Can a felon pass a federal background check?
Asked by: Raleigh Kirlin | Last update: January 8, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (70 votes)
People with criminal records are eligible to apply to most federal jobs, however there are some exceptions. You may not be eligible for certain federal jobs because specific statutes or laws prohibit employment depending on the crime committed.
What disqualifies you from a federal employment background check?
- Felony criminal convictions.
- Arrests for serious misdemeanors.
- Financial issues indicating irresponsibility.
- Dishonesty on resumes or applications.
- Serious mental health conditions.
- Substance abuse.
Can a convicted felon work for the federal government?
Generally, adjudicative decisions consider the “whole person” with the determination being made upon both positive and negative attributes. An individual can work for the Federal Government if they have a criminal record. This is true even if they were formerly incarcerated.
Do federal felonies show up on background checks?
The federal employment background check process is conducted using the PACER database. PACER provides public access to more than one billion documents in federal courts. When conducting federal background checks, the results may include federal felony and misdemeanor convictions across all federal district courts.
Why would you fail a federal background check?
Most obviously, having a federal criminal record—like a felony conviction—can cause issues. But it's not just crimes. Discrepancies in your employment or education history, major financial problems, or even lying on your application can trigger a failed check.
How I Got A Government Clearance as A Convicted Felon
How strict is a federal background check?
The federal background check expectations and disqualifiers are generally far more serious crimes than state ones. They can include the distribution of drugs, illegal possession of firearms, arson, kidnapping, embezzlement, tax evasion, counterfeiting, bank robbing, and other major felonies.
What makes you ineligible for federal employment?
You may not be eligible for certain federal jobs because specific statutes or laws prohibit employment depending on the crime committed. For example: Certain federal laws, like those prohibiting treason, carry with them a lifelong ban on federal employment.
How far back does a federal criminal background check go?
In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years. However, some states allow a deeper look into your past if the job pays a higher salary (usually over $75,000). Some government jobs or jobs with access to sensitive information may allow - even require - background checks further.
Do felonies go away after 7 years?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.
What does it take to pass a federal background check?
The minimum investigation required for a Low-Risk position is the National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI), which entails a National Agency Check, law enforcement check, records search, credit check, and written inquiries of pervious/current employers, education, residence, and references.
What is the best job a felon can get?
- Digital marketer. ...
- Freelance copywriter. ...
- Freelance designer. ...
- Painter. ...
- Maintenance worker. ...
- CNC machinist. ...
- Car sales executive. ...
- Entrepreneur.
Does the FBI hire felons?
FBI Eligibility
Be a U.S. citizen. Public record must be in good standing with no felony convictions. Adherence with FBI drug policy. Pass urinalysis and background investigation.
Does the USPS hire felons?
It is Postal Service policy to evaluate the employability of each applicant with a criminal conviction record individually. The fact that an applicant has a criminal conviction record is not sufficient to disqualify that applicant from postal employment.
What federal jobs can a felon get?
- Military Service - U.S. Navy Reserve, Construction. ...
- Military Service - U.S. Air National Guard, Aircrew Flight Equipment. ...
- Transporation Security Officer. ...
- Warehouse Clerk. ...
- Federal Air Marshal. ...
- What are your desired job types? ...
- Conductor Trainee - Primary Recall - Alliance, TX.
What does a federal background check reveal?
The FBI background check will include a comprehensive criminal record check against the FBI's national database, which will include arrest and conviction history, as well as traffic violations and even parking tickets.
What is a red flag on a background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
How long are you considered a felon?
A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).
Can you get a passport with a felony?
Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.
What fails a federal background check?
You may be disqualified from a high security clearance job if your record contains any of the following: a single serious crime, a series of lesser offenses, embezzlement, income tax evasion (or other financial crimes), sexual offenses, crimes related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption, a history of personality ...
Can you pass a level 2 background check with a felony?
Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.
Can I run a federal background check on myself?
All arrest information included in an Identity History Summary is obtained from fingerprint submissions, disposition reports, and other information submitted by authorized criminal justice agencies. Under federal law, you can use your Identity History Summary to review, correct, or update your own personal record.
Is it hard to pass a federal background check?
A federal employment background check process is understandably more thorough and stringent than most. Certain disqualifiers could prevent you from obtaining the job because there may be concern about your general suitability for the position and your ability to obtain necessary security clearances.
What disqualifies you from being a federal employee?
During the hiring process, Federal agencies are generally required to consider people with criminal records IF they are among the highest rated candidates and can comply with the job requirements. There are some exceptions, because specific laws or statutes prohibit employment, depending on the crime committed.
How to get a job with a felony conviction?
- Research ahead of time. Know which companies are likely to hire felons and which companies will immediately disqualify you for your felony record. ...
- Find helpful organizations. ...
- Build your own business. ...
- Freelance or work from home. ...
- Get an education. ...
- References. ...
- Do not lie to your potential employer.