Free background check services exist, but what they show you depends on which records are public in your state
You can run a background check on yourself or someone else using only public records, and many of these records are genuinely free to access. No credit card is required because you are pulling information directly from government databases or courthouse records that are open to the public. The catch is that "free" does not mean complete — you will see criminal records, court filings, and property records that are already published online, but you will not see private databases that employers and landlords use, which require paid background check companies.
The records you can find for free vary by state. Some states publish criminal records online through their court system. Others require you to visit a courthouse in person or request records by mail. Property records, divorce filings, and civil judgments are usually available through county assessor or clerk websites at no cost. If you need a comprehensive report for employment or housing, you will eventually need a paid service — but if you want to see what is publicly available first, the free routes below will show you what exists.
Key Takeaways
- Public criminal records, court filings, and property records are free to search through state and county government websites, though availability and detail vary by location.
- The National Background Check Database and similar free aggregators pull from public records but do not include private databases that employers use.
- Courthouse websites often let you search by name for free, but some states charge a small fee per record or require an in-person visit.
- If you need a report for employment or housing, a paid background check company will include private records and provide a formatted report, which free searches do not.
- You have the right to request your own background check report from any company that created one about you, and that request is free under federal law.
How to search public criminal records by state
Each state maintains its own criminal record database, and most allow free online searches. Start with your state court system's website — search for "[your state] court records online" or "[your state] criminal records search." Many state judicial websites have a public portal where you can enter a name and see cases filed in that state. The information shown usually includes charges, dates, and outcomes, though some states limit what they display online and require an in-person courthouse visit for full details.
If your state does not have a statewide database, you will need to search individual county courthouses. County clerk or district court websites often have their own searchable records. This is slower than a statewide search, but it is still free. Some counties charge a small fee (usually under $5) to print or read a record, but viewing it online costs nothing. If a county does not have online records, you can call the courthouse directly and ask if they will read you information over the phone, or you can request records by mail.
Keep in mind that online criminal records are usually limited to cases filed in the last 5 to 10 years, depending on the state. Older records may exist but are archived offline. If you need historical records, contact the courthouse directly.
Free aggregator sites that pull from public records
Several websites compile public records from multiple states and make them searchable in one place. These sites do not charge you to search, though they may ask for an email address. Examples include BeenVerified's free search tool, when ready Checkmate's limited free version, and the National Background Check Database. These aggregators pull from public court records, property records, and other published sources, then display results in an organized format.
The limitation of these sites is that they only show what is already public — they do not have access to private databases, employment history, or records that have been sealed or expunged. They also may not be fully current; some records take weeks or months to appear in their systems after they are filed. If you see nothing on an aggregator site, it does not mean a record does not exist — it may straightforward not have been indexed yet or may not be available through that particular site.
These sites make money by offering paid reports that include more detail or by selling your contact information, so read their privacy policy before you search. If you do not want to provide an email address, stick to searching directly through state and county court websites instead.
County property records and civil court filings
Property records — including home ownership, tax assessments, and deed transfers — are public information and free to search through your county assessor or recorder's office website. Search for "[your county] assessor property search" or "[your county] recorder's office." You can usually search by owner name or address and see what property someone owns, when they bought it, and what they paid (in states that publish sale prices).
Civil court records, such as lawsuits, evictions, and small claims cases, are also public and searchable through county court websites. These show disputes between people or businesses, judgments, and liens. Like criminal records, civil records are usually free to view online but may charge a small fee to print or read.
How to get your own background check report for free
If a background check company has created a report about you, you have the right to request it for free under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This applies whether the report was used for employment, housing, credit, or insurance purposes. Contact the company directly and ask for a copy of your file. They must provide it within 30 days at no cost.
To find out which companies have reports on you, you can contact the three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official government site for free credit reports. That will show you credit-based reports. For employment or tenant screening reports, you may need to contact the employer or landlord and ask which background check company they used, then request your file directly from that company.
When you need a paid background check instead
Free public record searches are useful if you want to see what is already published about someone, but they have gaps. Paid background check services include private databases, employment verification, education verification, and records that may have been sealed or removed from public view in some states. They also format everything into a single report, which is what employers and landlords typically require.
If you are running a background check for employment, housing, or any official purpose, the person being checked should be notified in writing first — this is a legal requirement. Many employers and landlords use paid services specifically because they provide documentation that the check was done properly and legally. Free searches do not provide that documentation.
Paid background check services range from $20 to $100 depending on what they search and how detailed the report is. Some include criminal records only; others add civil records, employment history, and address history. If you need a report for a specific purpose, a paid service is usually the right choice.
What information you cannot find for free
Employment history, education records, and financial information are not public and cannot be found through free searches. These are only available through paid background check companies, and only if the person being checked authorized the search. Medical records, sealed juvenile records, and expunged criminal records are also not available to the public, even through paid services (with limited exceptions for certain government positions).
If someone tells you that a free background check will show you everything, they are misleading you. Free searches show you what is already published; paid services show you what companies have collected and verified. Neither shows you private information that someone has not made public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for someone else's background for free?
Yes, you can search public records about anyone, including criminal records, property records, and court filings. However, if you are doing a background check for employment or housing purposes, you must notify the person in writing first and usually need their permission. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using that information to make decisions about hiring or housing without proper notice is not.
What if the person's name is common and I get too many results?
Add more details to narrow the search: include their middle name or initial, date of birth, or city. County-level searches are often more precise than statewide searches because they cover a smaller area. If you still get multiple results, contact the courthouse directly and ask staff to help you identify the correct person.
How long does it take for a record to show up online after it is filed?
This varies by state and county. Some courts update their online databases daily; others update weekly or monthly. Criminal records may take 2 to 4 weeks to appear online. If you know a case was filed but cannot find it yet, call the courthouse and ask when records are typically posted.
Do I need to pay to view my own criminal record?
No. You can search for your own record for free through your state or county court website. If you need an official certified copy for employment or legal purposes, there may be a small fee (usually $5 to $25), but viewing the record itself is free.
Is information on free background check websites always accurate?
No. Aggregator websites can contain outdated information, duplicates, or errors. Always verify important information by checking the original source — the court or government agency that filed the record. If you find an error on a free site, contact the site to request a correction, and contact the original source to correct the record itself.