Wisconsin Background Check: Screening Process & Laws

Background checks are essential for confirming someone’s history and ensuring safety and trust in Wisconsin. Employers, landlords, and individuals use them to check criminal records, work history, and education. This article will cover all you need to know about background checks in Wisconsin, including local practices, laws, and the best services to get accurate information.

What Is a Wisconsin Background Check?

A Wisconsin background check involves reviewing various records to gather information about an individual’s history. This can include criminal records, employment history, educational background, and more. Employers, landlords, and individuals often use Wisconsin background checks to decide who to hire, rent, or deal with.

These checks are important for keeping communities safe and trustworthy. For example, before hiring, Wisconsin employers use background checks to make sure they’re hiring reliable and skilled people. Landlords also use them to screen potential tenants; individuals might use them to confirm someone’s past. Knowing what a background check involves and how to conduct one in Wisconsin can bring peace of mind and avoid potential issues.

How Do I Get a State Background Check in Wisconsin?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining a state background check in Wisconsin:

1. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice Website: Start by navigating to the official website of the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
2. Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS): Find and click on the link to the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), the platform for processing background checks.
3. Create an Account: If you don’t have an account, sign up by providing the necessary information. If you have an account, you just need to log in and enter your account and password.
4. Enter the Required Information: Fill out the form with the details of the person you are screening a background check on. This typically includes their full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information.
5. Review and Confirm: Double-check the entered information to ensure accuracy. This helps avoid any delays or errors in the background check process.
6. Pay the Wisconsin Background Check Cost: Proceed to the payment section and pay the applicable fee for the background check. Fees can vary depending on how deep the check is.
7. Submit the Request: Once payment is confirmed, submit your background check request through the WORCS platform.
8. Receive the Report: After processing, you will receive the background check report. This will include details such as criminal records, court records, and other relevant information.

What Shows up on a Wisconsin Background Check?

In Wisconsin, a background check can uncover different kinds of information depending on what’s being investigated. Here’s a breakdown of the usual types and what they usually reveal:

Education Verification

Education verification checks confirm the educational background of an individual. This can include verifying degrees, diplomas, and certifications. It’s often used in pre-employment background checks to ensure candidates have the qualifications they claim.

Driving Record Checks

Driving record checks in Wisconsin show a person’s driving history, such as traffic violations, license status, and any driving-related offenses. Employers in Wisconsin often request these checks for job roles that involve driving.

Criminal Background Checks

A Wisconsin criminal background check reveals any criminal history, including misdemeanors and felonies. Employers rely on background screenings as this to avoid hiring individuals with a violent or dishonest past.

Drug Testing

Pre-employment background checks in Wisconsin often include drug testing to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace. This process involves screening individuals for illegal substances in their system.

Civil Court Searches

Civil court searches examine whether an individual has been involved in civil litigation, or civil judgments such as lawsuits or restraining orders. Landlords and employers find this information useful for evaluating an individual’s legal history.

Employment Verification

Employment verification confirms a person’s previous jobs, including job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving. This helps Wisconsin employers validate a candidate’s work history and reliability.

Credit Background Checks

Credit background checks examine a person’s credit history, including credit scores, outstanding debts, and payment history. Although not always included in pre-employment background checks, they’re valuable for roles requiring financial responsibility.

What Are the Background Check Laws in Wisconsin?

When conducting background checks in Wisconsin, it’s essential to be aware of key laws to ensure compliance and fairness. Here are some important ones to know:

• Wisconsin Statute § 111.335: this statute addresses the use of arrest and conviction records by employers. It restricts employers from discriminating against applicants based on their criminal records unless the offenses are substantially related to the job.
• Wisconsin Statute § 995.55: this statute pertains to the right to privacy and how personal data, including information obtained from background checks, should be handled. It aims to protect individuals’ privacy rights during the background check process.
• Ban the Box: the “Ban the Box” law stops employers from asking about a candidate’s full criminal record or history on the first job application. It aims to ensure candidates are judged based on their qualifications first. More information can be found on Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
• Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA): the WFEA prevents employment discrimination based on factors including arrest and conviction records. It ensures employers use fair hiring practices and don’t unfairly reject candidates with serious criminal convictions or histories.
• Wisconsin Statute § 50.065: this law requires background checks for caregivers and employees in healthcare facilities. It guarantees thorough background screening of of those in caregiving roles to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in need of care.
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): the FCRA is a federal law that controls how consumer information, including background checks, is collected and used. It requires employers to get written consent from candidates before doing background checks and to give them a copy of the report if any negative decisions are made based on it.

How to Look up Criminal Records in Wisconsin for Free?

Looking up criminal records in Wisconsin for free is possible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website. This platform allows public access to court records. You can search court record by name, case number, or other identifying details to find criminal records without any charges.

Simply visit the WCCA website, enter the required information, and browse the available public records there. This method is convenient for individuals wanting to conduct a basic background check without costs. It’s a straightforward and accessible way to access public criminal records in Wisconsin.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, most standard background checks cover the past seven years. This period is usually enough for employers and landlords to evaluate recent history and behavior. However, some checks, especially for sensitive positions, may look further back.

For instance, roles needing security clearance or involving financial responsibilities might require a more in-depth review of an individual’s history. While seven years is standard, specific needs and legal requirements can extend this period significantly.

How Long Does a Background Check Take in Wisconsin?

The turnaround time for background checks in Wisconsin can vary. A basic pre-employment background check usually takes one to three business days. This quick process is sufficient for most hiring needs, ensuring timely decisions without extensive delays.

However, more detailed checks, such as comprehensive criminal background checks, might take up to a week. If the process involves manual verifications or additional screenings, such as drug testing or detailed employment history, the time required can be longer, sometimes extending beyond a week.

How Much Does a Background Check in Wisconsin Cost?

The cost of a background check in Wisconsin depends on the type of background check provider that you need. Online criminal background checks generally cost $7. However, if you’re conducting a background check for caregivers, the fee is slightly higher at $10.

If you prefer to request your caregiver background checks by mail, there’s an additional $5 fee, bringing the total to $12 for a standard check and $15 for a caregiver check. These fees ensure that you receive thorough and accurate information from official state records.

Local Wisconsin Fair Hiring Laws

Fair hiring laws in Wisconsin promote equal job opportunities by preventing discrimination during hiring. For example, the “Ban the Box” rule in some areas stops employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications.

These laws help give all candidates a fair chance by focusing on their qualifications instead of past mistakes. Wisconsin employers must follow these rules to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory hiring process, creating a more inclusive workplace.

Where To Get A Background Check In Wisconsin?

To obtain a background check in Wisconsin, you can use the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) for official state to complete background checks here. This platform provides accurate and up-to-date information directly from state records, ensuring reliable results for various purposes.

For free searches, the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website is a good option. It allows public access to court records, making it useful for basic background checks. Private background check services offer more comprehensive and tailored reports, ideal for specific needs like pre-employment background checks.

Best Background Check Services in Wisconsin

If you live in Wisconsin but need to gather information from other states as well, background check services are the best option to find all the information you need. Here are our top recommendations:

1. TruthFinder – Best for Comprehensive Data
2. InstantCheckMate – Best for Quick Searches
3. BeenVerified – Best for User-Friendly Reports

1

TruthFinder

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For background checks in Wisconsin, Truthfinder is a top resource for comprehensive data. Whether you’re checking someone’s criminal history, their social media accounts and profiles, or contact information, Truthfinder provides detailed and accurate reports. It’s a reliable option for anyone needing thorough and complete information.

Pros

• Provides extensive details covering various aspects of a person's background
• User-friendly interface
• Highly reliable and up-to-date information

Cons

• Can be a bit pricey for some users
• Sometimes it takes a few minutes to generate a report
• No single report purchase option

Star Rating

/ 5.0

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2

Instant Checkmate

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If you’re in a hurry and need quick background checks in Wisconsin, Instant Checkmate is your best choice. This service provides quick results without compromising on accuracy. Perfect for those who need immediate information on someone’s criminal records, contact details, or social media presence, Instant Checkmate is both efficient and straightforward.

Pros

• Delivers background check reports quickly
• Easy-to-use interface for simple searches
• Covers a wide range of information categories

Cons

• Most useful features require a paid subscription
• Users may receive promotional emails
• In-depth details might require additional fees

Star Rating

/ 5.0

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3

BeenVerified

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For those who value ease of use and clear reports, BeenVerified is the top background check service in Wisconsin. This platform is very user-friendly, making it accessible to everyone. With straightforward reports and a seamless interface, BeenVerified makes it easy to find the information you need without any hassle.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Provides straightforward and understandable reports
• Competitive pricing for the features offered

Cons

• May not be as comprehensive as other services
• Some users report minor inaccuracies in data
• Requires a subscription for detailed reports

Star Rating

/ 5.0

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Final Notes On Background Check Wisconsin

Understanding the background check laws in Wisconsin is important for ensuring that the process is conducted fairly and legally. These laws help protect both the rights of individuals and the interests of the public sector employers. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations allows you to make informed decisions and avoid potential legal issues.

Background check services are essential for maintaining safety and trust in communities. Employers, landlords, and individuals using reliable background check sites get accurate and comprehensive information, promoting better decisions and a safer environment for everyone.