Free Background Check Authorization Form

A Background Check Authorization Form is a document that grants a third party the right to look up someone’s criminal and credit records. 

Typically, these legal forms are used by employers and landlords to confirm the eligibility of candidates and tenants.

But what does it mean to authorize a background check, exactly? 

For tenants, it involves disclosing information about their credit and criminal history, which in turn allows landlords to decrease the chances of illegal occupation of their premises.

For employment candidates, authorizing potential employers to perform a criminal check might be a condition to getting hired. This is particularly so when the position involves handling confidential information on a regular basis.

Drafting a legally compliant Background Check Authorization Form is essential for requestors needing additional information to make safe decisions about a person’s suitability for business or employment.

Use our free Background Check Authorization Form to create your document and steer clear of legal stress.

Types of Background Check Authorizations

There are 3 basic types of Background Authorization forms:

• Employer background check. With this type, employment candidates concede authorization to potential employers to check if they have a criminal record. Oklahoma, Minnesota, and California demand applicants get a copy of the report.

• Tenant background check. Run to prevent eviction processes, landlords use background checks to confirm potential tenants are free of criminal records. In most cases, the Releasor (the person granting authorization) carries the costs.

• FBI background check. Job applicants for positions involving the handling of confidential information are often requested to undergo this type of investigation. Only Releasors can initiate the process in this case.

Obtaining authorization to conduct a background check is a legal requirement in federal and state laws. A third party can under no circumstances run a background investigation without the Releasor’s consent. 

The person granting authorization can request a copy of the report and contest the results. If the report reflects any inaccuracies, the Releasor can demand their correction.

On a different level, background checks can help corporations and institutions avoid dealing with individuals with criminal histories, which results in less litigation and lower costs.

Getting authorization to run background investigations is essential for the following reasons:

• To only engage with the most suitable people

• To avoid theft and other forms of crime

• To create a safe business environment

• To prevent public disputes

As with all legal documents, Background Check Authorization Forms must contain specific elements to be considered legally valid.

Here is what you must include in this form: 

• Requester information such as company name or website

• Releasor details, including the address during the past 7 years

• Checkbox for those interested in obtaining a copy of the report

• Summary of Releasor rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

• An exact list of which background checks will be run and what they will be used for

A Background Check Authorization Form must follow a specific outline. Failing to include all the necessary sections and information may cause the document to be considered invalid.

Review the stepsbelow on how to write your document: 

1. Download a template. Save time in the writing process and ensure legal validity using a pre-prepared form.

2. Fill out the company details. Apart from the address and telephone number, add other information, such as the company website address. 

3. Include Releasor details. Ensure there is a checkbox where the person investigated can express their wish to receive a copy of the report. 

4. Sign the document. Releasor and Requestor signatures must be included in the form. 

Don’t forget to provide fields for the Releasor’s addresses during the past 7 years, their social security and driver’s license numbers, and any aliases.

Create your document in minutes with our Background Check Authorization Form template with clear and concise step-by-step guidance. 

Examining a Background Check Authorization Form template to learn what to include and how to outline your document is essential before you start drafting yours. 

Look at the example below to create a valid and concise Background Check Authorization.

Several legal documents are related to Background Check Authorization Forms in layout or purpose. 

We have included the most important ones below for your reference: 

• Rental Application Form

• Residential Lease Agreement

• Employment Verification Letter

• Job Application Form