What Is An Alabama Background Check?

In Alabama, a background check scours both public and private databases to gather data regarding a candidate’s past and credentials, aiding employers in making well-informed hiring choices. It typically delves into aspects such as criminal records, driving history, employment background, and additional details to evaluate a candidate’s appropriateness for a job or volunteer role. Conducting pre-employment checks is commonly viewed as a necessary step to ensure thorough scrutiny of a candidate’s background and credentials prior to their recruitment.

Why Do Employers In Alabama Conduct Background Checks?

Employers in Alabama utilize background checks for employment purposes to confirm a candidate’s qualifications and assess their suitability for a specific role. In certain instances, such checks are mandated by legislation. For instance, Alabama mandates fingerprint-based criminal history screenings for individuals in roles such as licensees and employees at childcare and adult care facilities, foster care and adoptive parents, and agents at child placement agencies. Moreover, positions in law enforcement or healthcare may necessitate background verifications.

Apart from examining criminal records, pre-employment background checks enable employers to gain insights into a candidate’s competencies, expertise, and professional background. This may involve verifying educational or employment history and contacting professional references for additional perspectives. Depending on the nature of the position, employers may also seek information regarding a candidate’s driving history, credit records, or other relevant details.

What Does A Background Check Show In Alabama?

In Alabama, employment background checks may reveal various aspects of a candidate’s background, including criminal history, education and employment records, driving history, and more. The information disclosed depends on the types of background screenings selected by the employer, the extent of each investigation, and the industry or position involved.

Here’s what typical background checks in Alabama entail:

• Criminal history search: This may encompass searches of national, federal, state, or county records, disclosing both felony and misdemeanor convictions as well as pending criminal cases.
• Civil records search: Examination of civil court records may unveil previous judgments, liens, bankruptcies, and restraining orders.
• Driving history: Motor vehicle records can provide details such as license status, history of moving violations, and convictions like DUIs, particularly pertinent for positions involving driving responsibilities.
• Employment credit check: Roles handling finances may necessitate a credit check, revealing credit and payment history, accounts in collections, and bankruptcies.
• Education verification: Confirming a candidate’s educational background verifies their qualification for a position, validating schools attended, dates of attendance, and degrees or certifications earned.
• Employment verification: Validating a candidate’s past employment details, including employers, dates of employment, and job titles, assists in verifying the accuracy of the work experience listed on their resume.
• Professional reference checks: Gathering insights from professional references offers a comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s work history, accomplishments, work ethic, and character.

How Long Does A Background Check Take In Alabama?

The timeframe for conducting a state of Alabama background check can fluctuate depending on the extent of the search and the entity conducting it. Employers opting to directly access Alabama department and government databases for a candidate’s criminal history or driving records encounter a manual process that demands time. Moreover, some county criminal records remain non-digitized, necessitating the dispatch of staff members to county courthouses for in-person record searches. Tasks like confirming a candidate’s education or arranging reference interviews may also consume considerable time.

Qualified consumer reporting agencies (CRA), such as Rapid Hire Solutions, often leverage automation and advanced technology to expedite turnaround times and streamline workflows. With access to numerous databases and established relationships with court runners across the nation, Rapid Hire Solutions delivers swift and accurate background check results.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go In Alabama?

The lookback period for Alabama background checks can vary based on the type of check conducted and whether it’s handled by a consumer reporting agency (CRA) or done internally.

While some states impose limitations on how far back employers can delve into a candidate’s criminal history, typically capping it at seven years, Alabama does not have such restrictions. In Alabama, criminal records checks can span an indefinite period. However, when employers collaborate with a CRA, they must adhere to the lookback regulations outlined in the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Certain aspects like civil suits, judgments, paid tax liens, collection accounts, and arrest records without convictions are restricted to a seven-year review period. Bankruptcies are typically scrutinized within a ten-year timeframe. Credit checks have a reporting duration of seven years for positions with an annual salary of $75,000 or less, and ten years for those with higher salaries.

However, some screenings, such as employment and education verification, are generally exempt from time constraints and can span as far back as necessary to authenticate the provided information.

How To Get A Background Check In Alabama

Employers have the option to either directly access records or collaborate with a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) for pre-employment background checks in Alabama. Those preferring to conduct their own checks online can opt for a subscription on Alabama.gov priced at $95 annually. This subscription grants access to the Alabama Background Check database for criminal records and the Alabama Motor Vehicle Driver License Abstract database for motor vehicle records (MVRs). Employers incur a per-record fee for each returned record.

However, conducting an Alabama criminal history search online may not yield comprehensive results. For instance, a criminal background check from Rapid Hire Solutions could encompass national, federal, state, and county searches, revealing out-of-state or federal records. Additional screenings, such as drug testing, reference checks, license verifications, or employment credit checks, necessitate separate handling when conducting in-house background checks.

Teaming up with a reputable CRA like Rapid Hire Solutions can streamline the process and offer access to a diverse array of screening options. Rapid Hire Solutions further aids compliance by providing automated workflows, simplifying consent acquisition, keeping candidates informed, and facilitating adverse action procedures if necessary.

How Much Does An Alabama Background Check Cost?

The expenses associated with conducting your own Alabama background check hinge on the quantity and variety of screenings selected. Employers are mandated to subscribe to Alabama.gov, costing $95 annually, to access online databases. Furthermore, there’s a charge of $15 per criminal history record and $10 per Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Additional expenses may accrue for online searches, credit reports, drug tests, and the time invested by staff in compiling background reports.

Partnering with a CRA can streamline expenses and enhance efficiency. Rapid Hire Solutions provides a customizable array of background check packages, with prices starting at $29.99, contingent upon the extent and number of checks chosen.

Alabama Background Check Laws

Alabama employers are obligated to adhere to federal, state, and local regulations governing pre-employment background checks. While Alabama currently lacks a statewide ban-the-box law affecting inquiries into a candidate’s criminal history during hiring, the state’s legal landscape includes the following statute, which may impact background screening procedures:

THE REDEEMER ACT

The Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment and Eliminate Recidivism Act (REDEEMER Act) permits individuals with specific misdemeanor or felony convictions to petition the court for expungement. Moreover, those with expunged records are not obligated to disclose such convictions to potential employers. Any disclosure of expunged convictions without a court order may constitute a misdemeanor offense.

Additionally, Alabama employers must adhere to local fair hiring ordinances, such as the ban-the-box law implemented in the city of Birmingham. Employers collaborating with a CRA are also subject to the mandates of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), necessitating the provision of written disclosure regarding the intent to conduct a pre-employment background check and obtaining written consent before proceeding. Moreover, if information within a background report influences the decision not to hire a candidate, employers must adhere to the adverse action process.

County Resources

BALDWIN COUNTY

Baldwin County, situated in southwestern Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico, boasts a population of 231,767 residents. Predominantly, these residents inhabit rural, unincorporated areas, contributing to the county’s unique character. Recognized as one of the state’s rapidly expanding counties, Baldwin County showcases a blend of natural beauty and growing urbanization. Bay Minette serves as its county seat.

Public Information & Records:

• • • • Baldwin County Website
      • Baldwin County Courts
      • Baldwin County Public Records

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Jefferson County, home to 674,721 residents, stands as the most populous county in Alabama, with Birmingham serving as its largest city. Birmingham not only boasts flourishing healthcare and finance sectors but also fosters a vibrant music and arts community. The city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement of 1963 led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

Public Information & Records:

• Jefferson County Website
• Jefferson County Courts
• Jefferson County Public Records

A local ban-the-box law applies to positions within the city government in Birmingham.

MADISON COUNTY

Madison County ranks as the third most populous county in Alabama, with a population of 215,006 residents (388,153 county-wide). Huntsville, known for its rapid growth, is poised to potentially surpass Birmingham as the state’s most populous city. Originally the state capital, Huntsville now serves as a hub for the aerospace and defense industries.

Public Information & Records:

• Madison County Website
• Madison County Court Records
• Madison County Arrest, Court, and Public Records

MOBILE COUNTY

Mobile County, boasting 414,809 residents, holds the second-largest population in Alabama. Its principal city, Mobile, features the state’s sole deepwater port on the Gulf Coast and is renowned as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States. Mobile’s economic sectors include aerospace, healthcare, and logistics.

Public Information & Records:

• Mobile County Website
• Mobile County Courts
• Mobile County Arrest, Court, and Public Records

SHELBY COUNTY

Shelby County, with 223,024 residents, is part of the greater Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains’ foothills, Shelby County offers a convenient lifestyle for those employed in Birmingham while enjoying the amenities of smaller cities like Alabaster and Columbiana.

Public Information & Records:

• Shelby County Website
• Shelby County Courts
• Shelby County Public Records

A local ban-the-box law applies to positions within the city government in Birmingham located in nearby Jefferson County.

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

Tuscaloosa County, home to 227,036 residents, boasts a significant portion attending the University of Alabama, renowned for its Crimson Tide football team. Tuscaloosa is also home to the first Mercedes-Benz assembly plant established in North America in 1995.

Public Information & Records:

• Tuscaloosa County Website
• Tuscaloosa County Courts
• Tuscaloosa County Arrest, Court, and Public Records

Get An Alabama Background Check Today

Pre-employment background checks play a crucial role in enabling employers to make well-informed assessments of candidates and potential volunteers. Partnering with a reputable screening provider specializing in background checks, such as Rapid Hire Solutions, not only saves employers time but also simplifies compliance with regulatory requirements. Rapid Hire Solutions offers a diverse range of screening options, with tailored packages designed to accommodate the needs of every employer and position. Begin your journey with an Alabama background check today to ensure the integrity and suitability of your workforce.