How Can You Get a Background Check on Someone?

Ever wondered how you can get a background check on someone before making an important decision? Whether you’re hiring, finding a roommate, or meeting someone new, having the right information can help you stay safe and confident. Background checks can reveal details about a person’s criminal history, employment background, or identity. Knowing what to look for and how to do it legally can protect you from future risks.

What is a Background Check?

A background check is a comprehensive review of someone’s personal, professional, and criminal history. It’s a process that helps verify a person’s identity and uncover important information about their past.

Background checks typically reveal:

• Criminal records – arrests, convictions, and pending cases
• Employment history – previous jobs, dates, and responsibilities
• Education verification – degrees, certifications, and schools attended
• Credit history – financial responsibility and debt status
• Driving record – traffic violations and license status
• Social media screening – public online presence and behavior

Many employers use pre-employment background checks as a standard part of their hiring process. Landlords rely on them for tenant screening, and individuals use personal background checks for safety and verification purposes.

When You Need Background Checks

Employment Purposes

Most employers conduct background checks on new hires to verify a job applicant’s credentials, confirm education and work history, and perform criminal records checks, especially for roles involving finances, children, or sensitive data. These checks help ensure a safer, more trustworthy workplace while protecting the company’s reputation and supporting better long-term hiring decisions.

Personal Safety

Individuals may need background checks for various personal reasons, such as staying safe while online dating, screening potential roommates, verifying a childcare provider, or ensuring general personal protection. Taking these steps can help prevent risky situations and give you greater peace of mind. With the right tools, background checks are more accessible than ever for everyday use.

Property and Business

Landlords and business owners use background check services to screen tenants and verify income, check potential business partners, verify contractor credentials, and assess financial responsibility. These checks help prevent costly mistakes, protect property or investments, and support better decision-making. Having accurate information upfront builds trust and minimizes future risks.

Legal Requirements You Must Know

Before conducting any background check, you must understand the legal framework. Federal laws and applicable laws vary depending on your location and purpose.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires written consent before running a background check, mandates clear disclosure to the person being screened, and sets rules for taking adverse action based on the results. Only FCRA-compliant companies are allowed to provide employment-related background reports.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines

Laws prohibit discrimination based solely on criminal history and require that any criminal records considered be directly related to the job. These rules also help protect against disparate impact on legally protected classes.

Important Note on Legal Advice

This information does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions related to your situation, consult with a qualified attorney who can address your particular circumstances. Laws can vary by state and situation, so professional guidance is always recommended.

How to Get a Background Check on Someone

There are two main approaches: professional services and DIY methods. Each has distinct advantages and limitations.

Professional Background Check Services (Recommended)

Professional background check companies offer the most reliable and legally compliant option, with FCRA-compliant processes, access to comprehensive databases, quick turnaround times (usually 1 to 3 business days), proper documentation, and expert interpretation of results for added protection.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Choose a reputable provider – Look for FCRA-compliant companies with good reviews
2. Obtain written consent – Required by federal laws for employment purposes
3. Provide necessary information – Full name, date of birth, social security number, and address history
4. Select screening package – Basic criminal check or comprehensive screening
5. Review results – Professional reports with clear findings and recommendations

DIY Background Checks

You can conduct basic research using public records and online resources.

Public Records Sources:

• County court records for local criminal history
• State databases for driving records
• Federal court systems for federal cases
• Sex offender registry searches
• Local police department records

Online Research:

• Social media searches on major platforms
• Google searches for news articles or public mentions
• Professional networking sites
• Academic and professional databases

Limitations of DIY Approach:

• Time-intensive process
• Limited access to comprehensive data
• Risk of legal compliance issues
• Potential for incomplete or outdated information
• No professional verification of findings

Types of Background Checks Available

Criminal Background Checks

The most common type of background check focuses on a person’s criminal history, including county court records and arrests, statewide conviction records, multi-jurisdictional national databases, and federal court convictions. These checks help reveal patterns of behavior that may be relevant to safety or trust.

Employment Verification

Employment verification confirms a person’s work history and credentials, including previous job titles and responsibilities, employment dates, reasons for leaving, salary verification, and professional references. This helps ensure the accuracy of a job applicant’s resume and supports informed hiring decisions.

Education Verification

Education verification validates academic credentials by confirming degrees, verifying attendance at institutions, checking professional certifications, and noting academic achievements. This process helps employers ensure a candidate’s qualifications match their claims.

Specialized Screening

Additional background checks may include motor vehicle records for driving positions, credit checks for financial roles, professional license verification, and social media screening for reputation management. These checks provide extra insight based on the specific responsibilities of a role.

Understanding Background Check Results

When you receive background check results, focus on relevant information for your specific needs.

Criminal Records Interpretation

Not all criminal records are equal. Convictions carry more weight than arrests without conviction, and relevance to the position matters since offenses related to job duties are more significant. The time since the offense and whether it was an isolated incident or part of a pattern also help determine its impact.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Falsified employment history
• Unreported criminal convictions
• Discrepancies in education claims
• Poor credit history for financial positions
• Concerning social media content

Costs and Timeline

Professional background check costs vary depending on the level of detail. A basic criminal check typically costs $15 to $30, while a standard employment package ranges from $30 to $60. More comprehensive screenings may cost $60 to $120, and executive-level checks can exceed $100. Many employers consider this a smart investment compared to the potential cost of a bad hire.

Most services deliver criminal records within the same day to two days. Employment verification usually takes 2 to 5 days, and education confirmation may take 3 to 7 days. Complete background packages are typically ready within 3 to 5 business days, with faster options available for an added fee.

Choosing the Right Background Check Company

When choosing a background check service, look for key features like FCRA compliance, wide database access, strong accuracy standards, responsive customer support, and a user-friendly platform. These factors help ensure reliable, legal, and efficient screenings.

Ask providers important questions such as what databases they search, how they maintain FCRA compliance, their average turnaround time, whether they offer customer support, and if they can handle bulk screening requests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Legal Compliance Errors

• Conducting checks without proper consent
• Using non-FCRA-compliant services for employment
• Failing to follow adverse action procedures
• Discriminating based solely on criminal history

Process Mistakes

• Relying solely on free online searches
• Not verifying information accuracy
• Misinterpreting background check results
• Failing to document the screening process

Conclusion

Getting a background check on someone in 2025 is easier than ever, but doing it correctly still matters. Whether you’re hiring, screening tenants, or protecting your personal safety, understanding the process and the laws behind it helps you make smarter, safer decisions. Professional background check services provide fast, compliant, and accurate results, giving you the clarity and confidence you need.

If you’re ready to run a background check and want a service that’s fast, compliant, and reliable, Sapphire Background Check has you covered. Whether you need a simple screening or a detailed employment package, our tools help you get the information you need to make confident, secure decisions. Contact us today to get started.

FAQs

Can you request a background check on anyone?

No, you cannot run background checks on anyone without proper legal justification and consent. For employment purposes, you must obtain written consent and follow FCRA regulations, while personal background checks have different requirements depending on your jurisdiction and intended use.

What is the easiest way to do a background check on someone?

The easiest way is to use a professional FCRA-compliant background check service that handles the legal requirements, database searches, and report generation for you. These services typically provide comprehensive results within 1-3 business days with proper consent and documentation.

Can a random person do a background check on you?

A random person cannot legally run an employment-related background check on you without your written consent and proper disclosure under FCRA laws. However, anyone can access certain public records like court documents, though they cannot use professional screening services without a legitimate purpose and proper authorization.