How Long Does a Background Check Take?

A background check is a process many employers, landlords, or organizations use to verify someone’s history. It helps them know more about the person before making a decision—like offering a job or renting a house. But one common question many people ask is: How long does a background check take?

We’ll explain everything you need to know about the time it takes for a background check to be completed. Whether you’re waiting for one or planning to run one, this guide will be very helpful.

What Is a Background Check?

A background check is a review of someone’s personal, professional, and sometimes even financial history. It is usually done to make sure the person is truthful and reliable. Background checks are used in different situations such as:

• Job applications
• Rental agreements
• Gun purchases
• Adoption processes
• Immigration and visas

The type of background check being done affects how long it takes. Some are simple and quick, while others are more detailed and take more time.

Why Are Background Checks Done?

Background checks are important because they help protect people and organizations. For example, a company wants to make sure the person they hire does not have a criminal history that may harm the workplace. A landlord wants to know if the person renting their home has a history of late payments or evictions.

By verifying past records, background checks help avoid risks. That’s why they are a standard part of many hiring and screening processes.

How Long Does a Background Check Take?

The time it takes for a background check to be completed can vary. It depends on several factors such as:

• The type of background check
• The amount of information being checked
• The accuracy of the personal information given
• The speed of response from institutions like schools, courts, or previous employers

Here’s a table that shows how long different types of background checks usually take:

As you can see, some checks are fast while others take more time.

Fast Background Checks (Same Day or Next Day)

Some background checks are very quick. These are usually automated checks that use online databases. For example, a credit check or identity check can sometimes be done in just a few minutes. These are often used for things like renting a car or checking your background for a quick online job.

However, these fast checks are usually limited in detail. If a company wants a deep background review, it will take longer.

Why Do Some Background Checks Take Longer?

There are a few reasons why a background check might take longer than expected:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Information

If the person’s name, date of birth, or Social Security Number is entered incorrectly, the check can be delayed. The system may not find any records, or it may find the wrong ones.

2. Manual Verification

Sometimes, the check needs to be done manually. For example, if an employer calls a previous company to verify employment, it may take a few days to get a response.

3. Court Delays

Criminal background checks often involve checking court records. Some court systems are slow or don’t have online access. This can slow down the entire process.

4. International Checks

If the person lived in another country, the background check might involve international institutions. These checks take longer because they deal with different legal systems, time zones, and languages.

5. Backlogs

Some background check companies or government agencies may have a lot of requests. This creates a delay because they process checks in order.

How Can You Speed Up a Background Check?

While you can’t always control the speed of a background check, there are a few things you can do to help it move faster:

• Give correct and complete information. Double-check your name, date of birth, and other details.
• Tell your references to expect contact. If your past employers or schools are part of the check, let them know someone may call or email them.
• Work with a trusted background check company. Choose a service that is known for being quick and accurate.
• Stay in contact. If you’re the one being checked, ask the company or employer if they need anything else from you.

Learn more about identity documents

What If a Background Check Is Taking Too Long?

If a background check is taking longer than expected, it’s a good idea to ask the employer or company about it. Sometimes, the delay is caused by small issues that can be fixed easily.

Here’s what you can do:

• Politely follow up with the HR department or the agency running the check.
• Ask if there is any missing information.
• Offer to help or provide documents if needed.

Most delays are not serious and can be resolved quickly once the issue is known.

How Will You Know When the Background Check Is Done?

Usually, you will be notified by email, phone, or through a company’s hiring portal once the background check is finished. If it’s for a job, the employer may call you to let you know the next steps.

In some cases, you can request a copy of your background check report. This can help you know what information is being shared and if there are any errors you need to fix.

Learn more about employment background checks

Background Check Timeline

Final Thoughts

So, how long does a background check take? The short answer is: anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks, depending on the type of check and how deep it goes.

Simple checks like identity and credit can be done quickly—often in a day. But more detailed ones, like employment history or FBI checks, may take several days or even weeks.

If you’re waiting for a background check to be completed, try to stay patient and check in politely if it takes too long. Most checks are completed on time, but if delays happen, they’re usually due to small issues that can be resolved.

Also Read:

• Do Arrests Show on Background Checks?
• Does a Speeding Ticket Show Up on a Background Check?
• Will a Dismissed Misdemeanor Appear on a Background Check?

Frequently Asked Questions