What Does a Background Check Show?

You've applied for a job, and midway through the process, you learn that a background check is required. In that moment, you realize you don't know much about background checks. Will it look at your credit? What about things from longer than 10 years ago? What does a background check show?

Background checks can feel mysterious or intimidating, especially when you're unsure what information appears or how it might affect your opportunities. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what shows up, how different types of checks vary, and what you can expect throughout the process.

Whether you're preparing for your own screening or considering running a check on someone else, understanding what's typically included brings clarity and confidence to the process.

What Does a Background Check Show? Key Components Explained

At its core, a background check verifies someone's history, identity, and reputation. Employers, landlords, licensing boards, and individuals use these screenings to evaluate trustworthiness and assess potential risk. The depth and scope can vary significantly depending on who's requesting it and why.

Common reasons for background checks include:

• Employment screening and hiring decisions
• Rental or tenant screening processes
• Volunteer work or professional licensing requirements
• Personal safety concerns or relationship verification

A background investigation might be as simple as confirming someone's name and date of birth, or as comprehensive as reviewing criminal history, employment records, financial information, and driving infractions.

Understanding What Background Checks Reveal About Criminal History

Criminal history is often the first concern people have about background screenings. This component typically includes:

• Arrests and charges (both pending and resolved)
• Convictions for felonies and misdemeanors
• Outstanding warrants in various jurisdictions
• Incarceration history and current status
• Court records and case dispositions

Important note: some jurisdictions allow dismissed or expunged charges to remain visible under certain conditions, so older or resolved matters may still appear. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how this information can be used in employment decisions.

Need a thorough background investigation for hiring or tenant screening? Davis & Forest's professional investigators provide detailed, accurate reports that go beyond basic online searches.

Employment and Education Verification

Employment History Verification

Employers commonly verify previous work experience to confirm:

• Companies and organizations where candidates worked
• Job titles and positions held
• Employment dates and duration of service
• Reasons for leaving (when provided by references)
• Salary information (if legally permissible and relevant)

This verification helps ensure resume accuracy and may reveal gaps in employment history that warrant discussion.

Education Background Checks

For roles requiring specific qualifications, education verification typically shows:

• Degrees and diplomas earned
• Institutions attended and graduation dates
• Professional certifications and licensing
• Academic honors or disciplinary actions (in some cases)

Financial Information and Credit History

Credit checks are most common for tenant screenings and positions involving financial responsibility. These reports typically include:

• Payment history and current account status
• Outstanding debts and credit utilization
• Bankruptcies and financial judgments
• Public records related to liens or garnishments

Note: actual credit scores are usually not included unless specifically requested, and employment credit checks are restricted by law in some states.

Identity Verification and Personal Information

Background checks typically verify basic identity information through:

• Social Security number validation
• Known aliases or name variations
• Date of birth confirmation
• Current and previous addresses
• Phone number and contact information history

This verification helps prevent identity fraud and ensures the person is who they claim to be.

Motor Vehicle Records and Driving History

Driving record checks are essential for positions involving company vehicles or transportation responsibilities. These typically reveal:

• Current license status and restrictions
• Traffic violations and moving violations
• DUI/DWI charges and license suspensions
• Accident history (in some jurisdictions)
• Commercial driving qualifications when relevant

Additional Screening Components

Sex Offender Registry Status

Checks of national and state-level sex offender registries are standard for:

• Tenant screening processes
• Volunteer positions involving minors
• Childcare and education-related roles
• Healthcare and eldercare positions

Professional License Verification

For licensed professionals, background checks may verify:

• Current licensing status
• Disciplinary actions or sanctions
• Professional certifications
• Board complaints or violations

What Typically Doesn't Show Up on Background Checks

While background checks can seem comprehensive, important legal limitations exist:

• Medical records are protected by HIPAA and never included
• Social media profiles aren't part of standard checks (unless specifically requested)
• Minor infractions like parking tickets typically don't appear
• Sealed or expunged records usually don't show up, though data sources may not always be current
• Personal relationships or family information beyond public records

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go?

The timeframe for background checks varies by type and jurisdiction:

• Criminal history: Typically 7-10 years for most employment checks
• Credit information: Usually limited to 7 years under FCRA guidelines
• Employment history: Generally covers 7-10 years or as specified
• Education verification: No time limits for degree verification

Some positions (government, security clearances, executive roles) may have no time restrictions and review entire histories.

Why Background Check Results Can Vary

Several factors influence what appears on different background reports:

Type of Check Requested Tenant screenings focus on credit and rental history, while employment checks emphasize criminal and work records.

Service Provider and Data Sources Some services only access public databases, while others conduct comprehensive court-level searches and contact references directly.

Geographic Scope Local checks may miss records from other jurisdictions, while national searches provide broader coverage.

Timing and Database Updates Recently updated or removed records may not reflect across all systems immediately.

Your Rights During the Background Check Process

Understanding your rights helps ensure fair treatment throughout the screening process:

Before the Check

• Consent requirements: Most background checks require written permission
• Disclosure obligations: Employers must inform you if a check will be conducted
• Purpose limitations: Checks must be relevant to the position or decision

After the Check

• Right to review: You can request a copy of any background report
• Dispute process: Inaccurate information can be challenged and corrected
• Adverse action procedures: Employers must follow specific steps if they deny you based on background check results

What to Do If You're Concerned About Your Background

If you're worried about what might appear on your background check, consider these proactive steps:

Run a Self-Check Use a reputable service to see what others might find. This preview helps you prepare for potential questions.

Gather Documentation
Collect records that provide context for any issues, such as court documents showing case dismissals or certificates of completion for required programs.

Review for Accuracy Check that all information is current and correct. File disputes for any inaccuracies you discover.

Prepare Your Explanation If issues exist, prepare a brief, honest explanation that demonstrates growth and responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do background checks take? Most standard checks complete within 2-5 business days, though comprehensive investigations may take longer.

Can I see what's on my background check? Yes, you have the right to request and review any background report conducted about you.

What if there's wrong information on my background check? You can dispute inaccuracies with the reporting agency and request corrections.

Do all employers run the same type of background check? No, background checks vary significantly based on the position, industry, and employer requirements.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Brings Confidence

Understanding what shows up on background checks removes much of the uncertainty from the process. Whether you're being screened or reviewing someone else's background, knowing what's typically included helps you make informed decisions and address any concerns proactively.

Remember that background checks provide a snapshot of verifiable information—they don't tell your complete story. Context matters, and most employers and landlords understand that everyone has a unique history.

Ready for Professional Background Investigation Services?

When you need comprehensive, accurate background information for employment, tenant screening, or personal verification, Davis & Forest delivers professional results you can trust. Our licensed investigators go beyond basic database searches to provide detailed, reliable reports that help you make confident decisions.

Contact Davis & Forest today: (704) 912-2010 or complete our contact form to discuss your background investigation needs.