Whether you’re an employer, a landlord, or a job seeker, understanding what appears on a background investigation is essential. With so many myths floating around, it’s easy to be confused about what background checks actually reveal—and what they legally can’t.
At National Background Check, Inc. (NBCI), we’ve helped thousands of businesses and individuals navigate background screening with accuracy, speed, and compliance. In this post, we break down exactly what shows up on a background check—and what doesn’t.
What Commonly Appears on a Background Investigation
Depending on the level of check and purpose (employment, licensing, housing, etc.), a background investigation may include:
1. Criminal Records
- Arrests and convictions at the county, state, and federal level
- Misdemeanors and felonies
- Sex offender registry status
- Outstanding warrants (in some cases)
Note: Some states limit reporting of certain convictions after 7 years.
2. FBI & State Fingerprint Results
- Includes comprehensive criminal history tied to biometric fingerprint data
- Ideal for licensing, childcare, and healthcare roles
3. Employment Verification
- Past job titles, dates of employment, and sometimes reason for leaving
4. Education Verification
- Degrees obtained, institutions attended, dates of attendance
5. Driving Records (MVRs)
- Moving violations, license suspensions, DUI/DWI offenses
- Required for DOT-regulated and driving-related roles
6. Drug Test Results
- Common in pre-employment and DOT screening
- Usually reported as “pass” or “fail” without substance details
7. Credit Reports (if applicable)
- May include debt load, delinquencies, bankruptcies (typically for financial roles)
- Requires written consent and compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
What Typically Does NOT Show Up
1. Non-Conviction Arrests
- Arrests without charges or where charges were dropped may not be included, depending on state law
2. Juvenile Records
- Sealed or expunged juvenile records are generally not accessible in a standard background check
3. Medical Records
- Protected under HIPAA laws and not included unless specifically authorized
4. Bank Account Balances
- Credit checks do not show how much money you have in the bank
5. Social Media Activity
- Social profiles are not part of formal checks unless separately reviewed with consent
6. Civil Suits or Protective Orders (in some cases)
- These may be excluded from standard criminal databases unless part of a specific check
Why It Matters for Employers
Understanding what your background checks include—and exclude—helps you:
- Stay legally compliant
- Make fair, informed hiring decisions
- Avoid discrimination or bias in the hiring process
NBCI offers customized background check packages to match your industry, role, and compliance requirements.
Common Use Cases for Background Investigations
- Healthcare and elder care employment
- Teaching or childcare positions
- Real estate and mortgage licensing
- Government and public safety roles
- Transportation and CDL jobs
- Finance and accounting roles
- Tenant and rental screenings
Trust NBCI for Clear, Accurate Background Checks
Whether you need one-time pre-employment checks or ongoing employee screening, NBCI provides fast, compliant, and customizable background investigations you can trust.
Call us at (877) 932-2435
Or get started with a quote today »
National Background Check, Inc. – Clarity, Compliance & Confidence in Every Background Check