates criminal records from thousands of jurisdictions, including county courthouses, departments of corrections, and sex offender registries. It offers a fast and centralized way to identify criminal activity across the country, complementing local and state-level searches.
Get a Free Quote
Facebook X-twitter Linkedin Youtube