Background Check in Indiana: Screening Regulations & Laws

In our busy lives, knowing you can trust people is essential. If you’re hiring someone, checking out a potential tenant, or reconnecting with old friends, background checks in Indiana help you make smart choices.

This guide covers everything about Indiana background checks – what they show, how to get them, the laws involved, and the best services to use. Understanding these aspects can help you avoid potential risks and ensure peace of mind.

What Is an Indiana Background Check?

An Indiana background check is a comprehensive review of an individual’s past, used primarily by employers to verify a candidate’s qualifications and suitability for a position. These checks are very important for making informed hiring decisions, ensuring workplace safety, and maintaining compliance with various legal standards. Indiana background checks can include criminal records, employment history, educational qualifications, driving records, and other pertinent information.

How Do I Get a State Background Check in Indiana?

Getting a state background check in Indiana is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Identify the Type of Background Check Needed: Determine whether you need a limited criminal history report, a full criminal background check, or other specific checks like employment or education verification.
2. Gather Required Information: Collect necessary details about the individual, including their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other relevant identifiers.
3. Access the Indiana State Police Portal: Visit the Indiana State Police (ISP) website and navigate to the background check section. They offer an online portal for submitting requests.
4. Complete the Request Form: Fill out the online form accurately with the required information. Any inaccuracies can delay the process.
5. Pay the Applicable Fee: The fee for a limited criminal history check ranges from $7 to $17, depending on the requester’s status (individual or organization). Payment can typically be made online via credit card.
6. Submit the Request: Once the form is completed and payment is made, submit the request. The processing time usually takes a few business days.
7. Receive and Review the Report: After processing, you will receive the background check report. Review the information carefully to ensure it meets your needs.

What Shows up on an Indiana Background Check?

Indiana background checks can reveal various types of information depending on the scope of the check. Here are some common components:

Civil Court Searches

Civil court searches uncover information about non-criminal cases involving the individual, such as lawsuits, restraining orders, and other civil matters. This can provide insight into the person’s involvement in legal disputes outside of criminal activity.

Education Verification

Education verification confirms the individual’s academic credentials, including degrees obtained, institutions attended, and dates of attendance. This helps employers ensure that candidates have the educational background they claim.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks are a key component of Indiana background checks, revealing any criminal history, including arrests, charges, and convictions. These checks are essential for identifying potential risks and ensuring workplace safety.

• Indiana criminal records: These records provide detailed information about any criminal convictions, including misdemeanors and felonies.
• Indiana employers: Use this information to assess the suitability of candidates and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Driving Record Checks

Driving record checks provide information about the individual’s driving history, including traffic violations, DUIs, and license suspensions. This is particularly important for positions that involve driving.

Drug Testing

Drug testing is often part of the hiring process to ensure a drug-free workplace. Results from drug tests show whether the individual has used illegal substances, which can be a critical factor for certain job roles.

Credit Background Checks

Credit background checks reveal the individual’s financial history, including credit scores, bankruptcies, and outstanding debts. This information is vital for positions involving financial responsibilities or handling sensitive information.

Employment Verification

Employment verification confirms the individual’s previous job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving. This helps employers validate the candidate’s work history and experience.

Key Terms to Remember

• Indiana criminal records: Detailed reports of criminal convictions.
• Indiana employers: Entities that utilize background checks in the hiring process.
• Criminal record: A record of an individual’s criminal history.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Ensures compliance with federal non-discrimination laws.
• Hiring process: The overall process of recruiting and hiring new employees.
• Court records: Documents related to legal proceedings in civil and criminal cases.
• Limited criminal history reports: Summarized reports of an individual’s criminal history.
• Criminal convictions: Official decisions that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.

What Are the Background Check Laws and Regulations in Indiana?

Here’s a detailed overview of the key regulations you need to be aware of when performing background checks in Indiana.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs the use of consumer information, including background checks. It requires employers to obtain written consent from job applicants before conducting a background check and to inform them if any adverse action is taken based on the results.

Indiana Expungement Law (IC 35-38-9)

Indiana’s Expungement Law allows individuals to have certain criminal records sealed or expunged. Once expunged, these records are not available to employers, ensuring that past mistakes do not indefinitely impact employment opportunities.

Criminal History Background Checks (IC 10-13-3)

Under Indiana Code 10-13-3, employers can access criminal history information for hiring purposes. This law specifies what information can be obtained and how it should be used to ensure fair hiring practices.

Indiana Civil Rights Law (IC 22-9-1)

Indiana Civil Rights Law applies to employers with six or more employees within the state. It mandates equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and retaliation against employees who exercise their rights under the law. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, provided these do not impose undue hardship on the business.

Consumer Reporting Act (IC 24-4-18)

Consumer Reporting Act is a state law that complements the FCRA by setting additional requirements for consumer reporting agencies and employers regarding the use of consumer reports in Indiana.

Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA)

The DPPA restricts access to personal information in motor vehicle records. Employers must comply with this act when conducting background checks that include driving records.

Use of Criminal History Information (IC 22-5-6)

Indiana law for Criminal History Regulation regulates how employers can use criminal history information in hiring decisions. It mandates that employers consider the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the offense, and the nature of the job being sought.

Ban the Box Law for Public Employers

Indiana’s “Ban the Box” law prohibits public employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history on the initial job application. This law aims to give individuals with a criminal history a fair chance at employment.

Child Protection Law (IC 31-33-26-3)

This law requires background checks for individuals working with children. It ensures that employers in child-related fields can access necessary information to protect the welfare of children.

Licensing and Background Checks for Healthcare Workers (IC 16-28-5)

Healthcare workers in Indiana must undergo background checks as part of their licensing process. This law ensures that individuals with a history of certain criminal activities are not employed in positions where they could potentially harm patients.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Indiana?

In Indiana, background checks for employment can include criminal history without a specified limit on how far back they can report. This means that criminal records can be reported indefinitely, providing a comprehensive view of an applicant’s criminal background.

However, it’s important to note that while criminal records can be reported indefinitely, other types of background information, such as credit history, civil judgments, and older arrests not resulting in convictions, are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s (FCRA) seven-year limit. This ensures that only relevant and recent information impacts employment decisions.

How Long Does a Background Check Take in Indiana?

Generally, most background checks are completed within three to five business days. However, this can vary depending on several factors:

• Scope of Search: Comprehensive checks that include federal, state, and county records may take longer.
• Type of Check: Different checks, such as criminal history, employment verification, and education verification, have different processing times.
• Third-party Delays: Sometimes, delays occur if third-party agencies or institutions take longer to provide necessary information.

How Much Does a Background Check in Indiana Cost?

The cost of obtaining a background check in Indiana can vary based on the requested check type.

1. Limited Criminal History Check: Conducted through the Indiana State Police (ISP), this check costs between $7 to $17, depending on whether the requester is an individual or an organization.
2. Name-based Criminal History Check: A more detailed check through the ISP, typically used by employers, costs $15 per request.
3. Fingerprint-based Checks: These checks can be more expensive, often ranging from $20 to $50, depending on specific requirements and agencies involved.

Where To Get A Background Check In Indiana?

You can obtain a background check in Indiana through online services. These platforms offer comprehensive reports, including criminal records and personal history, ideal for personal needs. For official checks, the Indiana State Police provides verified reports through their website.

For more localized records, visit your county clerk’s office to access court documents. Private investigators and legal services offer customized, detailed background checks for specialized requirements. Each method ensures you get the necessary information based on the depth and scope of the background check needed.

Best Background Check Sites

Here are some trusted websites to run background checks, each with their own pros and cons to consider:

1. TruthFinder – Best for In-Depth Insights
2. Instant Checkmate – Best for Simple Searches
3. BeenVerified – Best for Extensive Records

1

TruthFinder

---

TruthFinder is a comprehensive background check service that has been providing detailed and thorough reports since 2014. Ideal for anyone in Indiana looking to gather in-depth information, TruthFinder scans hundreds of millions of public records.

This service is particularly beneficial for those seeking detailed insights into an individual’s history, including social media profiles, past addresses, and possible criminal records.

Pros

• Monthly membership includes unlimited reports
• Includes dark web scan to check for compromised personal data
• Advanced search options to refine results

Cons

• Requires a monthly subscription; no single report purchase option
• Additional fee to download reports as PDFs

Star Rating

/ 5.0

Visit

2

Instant Checkmate

---

Instant Checkmate is a powerful and user-friendly background check service, perfect for those in Indiana who need quick and reliable information. Established in 2010, InstantCheckMate provides detailed reports on traffic records, arrests, court documents, and known aliases.

Pros

• Quick access to a wide range of public records
• User-friendly interface
• Spanish-speaking customer support available

Cons

• Higher cost compared to some competitors
• Limited availability of mobile apps (only for Android)

Star Rating

/ 5.0

Visit

3

BeenVerified

---

BeenVerified is a highly reputable background check service known for its extensive database and detailed reports. Founded in 2007, BeenVerified handles millions of searches each month, making it a reliable resource for anyone in Indiana.

The service gathers data from federal, state, county, and local records, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s background. Its ease of use and regular updates make it a valuable tool for anyone seeking to make informed decisions based on accurate data.

Pros

• Access to a vast database with billions of public records
• Affordable pricing options with monthly and quarterly plans
• Regularly updated information with alert features

Cons

• Limited customer support hours
• Information removal requests only apply to their database, not external sources

Star Rating

/ 5.0

Visit

Final Note On Background Check Indiana

Understanding background check laws in Indiana is essential to making informed and legal decisions. If you’re an employer, landlord, or curious about someone’s history, knowing the rules helps you stay compliant and protects everyone involved.

Background check Indiana services like TruthFinder, InstantCheckMate, and BeenVerified offer valuable tools to access detailed information quickly and accurately. These services can help you verify qualifications, ensure safety, and gain peace of mind. Use these resources to confidently make decisions that protect your interests and those of others.

Disclaimer: Some background check sites are just for personal use and conducting basic people searches. Others, such as those used by potential employers, must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law limits the types of information you can find on other people. If you’re an employer or landlord using a background check for professional purposes, be sure to choose a site that’s FCRA compliant. Using a people search site that doesn’t comply with the FCRA to screen potential tenants, domestic workers or employees is illegal.

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.