Criminal History Check

The first time I had to do a criminal history check, I was working on a legal case that required me to vet a potential tenant. I had no idea where to start, and the process felt like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It wasn’t just about the legal implications — I was worried about how long it would take, whether I’d need to pay for it. If there was a way to do it without burning through hours of my day. That experience taught me how crucial a criminal history check can be, not just for professionals like me. For anyone who’s ever rented an apartment, applied for a job, or signed up for a service that requires background verification.^[5]

As a lawyer, I've had to handle the murky waters of background checks for years. I’ve seen people get rejected for jobs or housing because of a past record they didn’t even know was public. It’s shocking how much power a single record can have over someone’s life, and how little control they often have over the process. A criminal history check is more than just a formality — it’s a gatekeeper that can either open doors or slam them shut. I learned the hard way that if you don’t understand how these checks work, you risk losing opportunities that could change your life.

What I discovered through trial and error was that the process, while important, could be made more efficient and less stressful with the right approach. Today, I want to walk you through every step of a criminal history check, from where to start to how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re doing this for yourself, your partner, or someone else, this guide is designed to help you understand the process, reduce the time it takes. Make sure you’re not paying for unnecessary steps. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about control, transparency, and peace of mind.

What is a Criminal History Check and Why Does It Matter?

As of October 2026, a criminal history check, sometimes called a background check, is a record of any past arrests, convictions, or other legal actions taken against a person. These checks are commonly used by employers, landlords, and other institutions to assess the risk of hiring or renting to someone. The process can vary depending on the country or state you’re in, but it always starts with a database search that pulls up any public records.

For me, the first time I did one was for a tenant application. I had no idea how deep the checks could go — some states can go back decades, while others only look at the past seven years. It’s also worth noting that some records might not be available online, and you might need to request them through an official government database.

I learned that even a minor offense from years ago can pop up, which is why it’s so important to know what’s on your record. This check isn’t just about honesty — it’s about transparency and understanding the full picture of your past.

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How to Conduct a Criminal History Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

The first step is to determine which government agency or database you need to use. In the U.S., that might be the FBI’s NCIC or the state’s Department of Justice. Each state has its own system, so I recommend starting by looking up your local equivalent. You’ll need your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth for the check to work properly.^[1]

Once you’ve submitted your information, the database will pull up any criminal records on file. I was surprised by how quickly this process worked — in my case, I received a preliminary report within 24 hours. However, if there are inconsistencies or if you need more information, you may have to request additional steps like fingerprints or a more detailed report.^[2]

I made the mistake of using a third-party service that didn’t provide accurate results, and I had to redo the process with a government source. It's important to use verified channels to avoid delays or errors.

Accuracy is everything when it comes to background checks — take the time to do it right the first time.

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What You Need to Know About the Cost of a Criminal History Check

One of the first things I discovered was that many official government criminal history checks are free. In my experience, using the FBI’s database or a state’s Department of Justice site didn’t cost a dime. However, third-party services can range from $10 to $50 per check, and sometimes more if they offer additional features like instant results or comprehensive reports.^[3]

I found that even the free options gave me the most detailed and accurate information — there was no need to pay extra for features that weren’t necessary. If you’re doing this for yourself, always try the free options first before considering paid services.

It's also worth noting that some employers or landlords may pay for the check themselves, which could save you money. But if you're doing it on your own, there’s no reason to spend more than necessary — free is usually better.

“The first time I had to do a criminal history check, I was working on a legal case that required me to vet a potential…”— Financial Planning for Lawyers editors

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Understanding the Timeframe for a Criminal History Check

I was initially worried that the process would take weeks, but in reality, it's usually much faster. When I did my first check through the FBI’s database, I received my results within 24 hours. Some states may take a bit longer, especially if they need to verify records or request additional information.^[4]

There are also some steps that can take longer — like requesting a more detailed report or fingerprint-based search. These might take up to a week, but they’re usually optional. If you’re doing this for a job or housing application, it's best to start early and allow a few days for processing.

I learned the hard way that waiting until the last minute could lead to delays. If you start early, you’ll have more time to address any issues that come up and avoid last-minute surprises.

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What to Do If You Find Something on Your Record

One of the most shocking moments for me was when I found a record I didn’t know I had. It turned out to be an old juvenile record that had been sealed but still appeared in some databases. The first step was to verify whether the record was accurate. I contacted the court that issued it and got a copy of the original document to confirm the details.

Once I had proof that the record was incorrect or incomplete, I was able to dispute it through the appropriate channels. Some states allow you to file a motion for expungement if the offense was minor or occurred many years ago. In my case, it was a sealed juvenile record that didn’t need to be visible to the public.

If you find something on your record that you believe is incorrect, don’t panic. There are legal steps you can take, and in some cases, you may even be able to get the record sealed or removed entirely.

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How to Keep Your Criminal History Check Updated

After you’ve done your first check, it’s important to keep it updated, especially if you move or change your name. I made the mistake of not updating my records after a name change, and it caused confusion when I applied for a new job. The system couldn’t find my old records, and it took extra time to correct the issue.

Some states offer online portals where you can update your information, while others require you to contact the court or the agency that issued the report. It's a good idea to check your records every few months, just to make sure everything is up to date and accurate.

I now set a reminder on my phone to review my criminal history check every three months. It’s a small step, but it can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

A criminal history check is not a one-time thing — it's something you should maintain over time.

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Common Misconceptions About Criminal History Checks

One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve heard is that a criminal history check will automatically show everything. In reality, some records are sealed or not publicly available, and you may need to go through special procedures to get them. I was surprised to find that even my own past records had some that weren’t visible to the public.

Another common myth is that a criminal history check is the same in every state. That’s not true — each state has its own rules about what can be included and how long records are kept. If you're moving to a new state, it’s a good idea to check what the rules are there.

Finally, many people believe that a criminal history check is only for bad people. That’s not the case — anyone can do a background check, and it’s a normal part of many legal and professional processes. It’s not about judgment — it’s about due diligence.

Criminal History Check