7 Best California Background Check Services You Can Trust

Looking to conduct a background check in California? You’ve come to the right place for a complete overview of how the process works.

This guide breaks down how to access public records and highlights the best services to streamline background checks. Keep in mind, though, that working with California’s public records system can be more complex than it appears at first.

Although public records are accessible, pinpointing accurate and useful information about someone can be difficult due to the sheer volume of documents and data involved.

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7 Best Background Check California Services

BeenVerified – Best Overall for Background Check California
PeopleLooker – Best for Quick & Reliable Results
TruthFinder – Best Value for Money
Intelius – Best for Reliability
Instant Checkmate – Best for Speed
Spokeo – Best for CA Reverse Email Lookup
US Search – Best for API Integration

What Is a Background Check in California?

Conducting a California public records search reveals comprehensive details about an individual through both federal and state public databases. By using specific identifiers like a name, phone number, or email address, you can access a wide range of relevant public information.

The outcomes of a California public records search may include, but are not limited to, data such as employment and education background, known associations, past addresses, criminal history, court records, child abuse registry listings, connected social media accounts with photos, and property ownership records.

Because public records are often complex and dispersed across various sources, conducting a manual search may yield only partial results. Opting for a California background check service improves the chances of accessing accurate and comprehensive public record information.

These services utilize the given identifying details to search extensive federal and California databases, compiling relevant findings into a streamlined report. A standard California background check may contain:

Photographs on file
Weapons permits held
Records of crime and traffic violations
Potential arrest records
Social media profiles and activity
Bankruptcy records
Known alternate names
Professional certifications
Financial background and liens
Complete legal name
Age and birthdate

These searches make obtaining pertinent public record details quick and straightforward.

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How to Run a California Background Check?

When it comes to conducting a background check in California, there are two main methods: one that’s detailed and time-consuming, and another that’s quick and easy. The detailed method requires reaching out to various public offices, submitting requests for public records, and carefully examining those documents to gather the necessary information.

On the other hand, the easier option is to utilize a background check service like BeenVerified or TruthFinder. These platforms let you perform a California background check simply by entering basic details such as the person’s name, city, or mobile number.

Reverse phone lookup tools allow you to access public record information about a person even if all you have is their email address.

After entering the details, the background check service will search through its databases for relevant public records. Though the process usually takes only a few minutes, it ensures you receive accurate and comprehensive information, even if more time is needed.

How Can I Access Public Records in California?

Obtaining public records in California may require some patience, as the state’s information is spread across multiple agencies. However, under the California Public Records Act and the state constitution, any resident of California has the right to request and access public records held by state and local government bodies. Examples of public records available in California include:

Court documents
Birth, marriage, and death records
Inmate details
Criminal background information

Requesting Public Records in California

In California, public records requests are subject to certain exemptions and must be answered promptly. If your request is denied, there is no official appeals procedure available.

Requests for public records can be made to any government agency within the state, though each agency has its own specific procedures, fees, and requirements. To access documents, you need to submit your request through a letter, email, or phone call, depending on the agency’s preference. Some agencies may also require you to fill out paper forms.

Key Information to Include in Your Request

When making a public records request, make sure to include these key details:

Your chosen method of delivery (such as email or postal mail)
A clear deadline for when you expect to receive the records
Your contact information (like your name, email address, or phone number)
The title or a brief description of the document you’re requesting

Things to Keep in Mind

Departments function independently, meaning that procedures, rules, and fees can differ
Be sure to reach out to the agency ahead of time to verify office hours and required steps, particularly if you intend to visit in person

Adhering to these recommendations will make it easier to obtain public records in California.

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California Background Check Laws

In California, background checks are permitted but come with certain limitations and stringent regulations. Employers are required to adhere to both federal and state laws to maintain compliance.

Important California Regulations on Background Checks:

Anti-Discrimination Regulations
Fair Chance Policies (San Francisco and Los Angeles)
California Information Privacy Act (CIPA)
Ban the Box Legislation (AB 1008)
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

California law bans employers from treating individuals unfairly due to:

Their race
Their ethnicity
Their sexual orientation

Note: The FCRA applies to recruiters who recruit outside companies to undertake background investigations; internal background checks in California are exempt from the law.

CA Anti-Discrimination Laws

When employers utilize third-party services for background checks, the FCRA imposes requirements that include:

Signed Consent: Before conducting a background check, employers are required to secure written consent from the applicant.
Notification of Adverse Actions: When findings lead to a decision against hiring, the applicant must be notified of the reason.

Note: Internal background checks conducted directly by an employer are not subject to FCRA requirements.

The California Information Privacy Act (CIPA)

CIPA includes certain elements of the FCRA, such as:

Obtaining written permission prior to performing criminal background checks
Allowing applicants to review their background reports when requested

California's Ban the Box Law

Starting January 1, 2018, the Ban the Box law limits employers with five or more employees from asking about criminal history during hiring.

Key Points Include:

No Criminal History Questions Pre-Offer: Questions about convictions are prohibited for employers until a conditional job offer has been extended.
Individualized Assessment: When a criminal history is found, employers are required to assess:

The connection between the offense and the job role
Seriousness, timing, and surrounding circumstances of the offense
Specific duties and responsibilities of the job offered

If an applicant is denied due to criminal history, the employer must:

Provide a written explanation of the decision
Give the applicant five business days to reply
Review any new details shared before the final decision

The Los Angeles and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinances

Several cities enacted local fair chance ordinances consistent with the state’s Ban the Box law, adding further protections, such as:

Issuing a written notice prior to adverse actions tied to criminal history
Allowing applicants a chance to contest the findings

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How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in California?

California typically enforces a seven-year look-back period for background checks. This means public record details older than seven years are generally excluded from standard reports. Still, exceptions may apply based on the type of search or specific records requested.

What Can You Find With a Background Check in California?

Conducting a background check in California can provide access to a variety of public record details. With reliable people search tools like BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, TruthFinder, or Intelius, you might uncover information such as:

Personal Information

Background check reports usually contain essential personal information to verify identity, such as:

Full name
Age
Birth date
Alternate names
Images or photographs

Jobs and Education

Reports might also feature publicly accessible education and employment details, such as:

Educational institutions attended
Previous employers

Disclaimer: This information cannot be used for tenant or employment screening unless the service complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Possible Relatives and Associates

Discovering ties to potential relatives and associates is a feature often included in background checks. This can be valuable when trying to reconnect with someone or uncover a family relationship.

CA Contact Information

Reports frequently contain phone numbers, email addresses, and other publicly accessible contact information, providing useful leads for reaching out to individuals.

CA Criminal Records

Search results can include public records from police and court databases, such as:

Criminal case information
Arrest records
Details of offenses (e.g., date, place, case ID, and court jurisdiction)

CA Property Information

Details regarding financial or property records may include:

Properties owned
Property tax information
Land valuation
Loan documentation
Vehicles, along with their identification numbers

How Long Does a Background Check Take In California?

The duration for finishing a background check in California varies based on the method employed:

Using People Search Services: Trusted platforms such as BeenVerified usually provide a comprehensive report in just minutes.
Manual Methods: When collecting records manually from government agencies, the process may require 1–3 business days or more, depending on the agency’s response time.

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7 Best Services for Background Checks in California

Now that you understand how easy it’s to use background check services in California, let’s take a closer look at the top five options. We’ll briefly review each service to highlight what sets it apart. This way, you can find out which people search website is best suited for your particular needs.

BeenVerified – Best Overall for Background Check California

BeenVerified stands out as one of the best platforms for performing background checks in California. It offers access to a wide range of public records, such as criminal records, court documents, and more, enabling users to gain comprehensive insights into an individual’s history.

With a vast database featuring millions of public records from trustworthy data sources, BeenVerified provides reports grounded in accurate and dependable information.

The platform’s intuitive design makes searching easy and straightforward. It features a clean interface with clear navigation, allowing users to find information quickly and efficiently.

BeenVerified provides various pricing plans to fit different budgets, including monthly subscriptions and pay-per-search options. It also offers customer support to help with any questions or concerns during the search, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

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PeopleLooker – Best Background Check California for Quick & Reliable Results

PeopleLooker is a California-based public records search service that delivers information such as criminal records, contact details, and more. This tool can be especially useful for anyone looking to access public record data within California.

Compared to some other services, PeopleLooker provides more thorough results by tapping into an extensive collection of public records, including court and criminal history information.

The platform features an intuitive interface, making it easy for users new to public records searches to navigate. Its flexible pricing options cater to both individuals and organizations with budget constraints.

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TruthFinder – Best California Background Check Service for Value

TruthFinder stands out as a leading option for background checks in California. Its intuitive website allows users to easily perform searches using names, phone numbers, or email addresses. The service is priced at $28.33 per month, with billing occurring every two months at $23.52.

Offering access to one of the most extensive public record databases in California, TruthFinder delivers comprehensive and relevant details about individuals. Additional tools, such as dark web monitoring, help reveal information that might otherwise be difficult to discover online.

DISCLAIMER: You may not use TruthFinder or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. TruthFinder does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

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Intelius – Best California Background Check Service for Reliability

Intelius provides a powerful solution for background checks in California, comparable to TruthFinder. This service delivers trustworthy results by leveraging public records to offer detailed information.

Priced at $25.11 per month, Intelius is a more budget-friendly alternative to TruthFinder, with a two-month plan available for $21.35. Although it doesn’t include dark web monitoring, its extensive data access makes it a strong option for conducting public record searches in California. Discover the key benefits of Intelius in our comprehensive review.

DISCLAIMER: You may not use Intelius or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. TruthFinder does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

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Instant Checkmate – Best California Background Check Service for Speed

For fast California background checks, Instant Checkmate is a top choice. Its platform provides quick results and features a mobile app for easy access.

Instant Checkmate delivers dependable public record searches by aggregating data from various publicly accessible sources. The monthly subscription is $ 35.47, charged at $28.38 every three months.

Instant Checkmate blends efficiency with a solid focus on protecting user privacy. Check out our review to discover more about its capabilities.

DISCLAIMER: You may not use Instant Checkmate or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Instant Checkmate is not a consumer reporting agency and does not provide consumer reports. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

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Spokeo – Best CA Background Check Service for Reverse Email Lookup

Spokeo stands out in reverse email lookup, making it a great option for conducting California background checks using email addresses. Additionally, it allows searches by name, phone number, or physical address, providing flexible search options.

Priced at $19.99 per month, Spokeo is one of the more affordable services available, with a three-month plan costing $44.85. In our detailed review, learn why Spokeo remains a preferred tool for public record searches in California.

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

US Search offers a simple and budget-friendly solution for accessing public records in California. With an intuitive interface and a quick-start guide, it’s ideal for conducting basic background checks.

The service is very cost-effective, featuring a monthly plan that allows unlimited searches for $19.86. US Search includes a refund policy for dissatisfied customers, enhancing its attractiveness. Discover more about US Search in our comprehensive review.

DISCLAIMER: You may not use US Search or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. US Search does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA"), which are incorporated herein by reference.)"

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What Does the California Public Records Law Say?

The California Public Records Act grants individuals the right to obtain documents concerning public matters. However, this law doesn’t apply to personal information found within public records.

California law governs a range of records and mandates that state and executive agencies respond to requests within 10 days. Requests are not limited to state residents, and there is no official appeal process if a request is denied.

California Criminal Records - Background Check California

In California, the phrase "criminal records" generally encompasses any recorded encounters with the legal or judicial systems. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is responsible for maintaining public records concerning criminal histories, which can include information such as:

Accusations and Decisions
Plea Details Provided
Arrest and Filing Timeline
Felony or Misdemeanor Status

The accessibility of certain details may differ depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the record.

What's on a California Criminal Record?

Criminal records in California often feature a wide range of public record details related to a person’s interactions with the justice system. Some typical elements include:

Criminal Records
Incarceration History
Sexual Misconduct Background
Personal Details (e.g., full name, birthdate, citizenship)
Booking Photographs
Comprehensive Incident Descriptions
Distinctive Physical Features (e.g., birthmarks, body art, distinguishing marks)
Biometric Data (e.g., fingerprints)

Agencies like the California State Police play a role in compiling these records.

Where Can I Find California Criminal Records?

The California Department of Justice and the Attorney General's Office are responsible for maintaining criminal records. Public access to these records is also possible through the California State Records Web Database, hosted by the California State Archives Online Database.

To request a background check, California law mandates that individuals submit their fingerprints for identification. Regulations also require that criminal records are not be released without notifying the subject.

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Criminal Inmate Records – Background Check California

Public records on inmates, including their current whereabouts, incarceration history, and possible transfers, are maintained by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). These records are available to anyone looking for information about inmates in the state’s correctional facilities.

What’s on a California Inmate Record?

In California, public inmate records typically contain details about arrests, incarceration, and other pertinent information. Viewing these records can provide insights such as:

Full Name
Sex
Birth Date
Inmate ID Number
History of Transfers
Availability of Mugshots
Current Facility Address
Potential Arrest Records

Where Can I Find California Inmate Records?

Inmate records can be accessed through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website, which offers tools to locate inmates and support advocates or other stakeholders. The California Inmate Finder can also retrieve public record information.

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Criminal Court Records – Background Check California

Accessing public court records in California can be more challenging than retrieving other types of documents. The state's court system operates under complex procedures and limited hours, making it harder to obtain the wealth of information held in court proceedings.

The California court system consists of:

Supreme Court
Courts of Appeal
Appellate Courts
Superior Courts

What's on a CA Court Record?

Information found in court records differs by case, but typically includes:

Judgments from cases
Files submitted by juries
Lists of dockets
Statements from witnesses
Official court submissions
Assigned case numbers
Decisions issued by courts

Where Can I Find California Court Records?

While some court records can be accessed online, many still require an in-person visit to the courthouse. These records are managed by the California Judicial Branch. Access is governed by state laws, and various limitations may be in place.

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California Vital Records - Background Check California

Vital records like birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are overseen by the California Department of Public Health. These documents serve as key public resources for many different needs.

What’s Included in California Vital Records?

Marriage licenses
Divorce records
Death certificates
Birth documents

How to Access Vital Records in California

Vital record requests in California are handled by the Department of Public Health. Processing times and criteria differ based on the type of record and relevant regulations. Obtaining these public records usually involves specific documentation and adherence to state guidelines.

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Background Check California - Frequently Asked Questions

Below are responses to frequently asked questions about performing background checks in California, highlighting important information to assist you in your search.

Can I Get a Free Background Check California?

Performing a background check in California requires sifting through extensive public records, which can make it challenging to find trustworthy providers offering detailed reports at no cost.

It’s important to be cautious when choosing a background check service. Free options typically lack the resources that premium platforms such as BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, or TruthFinder can provide. These services deliver more comprehensive and accurate information. For additional choices, explore other highly rated public record search websites.

Can Non-Residents Submit a Public Records Request in California?

Certainly, California’s public records laws allow state residents, government organizations, and U.S. citizens from other states to request access to public documents.

Is There a Records Custodian in California?

Unlike some states, California lacks a central records custodian. The California Public Records Act (CPRA) requires individuals to obtain records by contacting the specific department or agency directly.

What Exemptions Exist in Background Check California?

Some categories of records are excluded from public access when releasing them would not benefit the public. Examples of such restricted records include:

Safety measures
Blueprints and designs
Health records
Legally protected documents

Not all public record requests fall under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

How Long Does California Have to Respond?

Under the CPRA, there’s no fixed deadline for responding to public records requests. Agencies are expected to process requests promptly but may establish their own timelines.

When a request is denied in California, there isn’t a standardized appeals process. Agencies can create their own procedures, but state law doesn’t require an administrative appeal system.

What Fees Are Associated With Requesting a Background Check in California?

In California, every department maintains its own policies and possible fees. Typically, charges are associated with certified copies or certain document processing. To ensure accuracy, it’s advisable to verify the costs directly with the department managing your request.

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Bottom Line on Background Check California

When it comes to researching, locating a missing family member or acquaintance, or accessing public record information, these services offer a streamlined solution and dependable results.

Navigating California’s public records system can be complicated, often involving multiple requests across different agencies. Even when you receive the documents, you still have to review them carefully to extract the information you need.

Premium public record search platforms simplify this entire procedure. By inputting a name, phone number, email, or address, these tools swiftly generate detailed background reports, saving you significant time and effort.

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DISCLAIMER: You may not use the non-FCRA approved services mentioned in this article or the information they provide to make decisions 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.