How Much Does a Background Check Cost? Everything You Need to Know

Background checks are a vital part of various processes – from pre-employment screening to tenant verification. Understanding the cost associated with background checks is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions.

This blog delves into the factors that influence background check pricing and provides a breakdown of typical costs for different types of checks.

What Is a Background Check?

Background checks might seem old-fashioned in our digital age, but here's the thing — they offer a glimpse into someone's past, helping you avoid some major headaches. They're about building trust and making informed decisions.

Would you trust your car to a mechanic whose only qualification is a selfie with a wrench? Probably not. The same goes for going on a date for someone, deciding to become roommates, or deciding if you should get to know your neighbor.

Think of it this way: Background checks are like the "read more" button for someone's life story. They give you the context you need to make smart choices, whether it's for your business, your home, or your peace of mind. In a world of online facades, a background check is a much-needed dose of reality – and sometimes, that's the best filter of all.

Types of Background Checks and Their Costs

Not all background checks are created equal – they can range from basic name searches to comprehensive investigations into someone's history. Here are some of the most common types:

Criminal Record Check

This is the bread and butter of background screening. A criminal record check will reveal any convictions, arrests, or pending charges in an individual's past at the county, state, or federal level. Depending on how thorough you need to be, costs can range from $10 to $50+. You can also get basic information on someone for free by using USPeopleSearch’s search engine.

Employment and Education Verification

Resumes can be great works of fiction, which is why verifying someone's job history and academic credentials is so important. Fees for employment verification range from $15 to $35 per employer. Meanwhile, education verification costs depend on the number of degrees/diplomas that need checking, averaging $10 to $20 each.

Credit Verification

A credit check provides insight into someone's financial responsibility for roles involving handling money or making financial decisions. A basic credit report usually costs $10 to $25, and a full credit history usually costs more.

Professional License Check

This option is crucial if the position requires specific licenses (like a plumber or electrician). It confirms the validity and status of those licenses, ensuring they're qualified for the job. The average cost for a professional license check is around $10 to $30.

Driving Records Check

If you're hiring drivers or employees who will operate company vehicles, checking their driving history is a must. The cost is around $5 to $15 per state searched.

Drug Testing

Drug screening is a crucial part of the pre-employment process for many companies. Costs vary based on the type of test — urine tests are the cheapest ($30-$50), while hair tests are the most expensive ($80-$150).

Civil Courts Record Check

This deep-dive search for public records of lawsuits, judgments, or liens against an individual can provide valuable insights into potential financial issues or legal history. Usually, such a check will cost between $25 and $75, more in specific cases.

Social Security Number (SSN) Check

This verifies an individual's Social Security Number and helps uncover past addresses, potentially providing a more complete picture of their background. It can be helpful in uncovering potential aliases or discrepancies. The average cost for this is around $10 to $20, depending on your geographic location.

Factors That Affect The Total Cost of a Background Check

As you can see, there are several types of background checks available. In some cases, a simple criminal record check may be sufficient. However, in most situations, you'll need to combine multiple checks to get a comprehensive picture of someone's background.

• Search Depth: More comprehensive checks, including criminal history searches, employment verification, and education verification, will cost more than basic checks.
   
• Turnaround Time: If you need the background check results expedited or returned within a shorter timeframe, this will often incur additional fees from the provider.
   
• Industry Requirements: Certain industries, such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and education, may have specific mandated background check components that drive up costs.

Ultimately, it's about striking the right balance between being thorough and keeping expenses manageable. For higher-risk or high-stakes positions, more exhaustive and comprehensive packages make sense despite higher fees. However, for basic screening needs, sticking to essential checks can provide good value.