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
- 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
If records are unavailable for a state search, contact Checkr to enable your account to skip the search. You decide whether to reorder a full or partial search when records are available.
Candidate experience
The candidate provides the 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.