You can get a free background check on yourself using several methods and resources. While comprehensive background checks from commercial services often come with a fee, there are various ways to gather similar information for free by accessing public records and using online tools.

Steps to Perform a Free Background Check on Yourself…

• Google Search – Start with a simple Google search of your name. This can give you an overview of what information is publicly available online.
• Social Media Accounts – Review your social media profiles on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Ensure your privacy settings are up-to-date and consider what potential employers or others might see.
• County and State Records
  • Court Records – Many states and counties offer online access to court records. Check the websites of local courts to find any records associated with your name.
  • Criminal Records – Visit the state’s Department of Public Safety or State Police website. Some states provide free access to criminal records or charge a small fee.
  • Property Records – County assessor or recorder’s office websites often have property records that are accessible for free.
• National Sex Offender Registry – The U.S. Department of Justice provides a free online search tool to check the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) for any records associated with your name.
• Credit Report
  • AnnualCreditReport.com – You are entitled to a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This report includes credit history and can provide insight into any financial-related issues.
  • Soft Credit Check – Some services offer a free soft credit check, which won’t affect your credit score and can provide additional information about your financial background.
• Online Public Records Search Tools
  • Pipl.com – Pipl is a search engine that aggregates public records, social media profiles, and other online information.
  • WhitePages.com – White Pages offers basic free searches for contact information and public records.
• Employer and Education Verification –
  • Contact Previous Employers – You can verify your employment history by contacting your previous employers directly.
  • Request Transcripts – Contact your educational institutions to request transcripts or verify your education history.
• Local Police Department – Some police departments offer local background checks for free or for a nominal fee. This can include local criminal records.
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests – You can file a FOIA request for federal records about yourself. This may include certain criminal records, federal employment history, and other federal data.

Important Considerations

• Accuracy – Ensure the information you find is accurate and reflects your current status. Discrepancies can affect job applications, loans, and other aspects of your life.
• Privacy – Be mindful of your privacy when searching for and sharing personal information. Only use reputable sources and be cautious of potential scams.
• Time-Consuming – Conducting a thorough background check on yourself using free resources can be time-consuming. Be prepared to spend some time gathering and verifying information from multiple sources.

Performing a free background check on yourself is possible by leveraging public records, online tools, and free services. While it may not be as comprehensive as a paid service, it can still provide valuable insights into what information is publicly accessible about you. Taking these steps can help you ensure your personal information is accurate and prepare you for situations where a background check might be required.