How far back do typical background checks go?

Asked by: Coralie Hoppe  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (7 votes)

In most cases, the lookback period for criminal background checks is seven to ten years. These checks can turn up publicly available arrest records, court records and criminal records for felony arrests and convictions as well as pending cases.

How far back do most employers go for background checks?

Pre-employment background check

Seven years is the most common lookback period for employment-related criminal checks across jurisdictions. Some states allow employers to review an entire decade, while others don't have any time limitations. However, these laws can have subtle variations.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in the USA?

A common myth in the US is that criminal records are automatically cleared seven years after an arrest, charge, or conviction. This is not true.

What is a 7 year rule?

The Inheritance Tax seven-year rule

Gifts to individuals that aren't immediately tax-free will be considered as 'potentially exempt transfers'. This means that they will only be tax-free if you survive for at least seven years after making the gift.

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 Far Back Do Background Checks Go - Simple Answer

38 related questions found

What is the 7 year look back rule?

The FCRA's seven-year rule restricts the reporting of certain types of information for jobs paying less than a minimum salary threshold. Additionally, several states have seven-year restrictions on reporting criminal convictions.

Do misdemeanors go away after 10 years?

In California, a misdemeanor stays on your record for the rest of your life. You have to get the conviction expunged or have the record sealed to get it off your criminal record. Until then, the conviction will appear in background checks. This can cause many problems, such as extra trouble getting a job.

Why do background checks only go back 7 years?

The FCRA restricts how far back background check companies can report information about a candidate's history to an employer. The following information generally may not be reported to employers: Civil judgements older than seven years. Non-convictions older than seven years.

Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in Texas?

Texas Laws

State law prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from reporting "a record of arrest, indictment, or conviction of a crime" that is more than seven years old. There are exceptions to this general prohibition, including situations where a potential employee's salary will be more than $75,000 a year.

What states have a clean slate law?

Currently, 12 states have enacted some form of Clean Slate Law: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware , Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Utah and Virginia. Advocacy groups are lobbying to add the remaining states.

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.

What state doesn't do background checks?

Wyoming: Known for its individualistic approach, Wyoming does not mandate background checks in many scenarios, offering employers more freedom but also more responsibility in their hiring decisions. Montana: This state takes a similar approach, placing the onus on employers to decide when and how to conduct checks.

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.

How far back do employers look at criminal records?

After employers in California make a conditional employment offer, they may order a criminal background check that goes back only seven years (with some exceptions). Therefore, employers cannot see convictions older than seven years and cannot pass you over based on seven-plus old convictions.

What is the 7 year rule?

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.

Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in NC?

Several states impose a seven-year retrospective limit for an applicant's criminal history, which means you could only view criminal information on the candidate from the past seven years. North Carolina does not impose a limit on the “lookback period” for an applicant's criminal history.

Do old misdemeanors show up on background checks?

Often, even seemingly minor crimes can raise a red flag. A background check in California will typically show a misdemeanor conviction. For example, a history of driving under the influence (DUI) can be a sign of things to come and show that a candidate may not be a responsible person.

How to find out if your criminal record has been expunged?

You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.

How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record in USA?

In general, misdemeanors can stay on your record for a certain number of years, ranging from two to ten years. Still, in some cases, certain misdemeanors can be expunged or cleared from your record. Expungement means removing the offense from your record as if it never happened.

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.

How many years look back for nursing home?

There is no Look-Back Period for HCBS Waivers in California, and it's 30 months (2.5 years) for Nursing Home Medicaid, although that will be phased out by July 2026, leaving California with no Look-Back Period.

What misdemeanors prevent you from getting a job?

These include:
  • Theft and shoplifting.
  • Assault and battery.
  • Drug possession and drug-related offenses.
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Domestic violence.
  • Disorderly conduct.
  • Vandalism and property damage.
  • Trespassing.

What background check do most employers use?

The most common types of employment background screening include: Address History, Civil Records, SSN Verification, Criminal Records, Resume Verification, Medical Registration and Sanctions, and Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Does FedEx hire felons?

Yes, FedEx has been known to hire felons in the past and currently. However, that does not mean all felons can get a job with the company. Like all employers, FedEx wants to protect itself from negligent hiring lawsuits. The company might be negligent if it hires a felon who goes on to re-offend on company time.