Hiring teams often ask, “How long does a background check take?” While many screenings return quickly, others take several days due to court access delays, identity issues, or verification requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how long employment background checks take and why some take longer than others.
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.
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.