Background Check Arizona: Laws, Regulation & Process

A background check in Arizona helps you get a look into someone’s history by using different public records and databases. It’s a great tool for those employers, landlords, and individuals who wish to verify a person’s past. Be it for hiring a new employee or renting out your property to a new tenant, a background check can prove to be a valuable aid.

This guide will let you explore the different types of background checks, the local laws and the regulations governing them. You will also learn about the other kind of important details one should know before opting for a Background Check Arizona.

What Is an Arizona Background Check?

An Arizona background check looks at various public records to gather information about someone. Employers, landlords, and volunteer organizations use it to verify a candidate’s criminal history, past jobs, or education. It ensures that anyone taking on a new role is evaluated fairly and thoroughly. This applies to work, renting a property, volunteering and other purposes.

How Do I Get a State Background Check in Arizona?

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

1. Identify the Purpose: determine the reason for conducting a background check. This would help in choosing the right type of check and understanding precisely what the requirements are.
2. Visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS): log on to the official website of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, then go to the Criminal History Records Section.
3. Complete the Application: download an application form from DPS’s website and fill it out carefully by capturing all details as required.
4. Get Fingerprinted: you must be fingerprinted at any authorized location. This is a very crucial step toward obtaining your criminal history record.
5. Submit Your Application: send the completed application form, fingerprints, and required fees to the Arizona DPS.
6. Wait for Processing: the Arizona DPS will now process your request. This may take some weeks, so please remain patient.
7. Receive Your Report: you will receive your report after the processing of the background check on the criminal history records.

What Shows up on an Arizona Background Check?

An Arizona background check can reveal a variety of information depending on the type of check conducted:

Employment Verification

Work background checks verify a candidate’s work history. Employers check past job titles, employment dates, and reasons for leaving previous jobs. This ensures that candidates have the experience they claim and are suitable for the job.

Employment verification helps employers spot significant gaps in employment. These gaps may need further explanation. It serves as a safeguard against hiring individuals who lie about their work history.

Education Verification

Education background checks a candidate’s educational background. This may involve contacting educational institutions to verify degrees, certificates, and other qualifications. Employers use education verification to confirm candidates have the necessary qualifications. It helps spot any false claims about education.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks determine if a person has a criminal record. This involves scanning criminal history records to find any criminal activity. Employers, landlords, and others use these checks to avoid dealing with someone who has a problematic criminal history. This is vital for roles that require trust and responsibility.

Civil Court Searches

Civil court searches focus on a person’s involvement in civil cases. These include lawsuits, restraining orders, and other non-criminal legal matters.

Such searches are important for understanding a person’s involvement in legal disputes. They can reveal behavior patterns relevant to employers or landlords.

Driving Record Checks

Driving record checks review an individual’s driving history. This includes traffic violations, accidents, and license status. Employers, especially those hiring drivers, use driving record checks to ensure candidates have a clean driving history. It helps assess the risks of hiring a driver.

Credit Background Checks

Credit background checks reveal an individual’s financial responsibility. They include credit scores, outstanding debts, and payment histories. Landlords and employers use these checks to evaluate the financial stability of potential tenants (apartment background checks) or employees. This helps in making informed decisions about renting property or offering jobs.

Drug Testing

Drug testing checks for illegal substance use. Many employers include drug testing as part of pre-employment background checks. This is done to maintain a drug-free workplace. Drug tests can be done through urine, blood, or hair samples. This step is crucial for jobs requiring high levels of safety and reliability.

What Are the Background Check Laws and Regulations in Arizona?

Here are some of the essential laws that regulate background checks in Arizona. Let’s go over how they apply to you.

• FCRA: the Fair Credit Reporting Act sets national standards for background checks. This includes checks in Arizona. Employers must get authorization from job applicants before conducting a background check. They must also provide a copy of the report if adverse action is taken based on the results.
• Title VII: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination. This is based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ensures that background checks do not unfairly target specific groups.
• Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act: Arizona does not have state-level “ban the box” laws. However, some local jurisdictions have fair hiring policies. These delay criminal history inquiries until later in the hiring process.
• Gilberg v. Cal. Check Cashing Stores: this case highlighted the need for clear, standalone disclosure forms in background checks. To avoid legal issues, employers in Arizona should ensure their forms comply with state laws.
• Arizona Civil Rights Act: the Arizona Civil Rights Act applies to employment decisions. It covers race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. Employers should use background checks during recruitment to ensure compliance.
• 2020 Senate Bill 1504: Senate Bill 1504 was passed in 2020. It reformed how criminal records can be expunged and sealed in Arizona. This affects the information available in background checks. It also reduces barriers for people with past convictions.
• Arizona SB 1294: the Arizona Senate Bill 1294 impacts the rights of ex-offenders. This bill aims to reduce employment discrimination and help reintegrate individuals into society. It influences how criminal records are used in background checks.
• Expungement of Marijuana Convictions: recent legal changes allow some marijuana convictions in Arizona to be expunged. These convictions will no longer appear on background checks. This helps affected individuals find employment.

Is Arizona a Felony-Friendly State?

Arizona has made strides toward being more felony-friendly. New laws allow the expungement or sealing of certain records. This makes it easier for individuals with past felonies to find jobs, depending on the nature of the felony.

Local Arizona Fair Hiring Laws

Fair hiring laws in Arizona ensure employers select applicants based on qualifications. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, or disability. The Arizona Civil Rights Act promotes fair hiring practices.

These laws are enforced statewide, especially in larger jurisdictions like Phoenix and Tucson. Employers in these areas must follow the law to ensure fair hiring processes. Violating these laws can lead to legal consequences.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Arizona?

The depth of a background check in Arizona varies. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), criminal convictions can be reported indefinitely. Non-conviction criminal information is limited to a seven-year lookback period. This means some criminal records always appear on a background check. Arrests without convictions are reported for only seven years. This balance helps protect individuals’ privacy while ensuring thorough checks.

How Long Does a Background Check Take in Arizona?

Background check turnaround times in Arizona vary. Simple checks, like employment or education verifications, take a few days. These checks are usually sufficient for standard employment screenings. Detailed checks, like criminal history or fingerprinting, take longer. These may require coordination with multiple agencies. They can take several weeks to complete. Patience is needed for these more comprehensive reports.

How Much Does a Background Check in Arizona Cost?

Prices for a background check in Arizona vary. The cost depends on the depth and type of check you need. Generally, a background check costs between $10 and $20. This includes a quick review of public records and basic personal information.

Costs are higher for detailed background checks. These are often needed for security-sensitive positions. Comprehensive background check packages start at around $29.99. Fingerprinting services add another $10 to $20. While these can be costly, they provide a thorough history of an individual.

Where To Get A Background Check In Arizona?

For general purposes, you can use online background check services. They are useful if you are looking for someone or if you want to run a background check on yourself. For official or in-depth background checks, contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). This is especially important for security-sensitive positions or legal requirements. The DPS performs fingerprint-based background checks. You can download all the necessary forms at their website, get fingerprinted at an authorized location, and submit your application with payment.

Best Background Check Services 

If need a easy and quick report for basic information, here are some top options that offer comprehensive reports.

1. TruthFinder – Best for uncovering hidden details
2. Instant Checkmate – Best for thorough and quick checks
3. BeenVerified – Best for seamless background searches

1

TruthFinder

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TruthFinder is a top choice for conducting background checks in Arizona. This service offers extensive and detailed reports that reveal hidden details about individuals. With a user-friendly interface, TruthFinder makes it easy to access a wide range of public records. As an outcome, it provides you with comprehensive insights into someone’s background.

Pros

• Extensive and detailed reports
• Easy-to-use interface
• Access to a wide range of public records

Cons

• Subscription required for full access
• Some information might be outdated
• Limited free features

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2

Instant Checkmate

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Instant Checkmate is a reliable option for background checks in Arizona. It offers thorough and quick checks, providing detailed information about an individual’s history. From criminal records to phone numbers, it ensures you have all the details to make informed decisions.

Pros

• Comprehensive background checks
• Fast and efficient service
• Detailed criminal records and contact information

Cons

• Monthly subscription costs
• Occasionally reports outdated information
• Limited to the United States

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3

BeenVerified

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BeenVerified is a user-friendly service for conducting background checks in Arizona. It provides seamless searches and delivers detailed reports. These reports cover various aspects of an individual’s background, such as criminal history and contact information. BeenVerified simplifies the process of obtaining important background information.

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Detailed and comprehensive reports
• Wide range of searchable information

Cons

• Subscription required for full access
• Some data might be outdated
• Limited free features

Star Rating

/ 5.0

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Final Note On Background Check Arizona

If you’re an employer or job seeker in Arizona, it’s important to know the background check laws. These regulations make sure the process is fair and transparent. They protect everyone’s rights, helping you make informed decisions.

Take some time to understand these laws and make sure you use reputable services for your background checks. This way, you get complete information quickly and accurately. With this knowledge, you can handle background checks with confidence.