How to Get a Free Background Check

How to Get a Free Background Check OnlinePhoto byFindThatPerson.info

When it comes to ensuring your safety and security, having the correct information is essential. That's why there has been a surge in the popularity of free background check services. These services provide simple access to critical individual details, including criminal and public records.

But with so many options available, it can take time to determine which is best for your needs. That's where we come in - we have done all the research for you and found out how to obtain a free background check online. Finding a 100% free background check service may only sometimes yield the most detailed or complete results.

For this reason, we recommend using BeenVerified as your go-to people search engine. They offer high-quality information on any individual at a very reasonable price. With BeenVerified, you can gain valuable insights into someone's background without breaking the bank.

Is There a Totally Free Background Check?

It’s widely known that the federal government conducts thorough background checks on potential employees before offering them a job. The CIA, in particular, is renowned for carrying out rigorous vetting processes. Unfortunately, ordinary individuals cannot access the same resources to investigate those they interact with daily.

While you may not be able to conduct Secret Service-style background checks, government agencies provide numerous free resources that allow regular people to perform their own background checks on individuals.

The general public can obtain information such as criminal and traffic records, property details, financial data, arrest history, driving records, and other relevant documents to help determine if someone is safe to be around your family. In certain areas, this information may be accessible online. However, some states require you to physically visit a courthouse and use a designated portal to access the desired data.

Should I Do a Free Background Check?

Running a background check without any cost is possible. However, there may be more desirable choices. Opting for a detailed free background check can often result in considerable delays before obtaining the required information. Moreover, the information obtained through such means must be updated or completed.

We suggest utilizing reputable background check services like BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, or TruthFinder. These services offer quick and precise results at an affordable price!

Disclaimer: The background check services mentioned above are not FCRA-approved. Hence, you may not use our service or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance.

Check the prices here: 

• BeenVerified
• PeopleLooker
• TruthFinder

Limitations of Free Background Checks

Free background checks serve a purpose, but they could be more flawless. Most of these services only search public records that are easily accessible and cannot scan non-digital information. Additionally, the accuracy of the results obtained can vary.

Some free background check websites may take hours or even days to provide results. This can be frustrating if you need up-to-date information immediately.

While some government offices offer free background checks, accessing this information online may not be possible. For example, you may have to visit your local County Clerk's office and wait hours to obtain the necessary information.

Furthermore, free criminal background check sites have limitations for landlords, employers, and lenders because they don’t meet the standards set for consumer reporting agencies.

Almost all websites that provide free background checks fail to adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), implying that the outcomes cannot be utilized to determine creditworthiness, loan approvals, job applications, or housing requests.

Free Background Checks vs. Paid Sites

One of the great advantages of free background check websites is that they offer access to general information about someone without cost.

Additionally, these websites are user-friendly, requiring only a person's name and birthdate to provide surprising details about them.

However, it's important to note that there are drawbacks associated with these free tools. Many present outdated reports, which can be problematic when detailed information is needed. Furthermore, most services need to disclose the frequency at which they update their records, making it impossible to determine whether or not the information provided is reliable.

In cases where a government background check site is used, it may be limited to searching for individuals within a specific county. This limitation can result in inaccurate results if a person has moved out of the county or state.

Paid background check websites and people search platforms such as BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, Spokeo, and the other options mentioned in our list offer a much more comprehensive range of information than free services. Additionally, they consistently update their records and provide clear sources for the information included in your report. It’s important to note that reputable background check services guarantee they will not sell your personal information to third parties.

8 Best Background Check Services for Quick & Detailed Results

BeenVerified - Best Free Background Check Site Overall

Star rating: 4.9/5

BeenVerified is a well-respected service that specializes in conducting background checks, granting users access to a vast array of public records. Known for its expertise in people search and background investigations, the company offers convenient consumer-initiated search services via its official website or mobile application called the "Background Check App."

One of BeenVerified's primary features is its comprehensive criminal and traffic records. This report provides users with an extensive overview derived from numerous sources, including court records, police sources, and other publicly accessible data. By utilizing these diverse resources, BeenVerified ensures that their results are both up-to-date and all-encompassing. Within the criminal history section of the report, one can find information regarding previous convictions or arrests as well as any charges filed against an individual.

Additionally, this detailed report may also include pertinent details like sex offender registry information and outstanding warrants—essential knowledge for both individuals and businesses alike. Moreover, it may contain additional insights such as recruiter history, educational background, and other publicly available personal information about the individual being searched.

Pros

• The mobile app of the company is user-friendly
• Furnishes social media details
• Cancellation is straightforward

Cons: 

• The search process may be time-consuming
• Restricts the usage of a limited number of reports
• No free trials are offered

DISCLAIMER: You may not use BeenVerified or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. TruthFinder does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

PeopleLooker - Best Free Background Check Site for Quick Results

Star rating: 4.7/5

In addition to these features, PeopleLooker offers property data, satellite imaging, phone number lookups, address lookups, property searches, email searches, access to background reports, and even business transaction details when available with such a wide range of search options and detailed reports at your disposal.

To initiate a search on PeopleLooker's website, the user can enter one or more specific parameters to narrow down the results and make them more precise. While the most common search criteria include an individual's first name and last name, it’s also possible to input their place of residence, email address, or phone number.

Once you have provided the necessary parameters for your search, the website begins analyzing vast amounts of data by cross-referencing different records to find the best match. Although this process does require some time due to its thoroughness, rest assured that PeopleLooker prides itself on delivering highly detailed reports.

A typical people search report generated by PeopleLooker includes essential information such as birthdate and full name (including maiden name), making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking detailed background information about someone they wish to investigate further.

Pros: 

• Attractive interface
• User-friendly
• Confidential search capabilities
• Mobile applications available for both Android and iOS platforms

Cons: 

• Absence of live chat support
• Time-consuming request processing
• Additional fees for certain information

TruthFinder - Best Free Background Check Site for Searching the Deep Web

Star rating: 4.5/5

TruthFinder is the world's most precise and reliable online background check company. Rest assured, we guarantee you will obtain a comprehensive report encompassing all available information on any individual you search for, regardless of their location or status.

TruthFinder presents itself as a free service offering background checks at its core. It grants you access to an applicant's detailed history. You can delve into their past arrests, convictions, traffic violations, and even misdemeanors. Furthermore, this service opens up a gateway to public records from each state.

Customization is key with TruthFinder. You can personalize your background checks by selecting specific crime types and states you wish to explore further. Once your preferences are set in stone, TruthFinder taps into its extensive public records sources to deliver detailed results tailored just for you.

Pros:

• Unlimited phone number searches
• Established as a reputable firm
• Can deliver rapid results

Cons: 

• Additional fees may apply for other reverse lookup services
• Limited to results within the United States

DISCLAIMER: You may not use TruthFinder or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. TruthFinder does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

Intelius - Best Free Background Check Site for Flexible Background Checks

Star rating: 4.0/5

Next on our lineup is Intelius, a top-notch online service for conducting comprehensive background checks. When delving into public records, Intelius excels in providing valuable information. Alongside police records, this exceptional platform offers access to recruiter history and family data.

Intelius is an insightful virtual guide that grants users free access to many public records and information. For instance, it enables you to easily examine credit history, arrest records, property liens, court judgments, and criminal background details.

Whether you're interested in searching for individuals within your local area or nationwide coverage, Intelius is the go-to resource. This efficient service guarantees speedy results while ensuring utmost safety and reliability. 

It furnishes detailed accounts of individuals' personal histories and includes mugshots, court records, and aliases they may have used at any time. Additionally, this remarkable tool allows users to search for missing persons or those involved in suspicious activities.

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Conducts thorough searches through records
• Obtaining information from a report is straightforward

Cons: 

• Some users have encountered issues with customer support
• The website lacks transparent pricing information

DISCLAIMER: You may not use Intelius or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Intelius does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

Instant Checkmate - Best Free Background Check Site for Customizing Your Reports

Star rating: 3.9/5

Instant Checkmate is a top-notch service for delving into court records when conducting background checks. With years of experience, the company has aided countless individuals and businesses make informed decisions about potential new acquaintances.

You can access many impressive features to facilitate comprehensive background checks when utilizing Instant Checkmate. In addition to providing information on an individual's court records, this service offers valuable insights into property records and credit history.

Customer satisfaction rates are through the roof with this service. The brand's official website is home to numerous glowing reviews from satisfied customers who have experienced first-hand the benefits of using Instant Checkmate. Navigating the website is a breeze, and if you need assistance, their customer support team is available round-the-clock.

Pros:

• The interface is simple to navigate
• The mobile app is user-friendly
• Social media data is accessible

Cons: 

• Pricier than rivals
• Download of reports incur an extra fee
• Reports require more time for generation

DISCLAIMER: You may not use Instant Checkmate or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Instant Checkmate does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

Spokeo - Best Free Background Check Site for Affordability

Star rating: 3.7/5

Since its establishment in 2006, Spokeo has developed its expertise in delivering comprehensive background checks and criminal history records. Even if you only possess the individual's first and last name, locating them on the Spokeo website should be simple.

The free listing provides valuable insights such as current and previous addresses and the names of immediate family members. This ensures that you can confidently identify the correct person. Furthermore, before opting for a paid report, the free report indicates whether Spokeo possesses additional details like contact numbers and email addresses.

Simply input a name or phone number into Spokeo's search feature to obtain basic results without cost. Although this option offers limited information, with most details obscured or indistinguishable, keen observers can still extract relevant data by carefully analyzing the provided information.

Pros: 

• Cost-effective
• Access to social media records is available
• Exceptional customer service

Cons: 

• Some inaccuracies in the results
• Limited to the United States only

PeopleFinders - Best Free Background Check Site for Comprehensive Background Checks

Star rating: 3.5/5

PeopleFinders stands out as a top-notch background check service renowned for its exceptional customer service. The company has built a solid reputation by consistently receiving rave reviews from satisfied customers.

With PeopleFinders' comprehensive range of services, you can access various types of records. These include personal contact information, criminal and traffic records, and marriage and court records. Utilizing the same sources employed by government agencies ensures the reliability of the information provided. Moreover, their extensive search capabilities span billions of records to deliver the specific information you seek.

Pros: 

• Over two decades of experience
• Excellent customer service
• Simple to use

Cons:

• Exclusive to the US
• Don’t conduct searches on social media

US Search - Best Free Background Check Site for Detailed Public Records

Star rating: 3.3/5

With over 25 years of experience, US Search is a leading authority in the field of background checks. Originally established as a private investigation firm in 1993, the brand evolved into a platform specializing in comprehensive background checks. Throughout its history, US Search has been instrumental in helping countless individuals make informed decisions about those who play a role in their lives.

This service allows users to conduct thorough background checks at no cost whatsoever. By utilizing this option, users gain access to essential information about their subjects, including details of family connections, criminal and traffic records, phone numbers, and physical addresses. 

Pros: 

• Obtain quick results
• User-friendly
• Affordable

Cons: 

• Exclusive to the United States
• Straightforward presentation

DISCLAIMER: You may not use US Search or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. US Search does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

How To Get a Free Criminal Background Check?

Getting a free criminal background check is quick and simple when you utilize the County Clerk of Courts records. However, if you prefer, you can also contact the sheriff's office or state correctional department for information.

To illustrate this further, let's say you want to search for inmates in Maine. You can simply enter "Maine Corrections Inmate Search" into a search engine and it will lead you directly to the state portal where you can access free criminal background check details about prisoners and probationers.

Alternatively, to focus on a specific county like Cumberland County, you must type "Cumberland County Sheriff inmate search." The results will provide a link to the sheriff's office records where current inmate information is available.

It's important to note that obtaining someone's name is sufficient for conducting a free criminal history search. While some areas may charge a small fee for accessing these records, such instances are relatively uncommon.

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How To Access Public Records Without Paying Fees? 

Public records can be helpful if you want to gather information about someone without incurring the cost of a background check. These records are accessible to everyone and are not considered confidential. However, they may only sometimes provide all the information you seek. For instance, in California, individuals can make their marriage license application and related records public or confidential. The availability of free public records depends on the information you seek.

Many states offer online sources that allow free access to basic details about individuals. Some websites provide essential people searches without requiring payment, and there are also paid background check services that offer this option. Nevertheless, it's vital to exercise caution as some free sites may make exaggerated claims but fail to deliver their promises to entice users to sign up for paid services.

The Cost Of Background Checks

The price of a background check can vary significantly depending on the service provider and the level of detail needed. While certain websites offer background checks for as little as $10, others may charge as much as $500. The quality of the information provided typically corresponds to the amount paid. Furthermore, these services often have complex payment plans and pricing structures with numerous options. 

Some services may provide one-time reports, monthly subscriptions, 24-hour or quarterly plans, or even charge based on the number of states you wish to check for criminal and traffic records. Additionally, the cost of a report can also be influenced by the extent and type of information requested.

Final Thoughts

While free background checks may appear appealing, they may only sometimes offer the most detailed and comprehensive information. Conversely, paid background checks can provide you with the most up-to-date and pertinent data, making them a preferred choice for many individuals and organizations. 

A free background check might suffice if you seek a quick and effortless method to verify someone's identity. It’s essential to consider your needs and priorities carefully before paying for a background check. After all, while information may not come cheaply, it can be a worthwhile investment in the long term.

DISCLAIMER: You may not use the non-FCRA approved services mentioned in this article or the information they provide to decide about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. These services don’t provide consumer reports and are not consumer reporting agencies. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., (“FCRA”), which are incorporated herein by reference.)

The information available on our website may not be 100% accurate, complete, or up to date, so do not use it as a substitute for your own due diligence, especially if you have concerns about a person’s criminal history. The services we mention do not make any representation or warranty about the accuracy of the information available through our website or about the character or integrity of the person about whom you inquire. For more information, please review each service’s Terms of Use.