In this day and age, it is hard to tell if a person is telling the truth. There are instances when people tell lies so they could get what they want. Dealing with different types of people and figuring out who you can trust can be challenging, especially if you are a business owner. Aside from that, hiring the wrong person might lead to the downfall of your business. That is why a background check is essential during the employment process. However, before conducting a background check, one needs to acquire a legal document or consent called background check authorization.

11+ Background Check Authorization Examples

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12. Background Check Disclosure and Authorization Format

What Is Background Check Authorization?

It is a legal document that allows a person or an organization to perform a background check for personal reasons or for the company. When an individual agrees to have their life history examined, they must provide their personal information such as their complete name, date of birth, address, social security number, and their signature. These details are essential when an employer requires a background check on a potential employee. Because it provides the needed information about the person and as to whether or not he or she is physically and mentally suited for the job, conducting a background check is crucial when hiring new employees. It would also serve as a safety precaution for the companies to attain a positive work environment.

What Is Background Check?

A background check is the process of verifying a person’s identity in all aspects that he or she became a part of. That includes an individual’s education, employment history, criminal record, family background, and other events that happened in the past to ensure the person’s credibility. Background investigation usually happens during a job application, especially when the candidate is applying a position that requires trustworthiness. Employers usually conduct this process to validate the information found in the applicant’s resume. Moreover, it is also a way to determine who is best suited for the position. It is an employers obligation to make sure that the workplace is safe and is void of employment problems. Background checks are exceptionally important because it is a prevention against deception. It can’t be easily done, though. According to the Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) a signed background check authorization form is needed before companies can conduct the process. Doing background checks without authorization form is illegal and punishable by the law.

Types of Background Checks

1. Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check is usually part of the employment process. Companies administer the procedure so they would know if you have a criminal history and whether you pose a threat to the work environment. Conducting this type of background check lessens the possibility of hiring individuals with a bad criminal record since there is a high number of criminals in the United States. According to Statista, approximately 64% of Americans felt that the United States have higher crime rates during 2019 than the year before that.

2. Tenant Background Check

If you are renting a property, that makes you a tenant. A landlord or landlady issues a tenant background check before you occupy the property so that they can verify your credit background and to check if you have the capacity to pay the rent expense.

3. Employment Background Check

It is important to check the employment history of an applicant. It reveals the work activity of the person’s past employment whether he or she is hardworking, trustworthy, and loyal to the company. Verifying the history of employment would prevent slow or bad work production in the business. 

4. Education Background Check

Education is one of the important factors in applying for a job. Education verification is used to confirm whether a person’s educational background stated in the resume is true. It validates whether a person has really acquired the degree mentioned in the document. It is important for employers to know the applicants’ educational history to see if they are fit for the job that they applied for. 

5. Driving History

Driving history is usually checked when the job position is a driver. This is important because dealing with drivers who had a history of traffic and road violations could be a problem. A driver must have a good record when it comes to their driving history to avoid complications. A person can get his or her driving record at their state’s driver’s licensing office. It is the fastest way to see the driving history of a person. 

How to Obtain a Background Check Authorization

1. Individuals Consent

To obtain a background check authorization, you must have an individual’s consent that he or she agrees to undergo the said process. There should be a written consent stating that the individual agrees to have a background check authorization for both his and the company’s benefit.

2. Important Information

Information is important because it signifies the accuracy of the authorization. It proves that the person whose information is written down gave full consent to the authority regarding background check authorization. It prevents misunderstandings between the authority and the person.

3. Abide by the Law

When obtaining a background check authorization, you must comply with the law. If actual disclosures are not followed, it can result in legal issues, and you may be sent to court for these kinds of matters. Make sure that you know all about the mandated laws for background check authorizations. You can also hire a lawyer if you are not knowledgeable in making decisions for legal authorizations. 

Authorization for a background check is important since it deals with the personal information of an individual. It is a sensitive matter to deal with since there are strict laws an individual or an organization needs to follow regarding the disclosure of private information. Apart from that, background check authorization is helpful during the hiring process of an individual. It makes the process of obtaining legal documents faster because of the individual’s authorization, and it is proof that you are legally doing the procedure.