Article
Best Criminal Background Check Sites in 2026
Find criminal records quickly with the best background check services. Compare FCRA-compliant employer solutions and consumer services for comprehensive criminal history searches.
Need to screen potential employees, verify someone’s criminal history, or ensure personal safety? Criminal background check services provide fast access to arrest records, convictions, court filings, and sex offender registries from public databases.
Our team tested leading criminal background check platforms, evaluating FCRA compliance, database coverage, accuracy, and turnaround times. Here are the best criminal background check sites for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Service | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. GoodHire (Checkr) | Best for Employers (FCRA-Compliant) | $29.99/check (starts at) | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. First Advantage | Best for Global Screening | $29/check (small business) | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. HireRight | Best for Enterprise Volume | Custom/enterprise pricing | ★4.7/5 |
| 4. TruthFinder | Best Consumer Service (Non-FCRA) | $23.52/month (bi-monthly plan) | ★4.6/5 |
| 5. Instant Checkmate | Best for Criminal Records Focus | $28.33/month (3-month plan) | ★4.5/5 |
| 6. Intelius | Best for Data Depth | $19.49/month (3-month plan) | ★4.4/5 |
| 7. BeenVerified | Best for Comprehensive Screening | $32.89/month | ★4.3/5 |
| 8. PeopleFinders | Best for Flexible Pricing | $24.95/month | ★4.2/5 |
| 9. Verified Credentials | Best for Personal Verification | $32.00/My Public Record Standard | ★4.1/5 |
| 10. US Search | Best for Quick Criminal Checks | $19.95/month | ★4/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
GoodHire (Checkr)
GoodHire, acquired by Checkr, leads FCRA-compliant employment screening with lightning-fast criminal background checks. Starting at $29.99 per check with volume discounts, packages include SSN trace, national criminal database, and sex offender registry searches, delivering 90% of results in under one minute.
Pros
- ✓FCRA-compliant for legal employment screening
- ✓90% of criminal checks completed under 1 minute
- ✓Includes SSN trace, national database, sex offender registry
- ✓Customizable packages with volume discounts
- ✓International criminal checks available
Cons
- ✗Requires FCRA compliance, not for casual use
- ✗Business-focused, not for personal searches
- ✗Must follow pre-employment screening regulations
First Advantage
First Advantage provides globally-focused enterprise criminal background screening across 200+ countries. With 90% of checks completed within one day and industry-specific packages, it's ideal for businesses with international hiring needs or complex compliance requirements.
Pros
- ✓Screens across 200+ countries and territories
- ✓90% of criminal screens completed within one day
- ✓Industry-specific packages for targeted verticals
- ✓Small business checks start at just $29
- ✓Enterprise compliance management tools
Cons
- ✗Enterprise features require custom pricing
- ✗Complex setup for small operations
- ✗FCRA-compliant only, not for personal use
HireRight
HireRight dominates enterprise criminal background screening as the largest global provider, covering 200+ countries with in-house researchers. While turnaround averages 2-4 days, the service excels at complex, high-volume screening with 70+ ATS integrations.
Pros
- ✓Largest global provider of background screening
- ✓Network of in-house and on-the-ground researchers
- ✓Integrates with 70+ leading ATS platforms
- ✓Covers criminal, civil, driving, prohibited parties
- ✓Average 2-4 business day turnaround
Cons
- ✗Custom enterprise pricing not transparent
- ✗Overkill for small businesses
- ✗Longer turnaround than GoodHire (2-4 days vs under 1 minute)
TruthFinder
TruthFinder leads consumer-focused criminal background checks with access to 60+ data sources and 17+ billion records. While not FCRA-compliant for employment, it provides unlimited personal searches including criminal history, social media, and Dark Web monitoring.
Pros
- ✓Highly detailed criminal and arrest history reports
- ✓Unlimited searches for monthly subscription
- ✓Dark Web monitoring for identity protection
- ✓Includes social media, employment, education data
- ✓A+ BBB rating with strong consumer reputation
Cons
- ✗NOT FCRA-compliant, cannot be used for employment
- ✗FTC fine in 2023 for deceptive practices
- ✗No single report option, subscription only
Instant Checkmate
Instant Checkmate specializes in criminal background checks with comprehensive coverage of arrests, convictions, traffic violations, and inmate records. The unlimited search model and specialized criminal focus make it ideal for personal safety and thorough criminal history investigation.
Pros
- ✓Specializes in criminal records and arrest history
- ✓Includes traffic violations and inmate searches
- ✓Unlimited searches with subscription
- ✓A+ BBB rating with 15+ years experience
- ✓Real-time monitoring for new criminal activity
Cons
- ✗NOT FCRA-compliant, personal use only
- ✗FTC penalty in 2023 for compliance issues
- ✗Same parent company as TruthFinder
Intelius
Intelius provides access to 20+ billion public records with exceptional data visualization showing how criminal records connect to people and locations. While not FCRA-compliant, it offers fast, detailed criminal searches for personal knowledge and safety purposes.
Pros
- ✓Access to 20+ billion public records since 2003
- ✓Outstanding visual presentation of criminal connections
- ✓Fast criminal and geographical record searches
- ✓BBB accredited with solid ratings
- ✓Shows education information others don't have
Cons
- ✗NOT FCRA-compliant for employment screening
- ✗Limited to 100 reports per month
- ✗Single month plan expensive at $29.99
BeenVerified
BeenVerified combines criminal background checks with property records and VIN lookups in one comprehensive service. The unique report monitoring feature alerts you when criminal or other records change, making it ideal for ongoing personal safety monitoring.
Pros
- ✓Criminal records plus property and vehicle history
- ✓Unique report monitoring with change notifications
- ✓Unlimited searches across all report types
- ✓$1 seven-day trial to test thoroughly
- ✓Quick mobile app for on-the-go screening
Cons
- ✗NOT FCRA-compliant, personal use only
- ✗Higher monthly cost than competitors
- ✗B BBB rating, not accredited
PeopleFinders
PeopleFinders offers flexible pricing with both single searches and subscription options, backed by 6,000+ data sources and 120+ billion records. The freemium preview lets you assess results before purchasing, and outstanding customer support assists with criminal record searches.
Pros
- ✓Choice between single searches and subscriptions
- ✓Access to 6,000+ data sources
- ✓Freemium preview before purchasing
- ✓Exceptional customer service and support
- ✓Unlimited people searches on all plans
Cons
- ✗NOT FCRA-compliant for employment
- ✗Standard plan only 1 background check monthly
- ✗Not BBB accredited
Verified Credentials
Verified Credentials specializes in personal criminal record verification with three packages: Standard ($32), Premium ($46.50), and Credentials Premium ($85.50). While limited compared to unlimited services, it's ideal for one-time personal background verification.
Pros
- ✓Specialized in personal criminal record verification
- ✓Standard package at $32 includes county criminal check
- ✓Premium package ($46.50) adds driving records
- ✓Sex offender registry searches included
- ✓Good for verifying your own background
Cons
- ✗Limited to personal verification, not FCRA-compliant
- ✗Higher cost for single reports than subscriptions
- ✗Fewer features than comprehensive services
US Search
US Search excels at speed with the fastest basic criminal record results we tested. The $2.45 one-time report option makes it perfect for occasional criminal background checks, while the Pro plan offers premium support for legal professionals.
Pros
- ✓Fastest basic criminal record results in testing
- ✓One-time criminal report option at $2.45
- ✓Pro plan ($59/month) with premium US support
- ✓Good for occasional criminal checks
- ✓No long-term commitment required
Cons
- ✗NOT FCRA-compliant for employment screening
- ✗Basic reports less detailed than competitors
- ✗Professional plan expensive at $59/month
How We Test Criminal Background Check Services
Our criminal background check testing methodology ensures thorough, objective evaluations:
FCRA Compliance
We verify legal employment screening capability:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act adherence: Proper disclosures and consent
- Adverse action procedures: Required notifications for employment decisions
- Accuracy guarantees: Dispute resolution processes
- Consumer rights: Proper handling of protected information
Database Coverage
We assess criminal record comprehensiveness:
- National databases: FBI, national crime databases
- Federal records: Federal court convictions
- State records: State-level criminal databases
- County records: Local court and arrest records
- Sex offender registries: National and state registries
- International coverage: Global criminal screening capability
Speed & Accuracy
We measure turnaround time and reliability:
- Processing speed: Time from submission to results
- Data currency: How recent the criminal records are
- Verification methods: How records are confirmed
- False positive rate: Incorrect matches and errors
User Experience
We evaluate platform usability:
- Setup process: Ease of account creation and configuration
- Search interface: Simplicity of initiating checks
- Report clarity: How criminal information is presented
- ATS integration: Compatibility with hiring systems
FCRA-Compliant vs Consumer Services
FCRA-Compliant Services (GoodHire, First Advantage, HireRight)
Legal uses:
- Pre-employment screening
- Tenant background checks
- Professional licensing verification
- Contractor verification
Requirements:
- Written consent from subject
- Proper disclosure statements
- Adverse action notifications
- Dispute resolution processes
Cost: $29-$100+ per check
Benefits:
- Legally defensible for hiring decisions
- Compliance management tools
- Professional verification standards
Consumer Services (TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate, BeenVerified)
Legal uses:
- Personal safety verification
- Dating safety research
- Neighborhood awareness
- Reconnecting with people
Limitations:
- CANNOT be used for employment
- CANNOT be used for tenant screening
- CANNOT be used for credit decisions
- Personal knowledge only
Cost: $20-$35/month for unlimited searches
Benefits:
- Unlimited searches
- Broader information (social media, property, etc.)
- No subject consent required
Choosing the Right Criminal Background Check Service
For Employment Screening: GoodHire or First Advantage
FCRA-compliant services like GoodHire ($29.99+) and First Advantage ($29+) are legally required for hiring decisions. GoodHire delivers 90% of results under 1 minute, while First Advantage covers 200+ countries.
For Enterprise Needs: HireRight
Large organizations with high-volume screening needs benefit from HireRight’s 70+ ATS integrations and in-house global researcher network covering 200+ countries.
For Personal Safety: TruthFinder or Instant Checkmate
Consumer services TruthFinder ($23.52/month) and Instant Checkmate ($28.33/month) provide unlimited criminal searches for personal knowledge without FCRA requirements.
For Comprehensive Personal Screening: BeenVerified
BeenVerified ($32.89/month) combines criminal checks with property records and vehicle history, plus unique report monitoring that alerts when records change.
For One-Time Checks: US Search or Verified Credentials
US Search ($2.45) and Verified Credentials ($32-$85.50) offer single report options without subscription commitments for occasional criminal checks.
Understanding Criminal Background Check Results
What’s Typically Included
FCRA-Compliant Services:
- SSN trace and verification
- National criminal database search
- County criminal records
- Federal court records
- Sex offender registry
- Driving records (add-on)
- International criminal records (add-on)
Consumer Services:
- Arrest records
- Criminal convictions
- Court filings and judgments
- Traffic violations
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender status
- Plus: social media, property, relatives, education
Types of Criminal Records
Felonies: Serious crimes with 1+ year sentences
- Examples: Murder, robbery, sexual assault, fraud
- Appear on all background checks
- Remain on record indefinitely in most states
Misdemeanors: Lesser crimes with under 1 year sentences
- Examples: DUI, petty theft, simple assault, trespassing
- Appear on most background checks
- Some states limit reporting to 7 years
Arrests Without Conviction:
- May appear on background checks
- FCRA limits to 7 years in some cases
- Some states prohibit reporting if no conviction
Expunged/Sealed Records:
- Legally removed from public access
- Should NOT appear on background checks
- Some databases have outdated information
Limitations & Accuracy
Completeness: Criminal records are maintained at county level, so national databases may miss local records
Timeliness: Recent arrests may not yet appear in databases (2-30 day lag)
Accuracy: Name matches can produce false positives; verify with SSN, DOB, address
Gaps: Not all jurisdictions report to national databases
Legal Compliance & Best Practices
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Employer Requirements:
- Provide clear disclosure that background check will be run
- Obtain written consent from candidate
- If adverse action taken, provide pre-adverse action notice
- Give candidate opportunity to dispute inaccuracies
- Provide final adverse action notice with rights information
Penalties for Violation:
- Civil lawsuits from candidates
- Federal Trade Commission enforcement
- Fines and damages
Ban the Box Laws
Many jurisdictions prohibit asking about criminal history on initial applications:
- Cannot inquire until after initial screening
- Must consider relevance of conviction to job
- Cannot automatically disqualify based on record
State-Specific Regulations
Seven-Year Rules: Some states limit reporting criminal records to 7 years
Salary Thresholds: Some states allow unlimited reporting for high-salary positions ($75,000+)
Certificate of Relief: Some states offer rehabilitation certificates that limit employer liability
Industry Insights
Turnaround Time Comparison
- Under 1 minute: GoodHire (90% of checks)
- Within 1 day: First Advantage (90% of checks)
- 2-4 business days: HireRight (average)
- Instant to hours: Consumer services (TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate)
Cost Comparison
FCRA-Compliant (per check):
- Basic county criminal: $10-$30
- State criminal: $15-$40
- National + county: $30-$60
- Comprehensive with driving: $50-$100
Consumer (monthly subscription):
- Basic: $20-$25/month
- Comprehensive: $30-$35/month
- Unlimited searches typically included
Market Consolidation
- Checkr acquired GoodHire, combining two major players
- PeopleConnect owns TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate, and Intelius
- BeenVerified operates under related ownership
Regulatory Landscape
The FTC fined TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate $5.8 million in 2023 for:
- Deceptive marketing practices
- FCRA compliance violations
- Inadequate accuracy disclosures
Both services continue operation with improved compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between FCRA-compliant and consumer background checks?
FCRA-compliant services (GoodHire, HireRight) are legally required for employment, tenant screening, and credit decisions. Consumer services (TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate) are for personal knowledge only and CANNOT legally be used for hiring, housing, or lending decisions.
How far back do criminal background checks go?
FCRA-compliant checks typically report 7 years for some records (varies by state and salary), though felonies may appear indefinitely. Consumer services show all available records regardless of age.
Do criminal background checks show dismissed charges?
It depends. Dismissed charges may appear on comprehensive checks as arrest records. FCRA limits reporting of arrests without conviction to 7 years in some cases. Expunged records should not appear but occasionally do due to database lags.
Can I run a criminal background check on myself?
Yes. Running a background check on yourself helps you see what employers or others might find. FCRA-compliant services offer personal background reports. Consumer services also work for self-checks.
How accurate are online criminal background checks?
FCRA-compliant services like GoodHire are highly accurate for employment purposes, though county-level records may occasionally lag. Consumer services are 70-85% accurate but may have outdated or incomplete information. Always verify critical findings through official sources.
What shows up on a criminal background check?
Typical criminal checks include: arrests, convictions, pending charges, court records, sex offender registry, incarceration history, and probation/parole status. Expunged or sealed records should not appear. Minor infractions and traffic tickets may or may not be included.
How long does a criminal background check take?
GoodHire delivers 90% of results under 1 minute. First Advantage completes 90% within one day. HireRight averages 2-4 days. Consumer services typically return results instantly to within a few hours.
Can employers see expunged records?
No. Expunged or sealed records are legally removed from public access and should not appear on background checks. However, database errors occasionally show outdated information. If expunged records appear, you have the right to dispute and correct them.