National search is a routine step in Checkr’s background checks. National search checks thousands of national databases and millions of records to find records that might require additional attention. National searches find information that is often incomplete, lacks identifying information, or doesn’t show the final disposition of cases. Checkr uses national search to find records that might have more detailed information and to determine where to search for criminal records.
The national criminal database contains records from various county and state agencies, covering almost one third of the United States. Data aggregators scour these county and state agencies’ records, continuously updating the database. National search is a pointer search, so it identifies only potential criminal records. Almost every criminal background check uses national search. After national search identifies a record, Checkr starts a state search of the record’s county to get the information below:
- Additional identifiers to confirm it belongs to the candidate
- Complete and recent case information
National search is included in Checkr’s Basic+ report package. National search is unavailable as a standalone search.
A national search is not the same as a federal search.
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 signs the authorization form, Checkr starts the search.
If you applied for a job and want to know your background check’s status, log in to the Checkr Candidate Portal.