Free Background Check Authorization Form
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What is a Background Check Authorization
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.
Why is a Background Check Authorization Important
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
What Should a Legal Background Check Authorization Include
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
How to Write a Background Check Authorization
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:
Download a template. Save time in the writing process and ensure legal validity using a pre-prepared form.
Fill out the company details. Apart from the address and telephone number, add other information, such as the company website address.
Include Releasor details. Ensure there is a checkbox where the person investigated can express their wish to receive a copy of the report.
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.
Background Check Authorization Sample
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.

FAQs About Background Check Authorization Forms
Clarify any questions regarding Background Check Authorization Forms by reading the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Examine the following additional details before you draft your document.
Can You Say No to a Background Check?
It is voluntary, yes. Nobody can be forced to have a background investigation done on them. However, the employer or landlord may decide not to move forward with the process if the applicant opposes undergoing a background check.
How Long Does a Background Check Take?
Generally, a background check spans a few days to two weeks. Expedited services might reduce this to 24-72 hours. The timeline is influenced by the check's complexity, legal limitations in some jurisdictions, the accuracy of records, and if international checks are involved.
What Could Cause a Background Check to Be Denied?
Typically, background check reports are denied by government agencies because they lack essential information or sections. Ensure the Releasor and Requestor details are complete and correct.
One common reason for background checks to be denied is unclarity or errors about the individual granting authorization.
Lastly, confirm all signatures are included in the document to avoid legal rejection.
Can HR Share a Background Check With the Hiring Manager?
While sharing background check information must be done carefully because of the sensitive nature of the data, hiring managers usually have access to this type of background report.
Workforce planning and ongoing hiring are situations when specifics regarding your criminal history might need to be disclosed to other authorized personnel.
Do You Have to Authorize a Background Check?
Institutions and individuals cannot conduct criminal or credit background checks without Releasor authorization.
Companies often require candidates to undergo background investigations. Refusing to grant permission may result in the applicant being disqualified from the recruitment process.

You are only a few steps away from your own Background Check Authorization!