How long does a criminal background check take?

It usually takes one and three days to complete a criminal background check. Factors that may impact how long a criminal background check will take include the complexity of the search, the accuracy of the data provided, the availability of the records requested, the policy of the background screening agency being used, and the volume of checks being processed.

A criminal background check looks at an individual's criminal history and other records from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The background check may include felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrest records, incarceration records, probation records, court records, sex offender registries, and other public records.