A background check in Idaho is important for employers, landlords, and organizations to make smart decisions. These checks can reveal a person’s criminal records, credit history, job history, and much more. This is a complete guide that will help you explain what a background check in Idaho includes, how to get one, what information you can find, the laws involved, and some top services to use.
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Get StartedWhat Is an Idaho Background Check?
An Idaho background check involves examining a person’s personal, work, and criminal history information in depth. These checks are usually utilized by employers, landlords, and organizations to ensure a candidate is reliable and trustworthy.
These checks also give detailed insights about credit history, employment history and court records of job candidates. Doing a background check helps make sure the person has a solid and trustworthy background, which is key for making good and informed decisions.
How Do I Get an Idaho State Background Check?
Getting a state background check done in Idaho is a straightforward process. The following information will help you learn about all the required steps to obtain accurate and timely results:
- Visit the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI): This is the primary agency responsible for conducting background checks in Idaho.
- Complete the Request Form: Download the appropriate forms from the Idaho State Police website and fill them out properly.
- Submit Your Request:
- Name-Based Check: You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person.
- Fingerprint-Based Check: Next, you will have to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting at a local law enforcement agency or an authorized fingerprinting service.
- Pay the Applicable Fees:
- The fee for a name-based criminal history check is $20.
- The fee for a fingerprint-based check ranges from $65 to $70, depending on your specific requirements.
- Wait for Results: The BCI will process your background check within 5-7 business days, excluding mailing time.
What Shows up on Idaho Background Checks?
Idaho Background check can reveal a wide range of background information, depending on the type of check you opt for. You will find below the common types of a background check and what typically appears in each:
Criminal Background Checks
A criminal background check in Idaho will display:
- Convictions for misdemeanors and felonies
- Arrest criminal records within the last seven years
- Ongoing criminal cases
- Information from state, county, and federal databases
Credit Background Checks
Credit checks provide insight into an individual’s financial history, including:
- Credit score
- Outstanding debts
- Loan and credit card payment history
- Bankruptcies and liens
Driving Record Checks
Driving record checks reveal a person’s driving history, which includes:
- Traffic violations and citations
- DUI/DWI records
- Accident reports
- License suspensions or revocations
Employment Verification
Employment verification checks confirm an applicant’s employment history, showing:
- Previous employers
- Job titles and roles
- Dates of employment
- Reasons for leaving previous jobs
Education Verification
Education background checks validate an individual’s academic credentials, such as:
- Degrees earned
- Schools attended
- Graduation dates
- Academic achievements and honors
Drug Testing
Drug testing is often part of the hiring process and includes:
- Screening for illegal substances
- Results of the drug tests
- Compliance with company and federal drug policies
Civil Court Searches
Civil court searches uncover any civil court records, including:
- Lawsuits and judgments
- Divorce records
- Restraining orders
- Child custody cases
What Are the Background Check Laws in Idaho?
Below are the key laws you need to be aware of when conducting an Idaho background check.
Idaho Public Records Act
The Idaho Public Records Act ensures public access to government records. There are some exceptions. It provides guidelines for accessing public records. This includes criminal records and personal information. These are used for non-criminal justice purposes like employment screening.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law. It governs how consumer information is collected and used. Employers must get written permission from candidates before starting a background check. They must provide the candidate with a copy of the report. They must also provide a summary of the candidate’s rights if the information leads to a negative employment decision.
Idaho Code § 9-340A
Idaho Code § 9-340 details the exemptions to public record disclosures. This includes personal and sensitive information. It aims to protect individuals’ privacy. It allows access to necessary records for legitimate purposes.
Idaho Code § 67-3008
Idaho Code § 67-3008 regulates the sharing of criminal history records. It ensures this information is only provided for authorized purposes like employment and licensing, also outlining the procedures for obtaining and using this information.
Idaho Criminal History Records Information Act
The Idaho Criminal History Records Information Act sets guidelines for collecting criminal history records. It sets guidelines for maintaining and sharing these records. It ensures the records are accurate. It allows individuals to access and challenge their criminal history information.
Ban the Box Initiative (Idaho State Agency Employment)
Idaho’s “Ban the Box” initiative applies to state agency employment. State employers cannot ask about an applicant’s criminal history on the initial job application. This initiative aims to provide fair opportunities for people with criminal histories. It delays background checks until later in the hiring process.
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Idaho?
An Idaho background check can report criminal convictions indefinitely. Arrests that did not result in convictions have a seven-year reporting limit, following the FCRA. This means criminal convictions will appear on an Idaho background check regardless of when they occurred.
Arrest records that did not lead to convictions cannot be included if they are older than seven years. This distinction ensures individuals are not penalized for past accusations that did not result in a conviction.
How Long Does a Background Check Take in Idaho?
The turnaround time for background checks in Idaho varies by the type of check. The Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) aims to process both Idaho and FBI criminal history checks within 5-7 business days of receiving the request. This excludes mailing time and holidays.
Name-based checks generally have a quicker turnaround. Fingerprint-based checks might take longer due to additional processing. It is advisable to factor in mailing times and potential delays during peak periods or holidays.
How Much Does a Background Check in Idaho Cost?
The cost of a background check in Idaho can vary based on the type and extent of the check required:
- A name-based criminal history check from Idaho’s state repository costs $20. This excludes any additional processing fees applicable if you pay by check.
- Enhanced background checks, which include fingerprinting, can cost you $65.
- For fingerprint-based background check relating to a specific Idaho department, the fee can go up to $70 per request.
These fees ensure that the background checks are comprehensive and accurate. Also, that they provide reliable information for employers and individuals alike.
Where To Get A Background Check In Idaho?
In Idaho, a background check can be obtained through several avenues depending on the specific needs of the requester.
- Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI): This is the primary state repository for criminal history records. It provides both name-based and fingerprint-based background checks. You can make the request online, by mail, or in person.
- Local Law Enforcement Agencies: Many of the local police, Idaho department and sheriff’s offices offer background check services. This is often for local records and for residents within their jurisdiction.
- Third-Party Background Check Services: Various private background check companies provide comprehensive screening services for personal purposes. These can include state, national, and even international data.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): For more extensive checks, an FBI background check can be requested through the BCI. You can also make the request directly via the FBI’s official channels.
Best Background Check Sites
If you search for services for a Idaho background check, you will find several reliable websites. These sites offer you comprehensive and accurate data for your needs. Here are some of the best options, along with their pros and cons:
- TruthFinder – Best for detailed searches
- Instant Checkmate – Best for quick Idaho background checks
- BeenVerified – Best for comprehensive public records
TruthFinder was established in 2014 in San Diego, California. This website has performed tens of thousands of background checks. The service scans hundreds of millions of records, including social network data and public records.
TruthFinder provides access to both public and private records. It offers more detailed information than many of its competitors. Its extensive database helps obtain hard-to-find information.
It helps you discover social media profiles, arrest records, and unknown contact information. This service is particularly valuable for those seeking in-depth insights and comprehensive reports.
Pros
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Provides access to both public and private records
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Android app available for on-the-go access
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Monthly membership plan offers unlimited reports
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Includes a dark web scan for potential data breaches
Cons
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Requires a monthly subscription; no single report purchase option
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Additional fee for downloading reports as PDFs
Star Rating
/ 5.0
Instant Checkmate was founded in 2010. It is known for its swift and detailed online background checks. The service covers a wide range of information. This includes traffic records, arrest details, court documents, addresses, age, and known aliases.
It is a reliable tool for quickly uncovering someone’s history. It is especially useful for assessing criminal and violent records. Instant Checkmate’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to use. Its extensive database makes it a popular choice for fast, accurate background check.
Pros
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Quick access to a wide range of public records
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Detailed criminal and traffic record searches
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Offers reverse phone lookup for identifying unknown callers
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Provides comprehensive sex offender information
Cons
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Higher cost compared to some competitors
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No mobile app for iOS users
Star Rating
/ 5.0
BeenVerified was founded in 2007 by Josh Levy and Ross Cohen. It has over 10 million users. The service handles 38 million search volume monthly. BeenVerified provides easy and affordable access to public records. It gathers data from various sources, including federal, state, county, and commercial records.
The service is designed to be user-friendly. It offers detailed and comprehensive reports that are simple to understand. With its extensive database, it helps users uncover a wide range of information efficiently.
Pros
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Easy-to-use interface with detailed reports
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Affordable monthly and three-month membership plans
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Access to billions of public data points
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Mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices
Cons
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No option for individual report purchases
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Some data may occasionally be outdated or inaccurate
Star Rating
/ 5.0
Final Note On Idaho Background Checks
Understanding the rules and steps for background checks in Idaho is important. It’s not just about following the law to keep things fair and open; it’s also about making sure you have all the information you need to make good decisions.
By using trusted services for these checks, you get detailed and accurate information about people. This includes all of it, from criminal history background checks to employment background checks. This not only protects people’s rights but also creates a safer and more reliable environment for everyone.
Remember, making legally compliant and informed hiring decisions is key to benefiting everyone 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.
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Published : July 16,2024
Published : July 16,2024
