Background Check in Alaska: Screening State Laws & More

Background checks are highly beneficial for individuals and organizations alike. Background screening services are in place to review an individual’s personal, criminal, and professional history.

Typically, employers and landlords require these checks, but anyone may request one. We’ll explain the ins and outs of background checks in the Last Frontier, including their purpose, types, legal requirements, and the best services to use.

What Are the Background Check Laws in Alaska?

Here are the key laws and regulations governing background checks in Alaska.You can find all Alaska Statutes mentioned in this list in the online state infobases. 

Alaska Statute Title 12, Chapter 62 – Criminal Justice Information and Records

Title 12, Ch. 62 outlines the management, dissemination, and confidentiality of criminal justice information in Alaska. It ensures that a person’s criminal history is handled and shared appropriately among authorized entities.

Alaska Statute Title 18, Chapter 65, Article 4 – Peace Officers

This Alaska statute specifies the requirements for peace officers in the state. They’re subject to thorough background checks before employment. It ensures that individuals in law enforcement positions have no disqualifying criminal histories.

Alaska Administrative Code, Title 13, Chapter 68 – Department of Public Safety, Criminal Records and Identification Bureau

Title 13, Ch. 68 governs the operations of the Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Records and Identification Bureau. It includes procedures for obtaining criminal history records and the responsibilities of the bureau in maintaining these records.

Alaska Statute Title 08, Chapter 01 – Centralized Licensing Statutes

Centralized licensing statutes regulate background checks for various professional licenses. It requires thorough vetting for licenses in fields like medicine, law, and other professions.

Alaska Statute Title 47, Chapter 05 – Administration of Welfare, Social Services, and Institutions

Title 47, Ch. 5 includes provisions for screening individuals working in welfare and social services. It protects vulnerable populations by disqualifying employees and volunteers with a questionable history.

Alaska Statute Title 47, Chapter 32 – Licensing of Facilities and Agencies

There are laws that regulate licensing for establishments that provide care to vulnerable groups. Title 47, Ch. 32 protects children and elderly individuals in those facilities.

Alaska Statute Title 14, Chapter 20 – Teachers and School Personnel

This statute requires background checks for all teachers and school personnel to ensure the safety of students. It outlines the process for conducting these checks and the criteria for disqualification.

Alaska Statute Title 17, Chapter 38 – Regulation of Marijuana

Alaska Marijuana laws include provisions for background checks related to the regulation of marijuana. Individuals involved in this industry must meet specific legal standards.

Alaska Statute Title 21, Chapter 27 – Insurance Producers, Adjusters, and Managers

Title 21, Ch. 27 mandates background checks for individuals seeking licenses as insurance producers, adjusters, and managers. The law ensures that these professionals don’t have a disqualifying background.

Alaska Statute Title 28, Chapter 15 – Driver Training Schools and Instructors

This law requires background checks for instructors and individuals operating driver training schools. It aims to uphold the safety and reliability of those responsible for teaching driving skills.

Alaska Statute Title 34, Chapter 03 – Landlord and Tenant Act

The Landlord and Tenant Act outlines the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. It includes provisions for background checks to ensure the suitability of potential renters.

Local Alaska Fair Hiring Laws

In Alaska, fair hiring laws allow everyone to have an equal opportunity to gain employment without facing discrimination. Hiring managers may only request a background check if it’s relevant to their hiring decision. These laws apply to all stages of employment, from the hiring process to termination. They also help maintain a fair and equitable work environment.

Key Aspects of Alaska Fair Hiring Laws:

1. Prohibition of Discrimination: According to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers cannot discriminate against an applicant based on protected classes. Those classes include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability.
2. Access to Personal Files: Employees have the right to access their personal files during regular business hours. This transparency helps employees verify the information held by their employers and correct any inaccuracies.
3. Compliance with Employment Standards: Employers must follow statutes governing fair treatment in hiring, employment, and termination processes. This includes adherence to wage laws, leave policies, and other employment standards to prevent unfair labor practices.

Jurisdictions with specific protections:

• Anchorage: Anchorage has local ordinances that provide additional protections against discrimination, ensuring fair hiring practices within the city.
• Juneau: Similar to Anchorage, Juneau enforces local laws that offer extra layers of protection for employees, complementing state regulations.

These local laws, combined with state laws, help create a comprehensive framework to protect employees’ rights throughout Alaska.

How Do I Get a State Background Check in Alaska?

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Choose the Type of Background Check: Understand why you need the background check (employment, housing, volunteer work, or other purposes). Decide whether you need a name-based search or a fingerprint-based search. Name-based checks are quicker and less expensive, while fingerprint-based checks are more comprehensive.
2. Determine the Correct Agency: Figure out which agency can perform the check. In most cases, you can navigate to the Alaska Department of Public Safety’s Background Check page.
3. Complete the Request Form: For name-based searches, fill out the online form with the individual’s required personal details (name, DOB, etc.). For fingerprint-based searches, you will need to obtain the subject’s fingerprints using a standard fingerprint card.
4. Pay the Fee: The fee for a name-based search is $20, and a fingerprint-based search is $35.
5. Submit the Request: (Online) Submit the completed form and payment through the Alaska Department of Public Safety’s online portal. (By Mail) If you’re submitting a fingerprint-based search, mail the fingerprint card along with the completed form and payment to the Department of Public Safety.
6. Wait for the Results: Online submissions typically take a few business days. Mail-in requests can take 7 to 10 days.
7. Receive and Review the Results: Depending on your submission method, results will arrive by mail or made available online. When you receive the results, review the report for inaccurate information.

What Shows Up on Alaska Background Check?

Below are the common types of background checks and the specific information they typically provide:

Driving Record Check

• Traffic violations
• DUIs
• License suspensions
• Current status of the driver’s license

These checks are essential for positions that require driving or operating vehicles to ensure a clean driving record.

Civil Court Search

• Lawsuits
• Bankruptcies
• Restraining orders
• Other civil matters

Civil court searches uncover an individual’s involvement in non-criminal legal proceedings. This information helps employers and landlords assess any potential legal issues that might affect an individual’s suitability for various roles.

Criminal Background Check

• Conviction records
• Arrest records
• Details of legal proceedings

Reviewing someone’s past criminal activity is required for many positions. These mandatory criminal background checks ensure compliance with federal laws and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines.

Drug Testing

• Illegal substances
• Abuse of prescription medications

Employers use this pre-employment screening to maintain a drug-free workplace and comply with industry standards and federal laws.

Education Verification

• Degrees
• Diplomas
• Certifications

Education background checks ensure that candidates possess the necessary academic qualifications for the job.

Employment Verification

• Previous job titles
• Duration of employment
• Reasons for leaving

An employment background check helps employers validate the accuracy of resumes and ensures the candidate has the required experience.

Credit Background Checks

• Credit scores
• Outstanding debts
• Payment histories

These checks are particularly relevant for positions involving financial responsibilities. It helps assess the financial reliability of potential employees.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Alaska?

Background checks in Alaska typically follow the guidelines set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). These laws limit how far back certain information can be reported.

Details on lookback periods:

1. Employment Background Checks: Generally, pre-employment background checks in Alaska follow a seven-year lookback period, according to federal law. Information about arrests for non-convictions and other adverse information older than seven years is not permissible.
2. Exceptions: There are exceptions to the seven-year rule. For example, jobs in law enforcement or those involving vulnerable populations may have longer lookback periods to ensure comprehensive vetting.
3. Other Background Checks: Background checks conducted for housing or volunteer positions may have different lookback periods based on specific needs and regulations.

How Long Does a Background Check Take in Alaska?

The duration of background checks in Alaska can vary depending on the type of check and the method used.

Turnaround Times for Different Checks:

1. Standard Employment History Checks: These checks are usually processed within 1 to 3 business days.
2. Criminal History Information: When ordered through the Alaska Department of Public Safety, name-based checks take about 3 to 5 business days. Fingerprint-based checks can take longer, often around 7 to 10 business days.
3. Specialized Checks: For roles requiring extensive vetting, such as those in childcare or elder care, the process might take up to two weeks. This includes additional steps like fingerprinting and national database checks.

Knowing these timelines helps plan and ensures background checks are completed efficiently without causing delays in hiring or other processes.

How Much Does a Background Check in Alaska Cost?

The background check cost in Alaska varies based on the type of check and the provider.

Cost Breakdown:

1. Name-Based Checks: Conducted through the Alaska Department of Public Safety, a name-based search costs $20. This type of check is generally faster but may not be as comprehensive.
2. Fingerprint-Based Checks: This more thorough method costs $35. It includes cross-referencing with national databases for higher accuracy, particularly important for positions of trust.
3. Comprehensive Reports: Private background check services may charge between $50 and $100 for detailed background checks, including credit history, education verification, and more. These costs vary based on the depth of the information requested.

Where to Get A Background Check in Alaska?

In Alaska, you can obtain a background check through the Alaska Department of Public Safety’s online portal. Alternatively, you can visit local police departments or sheriff’s offices for in-person requests.

Online background check services also offer comprehensive checks, often requiring a subscription. Public records are also accessible via the Alaska Court System’s CourtView or the Alaska FOIA for broader information.

Best Background Check Sites

When conducting thorough background checks in Alaska, several trusted websites offer comprehensive services for personal and basic purposes. Each platform has its unique strengths and limitations, making it essential to choose the one that best fits your specific needs.

1. TruthFinder – Best for In-Depth Information
2. Instant Checkmate – Best for Speedy Results
3. BeenVerified – Best for Easy-to-Use Reports

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TruthFinder

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TruthFinder, founded in 2014, is known for its ability to access public records, providing detailed reports that surpass what most competitors offer.

This service is perfect for those needing comprehensive information quickly, scanning hundreds of millions of records, including social networks and confidential data.

TruthFinder is invaluable for finding hard-to-locate social media profiles, arrest records, or unknown contact information, making it a great tool for reconnecting with friends, verifying acquaintances, or self-monitoring.

Pros

• Detailed reports with extensive public and private records
• Advanced search options and filters for precise results
• Includes dark web scan to detect compromised personal data

Cons

• Requires a monthly subscription; no single report purchases
• Extra fee for downloading reports as PDFs
• Non-FCRA compliant

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Instant Checkmate

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Instant Checkmate, launched in 2010, is a public records search service known for delivering quick and detailed background checks. It provides information such as traffic records, arrest details, court documents, addresses, ages, and known aliases.

InstantCheckMate is particularly effective for those needing to assess someone’s history of violence or criminal activities. It is especially useful for verifying new acquaintances, checking out potential roommates, or satisfying personal curiosity.

Pros

• Fast access to a wide range of public records
• Effective at uncovering criminal and traffic records
• Detailed sex offender information and location mapping

Cons

• No free trial period
• Reports can have occasional inaccuracies
• Non-FCRA compliant

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3

BeenVerified

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BeenVerified, established in 2007 by Josh Levy and Ross Cohen, aims to provide easy and affordable access to public records. Serving over 10 million users and handling 38 million searches monthly, it is a highly regarded name in the background check industry.

BeenVerified gathers information from federal, state, and local records, creating detailed reports from billions of data points. Its user-friendly interface and extensive database make it a reliable resource for thorough background checks.

Pros

• User-friendly interface with a comprehensive range of search options
• Access to a vast database of public records
• Continuous monitoring with alerts for new information

Cons

• Subscription required for access; no pay-per-report option
• Additional fees for downloading reports in PDF format
• Non-FCRA compliant

Star Rating

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Final Note on Alaska Background Check Alaska

It’s crucial to understand the specific requirements for conducting a background check in Alaska. These checks are essential for verifying an individual’s background and ensuring they meet standards for employment, housing, or professional licensing.

By using trusted services you can simplify the background check process but make sure to stay informed about the legalities and remember that compliance with state and federal regulations helps protect all parties involved.

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.