Background check guide
How to Do a Background Check on Someone
A step-by-step walkthrough of every method — from free public record searches to FCRA-compliant reports for landlords and employers.
Running a background check on someone used to require hiring a private investigator. Today, a combination of public records, government databases, and consumer reporting agencies makes it possible to get a comprehensive picture in minutes.
The right method depends on your purpose. Personal research (meeting someone online, checking on a contractor) has different options than tenant screening or employment decisions, which are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How to run a background check: step by step
- 1
Determine your purpose
Are you screening a tenant or employee? You must use an FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agency and get written consent. Personal research has fewer legal requirements but also fewer data sources.
- 2
Gather identifying information
You'll need the person's full legal name and at least one of: date of birth, Social Security number (for FCRA checks), or current address. More information reduces false positives from common names.
- 3
Search free public records first
Start with sex offender registries (nsopw.gov), your state's court portal, and PACER for federal records. These are free and cover specific record types well.
- 4
Run a comprehensive paid check if needed
For tenant or employment decisions, use an FCRA-compliant service. This covers criminal history across all 50 states, credit history, eviction records, and SSN verification in a single report.
- 5
Review results carefully
Verify that records match the correct person (name, DOB, address). Under the FCRA, you must give the applicant a copy of the report and a chance to dispute errors before taking adverse action.
- 6
Follow adverse action procedures if applicable
If you're denying a rental application or job offer based on the report, the FCRA requires a pre-adverse action notice, a waiting period, and a final adverse action notice.
Background check methods compared
| Method | Cost | Speed | Coverage | FCRA compliant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State court portal | Free | Minutes–hours | One state only | No |
| PACER (federal courts) | Free under $30/qtr | Minutes | Federal cases only | No |
| Sex offender registry | Free | Instant | Registered sex offenders only | No |
| Consumer reporting agency | $25–$75 | Minutes–24 hrs | All 50 states, credit, eviction |
FCRA consent requirement
If you're running a background check for tenant screening or employment, federal law requires you to: (1) notify the person in writing, (2) get their written authorization before ordering the report, and (3) follow adverse action procedures if you use the report to make a negative decision. Skipping any step exposes you to FCRA liability.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I run a background check on anyone?
For personal research using public records, generally yes. For tenant or employment decisions, you must have the person's written consent and use an FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agency.
How do I run a background check on someone for free?
Search your state's court portal, nsopw.gov (sex offender registry), and PACER (federal courts). These are free but incomplete — they won't cover all states, credit history, or eviction records.
What information do I need to run a background check?
At minimum: full legal name and date of birth. For FCRA-compliant checks, a Social Security number is typically required to pull credit history and ensure accurate identity matching.
How long does a background check take?
Instant database checks return in minutes. Checks requiring manual court research can take 1–5 business days. Most FCRA-compliant tenant and employment checks return within 24 hours.
Can an employer run a background check without telling you?
No. The FCRA requires employers to notify applicants in writing and get written consent before ordering a background check for employment purposes.