Other searches & FAQs
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Social Security number (SSN) trace
Read MoreA Social Security number (SSN) trace searches databases, such as from banks, utilities, and schools, for a name and SSN. If your package includes aliases, the trace also searches identified alternative names. An SSN trace has the limitations below:
- An SSN trace doesn't determine whether an SSN is real or fake.
- An SSN trace doesn't work with employer identification numbers (EIN).
- An SSN trace doesn't verify that an SSN belongs to the candidate who submitted it.
- An SSN trace doesn't verify identity.
How Checkr's SSN trace works
To start an SSN trace, Checkr submits the candidate's name and SSN to a data provider. The data provider returns information about potential names, aliases, and addresses for the SSN, compiled from credit and banking history.
Because the candidate has provided an SSN, Checkr can identify known names and addresses associated with that SSN. The SSN Trace also identifies which state the SSN was issued in, and approximately which year. Based on the format of the number, Checkr can also detect whether the candidate is using an SSN that is known to be false.
Checkr uses SSN traces as "pointers" to other possible records. The SSN trace identifies additional counties and databases to search for public records associated with the candidate's personally identifiable information (PII). If your package includes aliases, address and alias information from the SSN trace can prompt additional searches.
Note
Because the SSN trace is a pointer search, the information it returns might be from incomplete or outdated sources. You shouldn't use pointer search information to make final decisions about candidates and applicants.
The SSN trace can provide the information below:
- Address history associated with the SSN
- If your package includes aliases, a list of previous names, including birth names or aliases such as nicknames
The SSN trace is part of Checkr’s Basic+ report package and is unavailable as a standalone search.
Identity (ID) verification
An SSN trace is not the same as ID verification. The SSN trace checks whether candidate-submitted information matches commercially available database information associated with the SSN. The SSN Trace doesn't determine whether the person entering that information is who they claim to be.
Although Checkr is not an ID verification service, we flag PII discrepancies and contact the candidate for accurate information.
Candidate experience
The candidate provides the 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 notifications:
- 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 SSN trace search.
If Checkr can't complete the SSN trace with the submitted information, Checkr asks the candidate to resubmit their SSN. This process can delay report completion. Checkr might ask the candidate to submit an item below:
- A photo of their Social Security card
- A letter from the Social Security Administration confirming that the SSN belongs to them
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Pointer searches
Read MoreCheckr uses certain searches to help us generate other searches. These “pointer searches” serve an important purpose for comprehensive background checks: to search the most data sources possible.
Information from pointer searches might be from incomplete or outdated sources. You shouldn't use pointer search information to make final decisions about candidates and applicants. Pointer searches have a Complete, rather than a Clear or Consider, outcome.
The searches below are pointer searches:
- Social Security number (SSN) trace: An SSN trace verifies that an SSN exists and returns the information below:
- State of SSN issuance
- Year of SSN issuance
- All known names and addresses associated with the SSN
- National search: The results of a national search might trigger automatic searches in relevant counties. Depending on your package, Checkr might also add municipal searches. Checkr adds these searches to verify felony and misdemeanor records from the national search.
- State search: Searches happen for specific states in the candidate's address history.
- Social Security number (SSN) trace: An SSN trace verifies that an SSN exists and returns the information below:
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Global watchlist search
Read MoreCheckr's global watchlist search identifies whether a candidate name appears on domestic or international watchlists. This search includes government and regulatory databases that list individuals who are either prohibited from certain industries, such as healthcare and finance, or who are on “most wanted” criminal lists.
A global watchlist search also can identify suspected terrorists, money launderers, and drug traffickers from federal databases that are unrelated to court records. Conversely, the federal, state, and county searches rarely return results from the global watchlist search sources.
Global watchlist searches
During a global watchlist search, Checkr sends the candidate’s name to a vendor who searches several databases for the name. For the initial global watchlist search, Checkr doesn't require an exact match for the candidate’s name. Checkr does additional manual and automated work to ensure that records match the candidate provided name.
Data sources
A global watchlist search uses government watchlists, including the lists below, as data sources:
- The Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OIG-HHS)
- System for Award Management (SAM)
- Denied Persons lists
- Department of State’s Sanctions lists
- FBI’s Most Wanted
- Interpol’s Most Wanted
- Office of Foreign Asset Control’s Sanctions
- US Department of the Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons
- US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Wanted Fugitive
The agencies who maintain the databases can vary in how often they update their databases.
Ordering
The Basic+ report package includes the global watchlist search. To add Global watchlist search to your account, contact Checkr.
Global watchlist search is included in Checkr’s Basic+, Essential, and Professional packages. Global watchlist search is available as a standalone search and as an add-on. To add Global watchlist search as a standalone search, contact Checkr.
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 you applied for a job and want to know your background check’s status, log in to the Checkr Candidate Portal.
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Federal civil search
Read MoreA federal civil search identifies civil cases filed in federal court. Federal civil cases aren’t criminal cases. Examples of federal civil cases include the ones below:
- Antitrust activity
- Civil rights lawsuits
- Federal civil code violations
Federal civil records
Federal civil cases and county civil cases don’t overlap because the cases have different jurisdictions.
A federal civil search shows whether the candidate was a party in a lawsuit as either an individual or professionally.
Checkr searches the federal government’s publicly available database, PACER, for federal civil court files using the candidate’s name. The search covers records as old as the government allows. Governments usually make at least seven years available and potentially more, depending on the record.
Ordering
Federal civil search is available as an add-on. The federal civil search is unavailable as a standalone 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 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.
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County civil search
Read MoreCivil courts handle disputes between people, businesses, government institutions, or other parties. There is usually no criminal penalty like jail if someone is found liable in a civil suit. Examples of civil cases include the ones below:
- Breach of contract
- Foreclosures
- Fraud
- Personal injury
- Property damage
County civil records
Because civil courts differ from criminal courts, civil cases can result in financial penalties but rarely jail time. A victim can file a civil case against a criminal defendant for financial and personal injury resulting from the defendant’s criminal conduct. In this case, the civil and criminal cases, and records associated with those cases, remain separate.
Civil records show whether a candidate is a plaintiff or a defendant in a lawsuit. Checkr uses the candidate's name to search county civil court records from the counties below:
- County of residence
- Prior counties of residence
- Work county
The county civil search covers at least the past seven years.
Ordering
County civil search is available as an add-on. The county civil search is unavailable as a standalone 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 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.
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Sex offender registry search
Read MoreA registered sex offender is a person who was convicted of a sex-related crime. As part of the person's sentence, they must register in a public registry. Sex offender registries usually include the person’s address, physical appearance, and crimes that caused their registration.
Every state in the United States (US) registers individuals convicted of certain sex crimes for a period of time. People convicted of more serious crimes typically must remain on the registry for longer. Governments require that people on the registry update their address every year or each time they move.
Sex offender registries
To be a registered sex offender, a person must have the characteristics below:
- A sex crime conviction
- A sentencing requirement to register as a sex offender in the person's state or county
- An entry in the sex offender registry, usually through the sheriff’s department in the person’s county
Each state has its own registration requirements. A person who is on a registry in one state could move somewhere that doesn’t require that they register.
Ordering
The Basic+ report package includes the sex offender registry search. The sex offender registry search is unavailable as a standalone search.
Sex offender registry search
Checkr searches sex offender registries from every US state, the District of Columbia, and tribal territories. Checkr’s sex offender registry search includes all public registries nationwide. Search results include offenses and personally identifying information, such as birth date. Checkr confirms results using national and state sources, including the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW).
Note
For low-risk sex offenders, some states don't register them or publicly report their registration status.
The Checkr Quality Assurance (QA) team reviews potential sex offender records before reporting them to you. This review might include additional confirmation using the NSOPW and state-specific sex offender registries.
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 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.
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Continuous checks
Read MoreNote
If your Checkr account has a partner integration, this feature might be unavailable. To determine whether your account supports this feature, contact Checkr.
Checkr offers continuous checks, which monitor real-time data sources for changes to a person’s record. If a record changes, Checkr does checks in the appropriate jurisdictions and generates a new report.
Results from continuous checks supplement your overall trust and safety program by finding recent reportable information.
Consent
A person must provide proper consent for enrollment in continuous checks. Specifically, people must authorize you to run background checks throughout their time with your organization. It is your responsibility to both obtain consent and unenroll people when they leave your organization. Consult your legal counsel to ensure that you have proper consent procedures in place for continuous checks.
You can use continuous checks with both the Checkr Dashboard and Checkr API.
Note
You can enroll only people in the United States in continuous checks.
Data sources
Continuous checks use the data sources below:
- Checkr real-time data: Checkr completes over 22 million county searches every year. Checkr monitors those searches for results that match everybody you enrolled in continuous checks. Because of Checkr’s commitment to fair chance hiring, reports from continuous checks include only records from the past year.
- Arrest record feeds: Checkr uses information from a real-time feed as a pointer search to identify counties to search. Checkr reports only records with recent convictions and pending cases.
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Online criminal databases: Checkr uses information from the data sources below:
- Electronic county databases
- Global watchlist databases
- National criminal databases
- Sex offender registries
Results from continuous checks appear in background check reports.
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Pre-employment credit report
Read MoreA pre-employment credit report can help you make hiring decisions for jobs that have financial responsibilities. Pre-employment credit reports include the information below:
- Accounts in collections
- Bankruptcies
- Debt amounts
- Highest historical credit limit
- Payment history on each account
- Tax liens
Employers can request pre-employment credit reports under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA sets national restrictions for pre-employment credit reports. Some states have additional restrictions.
You can order credit reports for candidates who will have financial or fiduciary responsibility for your organization. You must state your “permissible purpose” to use credit reports. Some states have specific requirements for employers who order credit reports. Pre-employment credit reports don’t affect credit scores or show account numbers.
Consumer reporting agencies (CRA) like Checkr provide pre-employment credit reports. Pre-employment credit reports differ from other credit reports in the ways below:
- Don’t have a scoring system, such as a FICO score
- Don’t show account numbers or revolving credit cards
- Don’t affect a person's credit score because they aren't from a financial institution for establishing an account
Ordering
Pre-employment credit reports are available as standalone searches and as add-ons. To add pre-employment credit reports as a standalone search, contact Checkr. Credit report results happen instantly.
To add pre-employment credit reports to your account, contact Checkr. The process of adding pre-employment credit reports to your account requires an onsite inspection from a third party. The third party inspects the offices where you order and review credit reports. The inspection and credentialing process can take 10-14 business days. To keep the package on your account, order at least one credit report each year.
Because credit reports have candidates’ private information, treat them with extreme care. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prohibits employers from automatically taking adverse action based on credit reports.
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 report process.
If you applied for a job and want to know your background check’s status, log in to the Checkr Candidate Portal.
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International searches
Read MoreFor candidates outside the United States, Checkr offers a combination of criminal searches, global watchlist searches, education and employment verifications, adverse media searches, and identity document validation.
Available searches
For candidates outside the United States, Checkr offers the searches below:
Search name
Features
Average turnaround time
Adverse media search Searches the sources below in countries that restrict third-party access to criminal record information: - Media sources
- Other public and private record repositories
- Private databases
- Public sanctions lists
Two to three days International education verification Confirms the candidate-provided education or certification history from outside the United States Six to eight days International employment verification Confirms the candidate-provided work history from outside the United States Six to eight days International global watchlist search Identifies whether a candidate is on domestic or international watchlists within or outside the United States
Includes several international, government, and regulatory databases that list names of individuals who are either prohibited from certain industries, such as healthcare and finance, or are in criminal databases
Two days International identity document validation Confirms the validity of a candidate’s passport, national ID, or driver license, and cross-checks with government databases Three to five days but faster with a candidate-provided passport International motor vehicle record (MVR) International MVR includes the features below: - Determines a license’s validity, classes, and suspensions
- Provides information about whether the driver is legally eligible to drive and includes the information on a physical driver license
- Available for candidates with a Canadian work location and Canadian driver license
Seconds International motor vehicle records with history Expands the International MVR results to include driver history information such as convictions, violations, and conditions Hours or weeks depending on locations searched International search - Searches for criminal records outside the United States
- Does an adverse media search if the initial search finds no criminal records
- Might include additional charges
Two to three days Supported locations
Checkr international searches are available in countries that allow criminal searches.
The locations below restrict employers from accessing and using criminal information. For these locations, Checkr offers only adverse media search:
- Afghanistan
- Christmas Island
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- Guadeloupe
- Guernsey and Alderney
- Hong Kong
- Iran
- Isle of Man
- Israel
- Japan
- Jersey
- Kiribati
- Laos
- Macao
- Mauritania
- Mayotte
- Micronesia
- Sierra Leone
- South Korea
- Syria
- Timor-Leste
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 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.
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FACIS (Fraud Abuse Control Information System) search
Read MoreA FACIS (Fraud and Abuse Control Information Systems) search searches databases for adverse records against people and entities in the healthcare field. These records might include information about the disciplinary actions below:
- Debarment
- Exclusion
- Letter of probation
- Letter of reprimand
If you hire for finance, government, healthcare, or technology, Checkr’s FACIS check helps manage risk and compliance. Checkr offers FACIS Level 1 search and a higher-level search called FACIS Level 3.
Both FACIS Level 1 and 3 meet federal requirements for healthcare-related searches. Checkr offers Level 3 because some states’ requirements exceed the federal government’s requirements.
FACIS Level 1 and 3 are available as standalone searches.
Fraud and Abuse Control Information System (FACIS) Level 1 search
Checkr’s FACIS Level 1 search corresponds to the industry-wide FACIS Level 1M. FACIS Level 1 also complies with the Office of Inspector General Compliance Program Guidance. FACIS Level 1M searches search the sources below:
- Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)
- List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) search.
- Medicaid (state-level)
- Medicare (state-level)
Fraud and Abuse Control Information System (FACIS) Level 3 search
FACIS Level 3 includes everything in FACIS Level 1M plus 2,500 additional state sources. FACIS Level 3 search exceeds minimum federal requirements and it offers full coverage for a high-level risk management policy.
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 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.
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FAQs about state-specific database searches (CORI and PATCH)
Read MoreWhat is CORI?
In Massachusetts, employers can access the CORI statewide database to research potential criminal records. Some industries, such as healthcare companies, are required to use CORI as part of their pre-employment screening process.
What information does CORI contain?
CORI is a name-based search of criminal information about crimes investigated and prosecuted in Massachusetts. The Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) maintains CORI. CORI doesn't have all records and case information from Massachusetts courts.
Checkr searches might cover the same information contained in CORI, depending on the comprehensiveness of the national search and address history for each candidate, but the information might not be identical.
Does Checkr include CORI in background checks?
By Massachusetts regulation, CRAs aren't allowed to use CORI unless the employer authorizes the CRA to be the “decision maker” on whether to hire the individual.
Employers usually access CORI separate from a background check report. If the law requires your company to search CORI, you must do so in addition to your Checkr search.
Although Checkr doesn't access CORI, you still need to include your CORI policy during the adverse action process. Massachusetts law requires that you attach your company’s CORI policy to the pre-adverse action email, even when you aren't actually using CORI as part of your search protocol. Massachusetts offers suggestions for drafting your CORI policy.What else is required for CORI searches?
You must obtain a signed acknowledgement form from the employee or candidate authorizing you to access the records. Additionally, you must enter into an “iCORI Agency Agreement” for continued access to the database.
You can't keep CORI records for more than seven years after a date below:
- The employee’s last date of employment
- The date of the final decision not to hire a candidate
You must store paper copies of CORI in locked and secured locations, and password-protect and encrypt electronic copies.
What is PATCH?
PATCH is a Pennsylvania State Police Background Check you can access from the PATCH website.
How does PATCH work?
PATCH is a nonreportable pointer search that you can add to package with a state search. If you set PATCH as your preferred Pennsylvania search, you can access the PATCH portal to retrieve the necessary documentation after the state search completes. Checkr can't directly show you the PATCH report.
How does PATCH appear on my candidate's report?
If you add PATCH to a package, the report links to the PATCH website where you can enter the candidate's information to open their certification.
How does PATCH work with my criminal searches?
You can't order PATCH as a standalone search. You must order PATCH through the Pennsylvania state search. You can order PATCH only for candidates who currently live or previously lived in Pennsylvania.
Is there an additional cost for PATCH?
In addition to your package fee, there is a passthrough fee of $22.
How do I add PATCH to my account?