A state search finds criminal records in a specific state. Adding a state search to a background search package can help find potential records outside of a candidate's current address.
State records
State records can vary in quality because many counties don't submit their data for complete statewide searches.
State searches
Checkr recommends a county search as the primary search. You can then supplement with a state search when the state search includes most or all counties.
If a state search identifies an incomplete record, Checkr automatically adds a county search.
State searches can find the information below if publicly available:
- Case number
- Charge type (such as felony or misdemeanor)
- Charge
- Court jurisdiction
- Defendant’s name
- Disposition (such as guilty or dismissed)
- Disposition date
- Sentencing information
Unavailable states
Checkr doesn't order state searches for the states below, which don't have publicly available records:
- California
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
US territories
If you add US territory search, state search includes the US territories below:
- American Samoa (AS)
- Guam (GU)
- Northern Mariana Islands (MP)
- Puerto Rico (PR)
- US Virgin Islands (VI)
To add the US territory search, contact Checkr. Additional fees apply.
Ordering
You can order the county search and state search together.
Turnaround
The turnaround time for a state search varies based on the search scope and averages three to seven days.
Video overview
Play the Checkr Academy video below to learn the advantages and limitations of a state search.
Candidate experience
The candidate provides the relevant personally identifying information (PII) below:
- Birth date
- Email address
- Full name
- Phone number
- Social Security number (SSN)
The candidate then reads and acknowledges receipt of applicable forms and authorizations:
- A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Disclosure Regarding Background Investigation
- Other state and required disclosures as applicable
- Authorization for a background check
After the candidate consents in writing, Checkr starts the search.
If the state search requires a US territory search, the candidate provides the additional information below:
- Government ID
- Current address
- Address in territory
- Place of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
If you applied for a job and want to know your background check’s status, log in to the Checkr Candidate Portal.