Top 7 California Background Check Services – CA BG Check 2024

Do you need advice on how to conduct a background investigation in California? You're in luck because you've found the most thorough and comprehensive guide on conducting a criminal record check in California on the internet.

Our comprehensive guide on California background checks will not only provide you with all the necessary information but also recommend the most efficient background check California services. It's important to note that accessing public records in California is not a straightforward process.

Even though public records are accessible, it can be challenging to search through a massive amount of documents and data to uncover specific background information on an individual. 

That's why we suggest using our background check California services, as they offer the best chance of obtaining precise information in a matter of seconds.

>> Run a California Background Check With BeenVerified >>

7 Best Background Check California Services 

• BeenVerified – Best Overall for Background Check California 
• PeopleLooker – Best for Fast & Accurate Results
• TruthFinder – Best Value for Money
• Intelius – Best for Accuracy
• Instant Checkmate – Best for Speed
• Spokeo – Best for CA Reverse Email Lookup
• US Search – Best for API Integration

What Is a Background Check California?

Conducting a California background check involves a comprehensive assessment of all available state and federal public records related to a person. 

By utilizing identifying details such as name, phone number, or email, one can search through public records to gather additional information. No details are left out during this thorough investigation.

By conducting public records searches in California, you can access a wide range of information, including personal details, employment, educational history, potential family members and acquaintances, places lived, criminal and court records, sex offender registry data, social media profiles, and property ownership records. 

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be additional information available through a public records search.

If you choose to search public records manually, it’s unlikely that you will find all the necessary information. The chances of finding accurate information about a person's background are higher if you utilize California background check services.

When you submit your identification details to California background check services, they search through their extensive database of federal and state public records to gather pertinent information. 

The information is then arranged in a clear and concise background check California report which can be easily read and shared with others. There’s no information left out during this process.

The report generated from a CA, California background check typically contains a standard set of information.

• Aliases
• Employment history
• Weapons permits
• Photographs
• Educational background
• Social media profiles
• Financial assets
• Bankruptcies
• Criminal and arrest records
• Professional licenses
• Age and date of birth
• Civil court records
• A full name

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How to Run a California Background Check?

Running a background check California analysis can be done in two ways: the difficult method involves manually contacting public offices to obtain public records, submitting a request for these records, and then scouring through them to find the necessary information. 

Alternatively, there’s an easier way to conduct the background check California process. One can conduct a background check California by utilizing a people search service such as BeenVerified or TruthFinder. This method involves simply entering the name and city or phone number of the desired individual. 

Alternatively, one can use reverse phone lookup tools to search for someone using their email address.

By inputting even the most basic details of an individual, the CA background check California service will conduct a thorough search of its database. Although the process may extend beyond a couple of minutes, it’s a guarantee that the information provided will be reliable and extensive.

>> Run a California Background Check With BeenVerified >>

How Can I Access Public Records in California?

It’s a well-known fact that obtaining public records in California can be a difficult task, despite the fact that such records are maintained by various departments of the state. People who have attempted to obtain background check California records can attest to this.

In California, both the state constitution and the California Public Records Act provide assurance to all residents of their right to access records that are maintained by local and state agencies. The public records in California may consist of the following.

• Criminal records
• Inmate records
• Vital records
• Court records

In California, it’s essential to provide all the necessary information in a timely manner when requesting public records, as there are limited exceptions. If your request for public records regarding a background check California is denied, you will not have the option to file an appeal.

If you want to access public records in California, you can request them from any government agency, but each agency has its own specific procedures, requirements, and fees. 

To obtain these background check California records, you’re required to submit a request via mail, email, or phone to the relevant organization responsible for maintaining the records. 

Some agencies require the use of physical paper forms. Due to the unique nature of each department, it's possible to encounter slight differences in regulations when attempting to access government records from various locations.

To make a request for public records, certain details must be provided.

• Document'sIndicating the preferred time of retrieval
• Providing your contact information
• Specifying the delivery method as either email or traditional mail
• Stating the document's title

It’s important to call and inquire about office hours and procedures before going to a government office or public agency in California.

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California Background Check Laws 

In California, performing background checks is generally allowed but with certain exclusions. Businesses that conduct background checks for employment purposes are required to follow specific regulations and restrictions under the state law.

In California, there are specific laws related to conducting background checks. 

1. The Ban the Box Act of California
2. The fair chance laws ordinance in San Francisco and Los Angeles
3. The California Information Privacy Act (CIPA)
4. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
5. Anti-discrimination Laws

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

All employers must comply with the FCRA's two obligations to employees.

1. It’s important to inform the candidate about the outcome of the background check if they’re not selected for the job
2. Prior to conducting a background check, it’s necessary to obtain the applicant's consent

If a company hires an outside organization to perform background checks, they’re required to follow the FCRA regulations, whereas if they conduct the checks themselves, they’re exempt from FCRA guidelines.

CA Anti-discrimination Laws

In California, employers are prohibited by both state and federal law from discriminating against job seekers based on:

• Sexual orientation
• Ethnicity
• Race

An employer in California may be in violation of the law if they have a policy that automatically rejects any applicant due to the existence of a criminal background check CA record through the use of a background check California.

The California Information Privacy Act (CIPA)

The California Investigative Protection Act has numerous provisions that overlap with those of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. One such provision of CIPA mandates that employers must seek an employee's consent before carrying out a criminal background check.

When conducting an internal background check California, an employer is required to adhere to specific laws. 

• If the applicant asks for it, the employer is required to either give them a copy of the report or allow them to inspect it.

California's Ban the Box Law

As of January 1, 2018, California's AB 1008 law, also known as "ban the box," became effective. This law includes specific provisions that must be followed.

• Before offering a job conditionally, an employer is prohibited from inquiring about a job candidate's criminal background check CA record.

The question "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" used to be a common part of job applications, but it’s now illegal to ask. This rule applies only to companies with at least 5 employees. 

Employers are still allowed to conduct a background check California on job applicants, including looking into their criminal background check CA history.

Before offering a job, certain conditions must be met. These conditions may include:

• If relevant, the applicant's criminal history will be evaluated through a screening process
• Their completion of a criminal background check will be considered as a requirement for success

If an employer comes across previous criminal background check CA convictions of an applicant, they’re mandated by the new law to conduct a personalized evaluation. During the hiring process, the employer needs to take into account certain factors before making a decision.

The list of concerns comprises of:

• Type and seriousness of the crime and the context in which it was committed
• The potential impact on their job performance
• The amount of time that has passed since the offense or sentence should also be considered
• The specific duties and responsibilities of the job being applied for

After conducting a background check California assessment, an employer can decline a candidate's application based on the company's requirements. In such cases, the employer is obligated to inform the applicant of the decision in writing.

The person applying must reply to this message within a maximum of five working days.

It’s essential for the company to consider all feedback that is given to them. Based on the feedback, the company has two options available to them.

1. Hire a job applicant
2. Turn down an individual due to information revealed in their criminal background check CA record

The Los Angeles and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinances

Los Angeles and San Francisco had implemented fair chance ordinances offering comparable safeguards prior to the ban-the-box law.

For the reasons given below, they guarantee a "fair chance"

• Adverse action occurs when a prospective employer rejects an applicant for a job because of the applicant's criminal background check CA record. Candidates are free to provide evidence supporting their continued suitability for the role.

The two municipalities have updated their regulations to be consistent with the ban on the box statute because it provides applicants with better safeguards.

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How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in California?

Potential employees in California are subject to seven-year background checks. Companies in California can obtain an applicant's criminal background check CA history record of up to seven years previous to the date of the offer when making a conditional offer of employment (with some exceptions).

This means that after seven years have passed, employers cannot take a previous conviction into consideration when making hiring decisions.

What Can You Find With a Background Check California?

A background check California will reveal more information than you expect. The following data is available in a single background check report from a reliable persons search provider like BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, TruthFinder, or Intelius.

Personal Information

Personal details are listed first in each background check California report, so you can quickly determine if you have the right person. Information that may be included is the person's real name, age, date of birth, aliases, and photos.

Jobs and Education

You might also find details in a background check California about their education and professional background, such as their high school and college attended and previous places of employment. 

Keep in mind that unless your background check service is FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) compliant, you cannot use this data for screening purposes such as employment or rental.

Possible Relatives and Associates

In this part of the background check California, you can find names and contact information for people who might be related to the person you're researching. Looking up a family member may lead you to your own background check information.

CA Contact Information

Find contact information like phone numbers and email addresses in the background check California report to follow up on potential leads. If you need to conduct business background checks in California, this section is invaluable.

CA Criminal Records

Verification of everyone's past Public records from the California police and courts that document criminal background check CA activity, and arrests should be included. If they were tried in court, you can learn details like the offense type, date, and location, as well as the case number and the name of the court.

CA Property Information

If you're trying to assess someone's financial stability, this part might be quite helpful. A variety of data may be available, including current addresses, property tax records, sale prices, land values, mortgage amounts, automobile titles, VINs, and more.

Related Links

Any web pages that might contain references to the person you're looking for are collected here. If there are any, you can find them through social media, news articles, personal websites, and blogs.

>> Run a California Background Check With BeenVerified >>

How Long Does a Background Check Take In California?

How you conduct your background check in California can also affect the results. Using a reliable people-searching service like BeenVerified, you can get a comprehensive background report in just ten minutes. This means you may easily perform a large number of tests and get thorough findings.

It can take anywhere from one business day up to three when requesting a background check in California manually. Especially in terms of thorough employee and renter background checks.

7 Best Services for Background Check California

Now that you know how simple it is to use a background check service in California, let's take a closer look at the seven most popular options. Brief descriptions of these offerings will help us to compare and contrast them.

When conducting a background check in California, you'll also learn which person's search site is ideal under specific circumstances.

BeenVerified –  Best Overall for Background Check California

BeenVerified is a leading provider of background checks in California, and its extensive list of searchable databases includes arrest records, court documents, public documents, and more. 

It can help paint a fuller picture of someone's history. The company leverages trusted sources and its access to California's vast public record database to guarantee accurate reports.

Users can benefit from BeenVerified's intuitive interface and speedy search results by making frequent use of the platform. The portal is easy to use, with a straightforward search bar and clear guidelines for accessing the available information. 

Monthly subscriptions and pay-per-search alternatives are available, making the service accessible even to those operating on a tighter budget.

BeenVerified also provides customer support for any problems that may arise during a background check California report. The company has experts on staff who can explain the interface and help you make sense of the data you find in the reports.

>> Get Started With BeenVerified >>

PeopleLooker –  Best Background Check California for Fast & Accurate Results

PeopleLooker is a background check California service that allows people to look up public records in the state of California, such as a person's arrest record, current address, and more. PeopleLooker could be useful for California background checks.

The California public documents that PeopleLooker claims to have access to are extensive and varied. As a result, the results of their background checks might be more thorough than those of competing businesses.

It offers an intuitive interface that even those unfamiliar with background checks can use with ease. Those who need to run background checks but don't have much familiarity with the process can benefit from this.

In California, you can choose from a variety of pricing tiers for the background check California service, depending on how many checks you need to run. Its prices are generally deemed fair, making them a good option for low-income consumers and small enterprises.

>> Get Started With PeopleLooker >>

TruthFinder –  Best California Background Check Service for Value

When it comes to California criminal background checks, TruthFinder is at the top of the list of background check California services. The website's intuitive design makes it simple to do searches by entering keywords such as names, phone numbers, or email addresses. 

With access to one of the states of California's largest collections of public records, it’s possible to compile a substantial quantity of credible information about a specific person using the background check California.

Using TruthFinder's background check California services in conjunction with its dark web monitoring tool, you can obtain details that are unavailable anywhere else online. If you choose a two-month plan, TruthFinder costs $28.05 each month or $46 for a full year. 

Find out why our team thinks TruthFinder background check California is the best option for a California background check CA by reading our comprehensive review.

>> Get Started With TruthFinder >>

Intelius – Best California Background Check Service for Accuracy

Intelius is equally effective as TruthFinder while doing a background check in California State. The superiority of this global search engine lies in its pinpoint accuracy. 

It's very identical to TruthFinder in operation, and its database of over 20 billion public records means you have access to a treasure trove of information about virtually anyone in California.

The monthly plan price for Intelius is $24.86 less than TruthFinder. If you sign up for the 2-month plan, you'll have to fork over $42.25. With the exception of the dark web surveillance tool, the service is quite comparable to TruthFinder and slightly less expensive. 

Read our review of the Intelius background check California service if you require a background check in California.

>> Get Started With Intelius >>

Instant Checkmate – Best California Background Check Service for Speed

Instant Checkmate could be your best option if you need fast results from a background check in California. This background check California service is ideal if you place a premium on ease of use, as it provides instantaneous results and even has a mobile app. A rare amenity amongst California background check providers.

Instant Checkmate employs an extensive repository of public documents to produce reliable information on a person's criminal background check CA history. The monthly plan for this service is somewhat pricey, coming in at $34.78. Instead of a 2-month plan, a 3-month plan is available for $83.47. 

Instant Checkmate is dedicated to protecting your privacy in addition to its lightning-fast processing times. For further information, please see our evaluation of Instant Checkmate.

>> Get Started With Instant Checkmate >>

Spokeo – Best CA Background Check Service for Reverse Email Lookup

An email address can be used to verify a person's identity using a reverse email lookup. Spokeo, which happens to be the top email lookup background check California service, is an excellent option for you in your Californian lead generation and company investigation endeavors.

Spokeo is a great option for a California criminal background check CA because it provides more search options than just an email address lookup, including a name, phone number, and physical location search. The $19.99 monthly subscription fee is also among the lowest in the industry. 

With just $44.85 for a three-month subscription, it's one of the most cost-effective options for doing a background check in the Golden State. For further details, please read our Spokeo review.

>> Get Started With Spokeo >>

US Search – Best for California Background Check Service for API Integration

The quick start wizard in US Search makes it simple to conduct a background check California. It’s one of the few services that will give you your money back if you aren't satisfied. Their website isn't as fancy as some others, but if you only need a basic background check in California, it can be all you need.

Single California background checks can be done through US Search for $3. Its monthly plan is reasonably priced at $19.86 per month, making it a great option for those who need to perform repeated searches or who need a plan for an extended period of time.

Read the US Search review if you need more information about it. 

>> Get Started With US Search >>

What Does the California Public Records Law Say?

According to the California Public Records Act, anybody can legally request access to documents that pertain to societal activities.

Even if it's included in a publicly accessible record, the California Public Records Act does not cover information that is purely private.

All types of records are subject to the ten-day deadline imposed by California law on executive and state agencies. Background checks in California can be requested by anyone, regardless of residency, but denied requests cannot be appealed.

California Criminal Records - Background Check California

To a greater extent than in other states, "criminal records" in California can include any paper trail indicating any interaction with law enforcement or judicial systems.

Records related to criminal background check CA activity in California are maintained by the state's Department of Justice. The inclusion of traffic offenses and lesser crimes varies by jurisdiction.

• Prosecution date
• Admitting Guilt
• Charge
• Date of arrest 
• Offense (whether a felony or a lesser offense)
• Convictions

In many cases, a potential employer will look into a candidate's criminal background check CA record before making a final decision. In California, the Attorney General's Office is the go-to place for checking the legitimacy of philanthropic organizations by looking into their past legal troubles.

What's on a California Criminal Record?

An individual's brushes with the law are meticulously documented and maintained by a number of separate agencies in California background checks. Open access to felony records in California includes time spent in jail or prison as a result of arrests and convictions.

The following information may be discovered through a California background check or criminal background check CA record:

• Acts of wrongdoing, however minor or serious
• Mugshot
• Scars, tattoos, and moles are all forms of identifying markers
• Law enforcement authorities or the California State Police made the arrests following the conduct of any crime, no matter how trivial or serious
• Specifics for a person (name, birth date, nationality)
• Sexual offender classification
• Offense Descriptions in Great Depth (s)
• Fingerprints

Where Can I Find California Criminal Records?

The California Attorney General's office and the California Department of Justice maintain criminal background check CA history records.

The California State Records Online Database, which is a part of the California State Archives Online Database, can be used to gain access to criminal background check CA records from the Attorney General's Office and local law enforcement agencies.

Since criminal background check CA records are not made available without a person's knowledge, fingerprints must be given to the government under the government code in order to do a background search.

>> Run a California Background Check With BeenVerified >>

Criminal Inmate Records – Background Check California

Upon request, the California Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation can give details about a specific prisoner, including their current location, criminal background check CA history, and any upcoming transfers. Each state keeps precise records of its own incarcerated population.

What's on a California Inmate Record?

Details about an individual's arrest or incarceration, along with other personal information, can be obtained in California state records. The following can be learned by the public thanks to access to detainee data:

• Inmate location
• Custody status
• Jail transfer info
• Arrest Records
• Gender
• Inmate registration I.D. number
• Birth Date
• Name

Where can I Find California Inmate Records?

You can find information on prisoners as well as links that will help you track down criminals and support victims and advocates on the website of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The California Inmate Finder provides access to a prisoner's public record information.

Criminal Court Records – Background Check California

A wealth of information from court cases is available in California court records. Because of the court's irregular hours and intricate procedures, obtaining public court records is more difficult than obtaining other documents. California's legal system consists of:

• Courts of Appeal or California Appellate Court
• The Supreme Court
• Superior Courts

What's on a CA Court Record?

Documents maintained by various courts may contain different information. In the court records of California, you can discover the following:

• Jury files and records 
• Orders of the court
• Cases number
• Documenting a judgment
• Judicial records
• Documentation of witnesses
• Dockets

Where Can I Find California Court Records?

While certain court information can be accessed electronically, requests for California court records must be made in person at the courtroom. Court records are kept by the California Judicial Branch. Due to state-imposed limitations, employers are not permitted to seek court papers.

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California Vital Records - Background Check California

The Department of Public Health of California is responsible for maintaining the state's vital records. The Vital Records of criminal background check California contains the following information.

• Record of Death in California
• Certificates of Birth
• Decrees of divorce
• Marriage Certificates

Depending on the law that applies to the specific circumstance, requests for copies of public records of an essential nature may take many different forms.

Background Check California - Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most typical queries regarding background checks in California. Any questions you can't find an answer to above should be answered by these.

Can I Get a Free Background Check California?

In California, conducting a background check involves sifting over a lot of information, and it can be challenging to find service providers who provide high-quality background check reports without charge. 

We would strongly advise you to use extra caution when choosing a background check service if you’re obtaining a free background check in California.

In actuality, free background checks in California aren't very valuable. The information you obtain from paid background check websites like BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, or TruthFinder is extremely difficult to locate for no cost. For more details, visit the top websites offering free background checks.

How Much Is a Background Check California?

You will pay between $24 and $28 per month to run a background check in California with BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, TruthFinder, or Intelius. Background checks may be carried out endlessly with this month-long subscription. 

You can pay for specific background check reports through US Search, which charges $3 per background check in California.

What Background Check Service Is Best for California?

With its extensive database of public records, phone and email lookup tools, and dark web monitoring, BeenVerified stands out as the best background check service for California. 

PeopleLooker has an excellent user interface, a slightly low cost, and is ranked as the second-best background check service in California.

Can a Public Records Request Be Submitted by Non-residents in California?

Any California resident, as well as any other government organization or American citizen, may request public records in the state.

Is There a Records Custodian in California?

To find out additional information about a specific prisoner, a person can ask the Department of Prisons and Rehabilitation of the State of California for prison records.

What Exemptions Exist in Background Check California?

California law protects privacy rights and prevents the release of documents if doing so would be detrimental. Safety protocols, construction blueprints, medical information, and similar papers that are typically regarded as public are occasionally withheld.

Additionally, certain requests for California background check documents may not be covered by the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

How Long Does California Have to Respond?

Does California have a process for appealing denials of requests for public records? Numerous other states lack such a procedure. Is there a deadline for responding to requests? One is not specified by the CPRA (California Public Records Act).

If a request is rejected, is there a procedure for administrative appeal? No. Nonetheless, any agency is free to set up its own appeals procedure. The potential of an administrative appeal procedure has been left open by the California state legislature.

What Fees Are Associated With Requesting a Background Check California?

Each state agency in California has its own policies, practices, and costs when engaging with the public. You should always check with the asking section to see whether there are any fees involved. Most offices only charge a fee for certified copies sometimes.

Bottom Line on Background Check California

If you need to conduct a background check in California for business purposes, to track down a missing loved one or acquaintance, or to find out the truth about a potential spouse, the services we've discussed above will help you easily obtain trustworthy information.

Background checks in California are not simple to do, especially since you must contact several public offices and file a request for public records with each of them. You still have work to do after paying a fee for each request, though. To find the information you need, you must still scan the documents you get.

The greatest background check services in California make all of that simple. Do a search for your target person using their name, phone number, email address, or physical address, and the person's search service will quickly put together a detailed CA background check report for you.

>> Conduct a Background Check With BeenVerified >>

DISCLAIMER: You may not use the non-FCRA approved services mentioned in this article or the information they provide to decide about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. These services don’t provide consumer reports and are not consumer reporting agencies. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., (“FCRA”), which are incorporated herein by reference.)

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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