Background Check in Wyoming: Laws & Screening Information
If you’re in Wyoming and need to understand background checks, you’ve come to the right place. A background check is a way to verify someone’s history, typically looking into their criminal records, employment history, education, and more. This can be especially useful for employers, landlords, or even individuals who want to ensure they are making informed decisions. In the hiring process, obtaining a background check involves verification of various aspects of a candidate’s history, ensuring that the business can make informed choices.
Request for background checks can be made for multiple purposes, and to conduct these checks often involves adhering to federal regulations. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about background checks in Wyoming, including how to get one, what shows up, relevant laws, and more.
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Get StartedWhat Is a Wyoming Background Check?
A Wyoming background check involves reviewing various public and private records to compile a comprehensive report on an individual’s history. These checks are often used by employers to ensure potential hires are suitable for the job, by landlords to verify tenants, or even by individuals for personal reasons.
To conduct a background check involves adhering to federal laws, such as the Civil Rights Act, to protect the rights of the applicant. Employers use these checks to make informed hiring decisions, ensuring compliance with regulations and fairness in the process. Background checks may also involve reviewing records from courts to provide a complete picture of an individual’s history.
How Do I Get a State Background Check in Wyoming?
Getting a state background check in Wyoming is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Website: Start by visiting the Wyoming DCI website to get the necessary forms and information.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by the DCI. Ensure you include all required details accurately.
- Fingerprinting: Visit a local law enforcement agency to get your fingerprints taken. This is a mandatory step for a comprehensive state background report.
- Submit the Form and Fingerprints: Send your completed form and fingerprint card to the DCI along with the required fee.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time can vary, but you should expect to wait a few weeks for your check to be completed.
What Shows up on a Wyoming Background Check?
Wyoming background checks typically reveal several key pieces of information:
Criminal Records: This includes any arrests, charges, convictions, and incarcerations within the state. Employers use these records to ensure that potential employees do not have a history that could pose a risk to the business or other employees.
Employment History: Employers may verify your previous job titles, dates of employment, and sometimes reasons for leaving. This helps businesses confirm that the applicant has the experience they claim and assess their suitability for the position.
Educational Background: Verifying degrees obtained, applicant’s education, certifications, and attendance records. This may include checking the universities attended to ensure the applicant has the necessary qualifications for the job.
Credit History: This is less common but can be included for certain types of checks, particularly those related to financial positions. Businesses in the finance sector may use this information to assess the financial responsibility of potential employees. Adhering to the Civil Rights Act ensures that employers conduct background checks fairly and without discrimination, protecting the rights of the applicant throughout the process.
What Are the Background Check Laws and Regulations in Fair hiring laws in Wyoming?
Wyoming state laws on employment background checks include both state-specific regulations and adherence to federal laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and . Employers in Wyoming must comply with the FCRA, which governs how background checks are conducted and ensures the protection of both employers and job candidates.
Wyoming does not have a statewide “ban-the-box” law, meaning there is no state law prohibiting employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. However, employers must follow FCRA guidelines, which include obtaining written consent from the candidate before conducting a background check and providing a copy of the report and a summary of rights if any adverse action is taken based on the report.
Additionally, employers must ensure their background check policies are non-discriminatory and comply with all relevant federal laws, such as those related to equal employment opportunities For more detailed information and to stay updated on any changes, you can refer to Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, background checks typically go back seven years, especially for criminal records. However, certain types of background checks might go back further. It’s essential to understand the specifics of the check you’re requesting to know the exact timeframe covered.
How Long Does a Background Check Take in Wyoming?
The time it takes to complete a check can vary:
- State Background Checks: These usually take a few weeks.
- County-Level Checks: These might be quicker, often taking just a few days to a week.
- Employment Background Checks: Depending on the depth of the check, these can range from a few days to a few weeks.
How Much Does a Background Check Cost in Wyoming?
The cost depends on the type of check and the agency performing it:
- State Background Checks: Generally, around $15-$20.
- County-Level Checks: These can vary but are usually around $10-$15.
- Private Services: Prices can range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the depth and breadth of the check.
Where To Get A Background Check In Wyoming?
You have several options for obtaining background checks in Wyoming:
- Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI): The official state source for comprehensive background checks.
- Local Law Enforcement Agencies: For county-level checks.
- Online Services: Several online platforms offer personal checks, though they might not be as comprehensive as official sources.
Best Background Check Services
If you need a more straightforward option for personal checks, consider these trusted websites. Remember, these are not for official pre-employment background checks:
- TruthFinder: Best for In-Depth Personal Checks
- Instant Checkmate: Best for Quick Searches
- BeenVerified: Best for User-Friendly Experience
Founded in 2015 in San Diego, California, TruthFinder is a popular background check service They have become popular due to their ability to scan millions of public records and social network data, providing extensive coverage that includes federal, state, and local government records.
TruthFinder’s comprehensive scans can reveal an individual’s contact details, location history, criminal and traffic records, possible assets, and social media information. With a monthly subscription, users can order unlimited background checks, a cost-effective option for those who need to verify multiple individuals’ reliability and credibility.
Pros
- Comprehensive data
- Easy-to-use interface
- Mobile app.
Cons
- Monthly subscription fee
- Not FCRA compliant.
Star Rating
/ 5.0
Instant Checkmate is a popular people search finder that uses public records to complete background checks, having conducted over 1.4 billion searches according to their website. While the reports can take some time to generate and the service may be slower compared to others, it remains a favored choice due to the quality of the background check results.
In addition to its thorough reports, Instant Checkmate is known for its secure and user-friendly platform, making it accessible and reliable for many users. Despite the longer wait times, its combination of security and ease of use contributes to its popularity among background check services.
Pros
- Fast results
- Detailed criminal records
Cons
- Subscription-based
- Not suitable for employment background checks
Star Rating
/ 5.0
BeenVerified was founded in 2007 and specializes in extensive background checks using online databases. The service offers access to public records, property records, credit reports, social media accounts, and criminal records. Its popularity stems from the convenience and comprehensiveness of the information provided.
This subscription-based service, while not offering a free option, is user-friendly and affordable. Users simply provide personal information of the individual being searched, and BeenVerified compiles an extensive background check. This saves considerable time and effort compared to manually tracking down records from various public offices.
For those seeking reliable and comprehensive background checks without significant cost, BeenVerified is a valuable option for personal and basic searches.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Multiple search options
Cons
- Not FCRA compliant
- Can be costly for extensive checks
Star Rating
/ 5.0
Conclusion on Wyoming Background Check
Understanding the background check process in Wyoming is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you’re an employer, landlord, or an individual. Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations, know what to expect from a report, and use the right resources to get the most accurate and relevant information. It is a useful tool to ensure safety and trust in your personal and professional life.
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.