Most background checks take 1–5 business days. However, Bchex completes 86% of qualifying searches in under 5 hours. Turnaround time depends on the type of check, the jurisdictions searched, and how quickly the applicant submits their information.
|
Check Type |
Typical Range |
Bchex Avg. |
|---|---|---|
|
Criminal (national) |
1–3 days |
Under 5 hours* |
|
County criminal |
1–5 days |
1–2 days |
|
Employment verification |
2–5 days |
1–3 days |
|
Education verification |
2–7 days |
2–4 days |
|
MVR (driving record) |
1–3 days |
Same day |
*For searches qualifying for the One Business Day Delivery Guarantee
Most employment background checks are completed in 1–3 business days.
However, timing depends on:
External references:
Employers rely on background checks to:
SHRM research shows that background checks are used by 94% of employers.
SSN trace returns immediately, revealing alias names and address history.
Used to identify potential records requiring deeper court research.
Timing varies based on:
Covers all states: https://www.nsopw.gov/
Delays happen if HR departments are slow to respond.
Useful for roles involving driving; could take longer depending on authorization forms and which states the MVRS are conducted in.
Common delay factors:
More matches = more time to confirm identity.
Some rural counties still rely on in-person courthouse research.
Major delays occur during:
Court status updates: https://www.ncsc.org
Mistyped SSNs, birthdates, or names cause re-runs.
Additional confirmation may be needed.
County courts vary widely in how quickly they process record requests. Rural counties with limited staff or older record systems can add several days to a search. With Bchex, you can see estimated turnaround by jurisdiction before you order — so you always know what to expect.
Employment background checks usually take 1-3 days, but timelines vary based on court access, verification speed, and applicant accuracy. With the right vendor, employers can reduce delays and hire faster.
Need fast, accurate employment background checks?
Bchex provides FCRA-compliant screening with optimized turnaround times and real-time status tracking.
Q: What’s the fastest a background check can be completed?
Some return instantly, while criminal searches typically require 1-3 days.
Q: Why do employment verifications take so long?
They rely on employers responding – often the slowest step.
Q: Can applicants speed up the process?
Yes: providing accurate information reduces re-runs.
Q: What causes week-long delays?
Usually county backlog, holidays, or missing information.