Employers Guide to Statewide Criminal Background Checks
May 26 2025
When it comes to hiring, missing a red flag in the wrong state can put your company at risk. Making the right hiring decisions requires accurate information. A statewide criminal background check helps employers find criminal history records from multiple counties in one state. However, not all statewide searches provide complete results. In fact, some states don’t offer a statewide search at all.
Employers must understand what a statewide criminal background check includes, how it compares to other background checks, and when to use it. This knowledge ensures informed hiring decisions while complying with criminal background check laws and regulations such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines.
This guide covers statewide criminal background checks, how they compare to county background checks, and when employers should use them in the background check process.
How Does a Statewide Criminal Background Check Work?
A statewide criminal background check pulls criminal history records from multiple counties within a single state. Depending on the state law, it may include felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, and arrest records (where legally permissible).
Not all states maintain complete state background checks. Some states update their databases regularly, while others rely on counties to submit updated reporting, which may create gaps or delays in criminal record searches.
Because of these issues, employers often run a background check at both the statewide and county levels to ensure accuracy.
Which States Offer Statewide Criminal Background Checks?
Not every state provides a statewide criminal background check, and those that do may not have complete records. The most reliable statewide searches come from states with well-maintained databases. InfoMart maintains a proprietary statewide reliability report. Reach out to discuss which statewide reports we recommend.
Why Some Statewide Criminal Background Checks Are Incomplete
- Some counties do not report all criminal record searches to the state database.
- Counties may not relay information quickly. For example, a case may be disposed at the county level but still listed as “pending” at the state level while they wait for the county update.
- Some states limit employer access to background screening records.
Should I Still Order a Statewide?
Sometimes, yes! Though we have listed the shortcomings of a statewide search here, it is still a valuable screening tool in some cases. Many statewide searches are very reliable. Often, we recommend running both a statewide and a county search. Employers run a county search in the places candidates have lived or worked. Simultaneously, they run a statewide search for cases in neighboring counties.
Want even broader coverage? Ask about a National Criminal History or an SSN Trace. For ongoing security, you want continuous criminal monitoring.
Statewide vs. County Criminal Background Checks: Key Differences
Factor |
Statewide Criminal Background Check |
County Background Check |
| Scope | Searches multiple counties in a state | Focuses on one county |
| Accuracy | May have outdated or missing data* | Most recent criminal history records |
| Turnaround Time | Faster results | Varies by county |
| Best Use Cases | Broad searches | Narrow searches in counties of residence |
*The best background check providers will go to the county level to find additional information if a statewide reports incomplete information.
Key Takeaways:
- Statewide criminal background checks cover multiple counties but may have outdated information.
- County background checks are more detailed but require checking each jurisdiction separately.
- Using both types of background checks ensures a thorough employment background check.
When Should Employers Use a Statewide Criminal Background Check?
Conduct a statewide criminal background check when:
Hiring for multi-location roles
A statewide search helps employers check for criminal history in multiple jurisdictions if a candidate has worked in different counties.
Supplementing county background checks
A statewide search can highlight counties that require deeper criminal records searches.
At InfoMart, we use our Statewide Reliability Report to guide employers on when a statewide search is enough and when a county-level search is necessary.
Questions to Ask Your Background Screening Partner
Not all statewide criminal background checks are created equal. As an HR professional, it’s crucial to vet your screening partner carefully to ensure you’re getting reliable, compliant, and actionable data. Here are key questions to ask before relying on a statewide search:
1. Do you verify statewide records at the county level?
Many statewide databases are not updated in real time and may contain incomplete or inaccurate information. A reputable screening partner should confirm resultss at the originating county if the statewide results are incomplete.This helps ensure accuracy and compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
2. Which states have reliable statewide databases?
Some states, like Texas or Florida, maintain relatively comprehensive and accessible state repositories. Others may lack centralized systems or restrict access entirely. Your provider should be transparent about which states offer meaningful statewide searches—and which do not.
3. How current is the data you're pulling?
Data freshness is key. Your screening partner should have a basic understanding of the reporting limitations of their sources. Delayed reporting can mean missing critical information or making decisions based on outdated records.
4. Do you automatically include statewide searches in certain packages?
Some screening providers bundle statewide searches into standard background check packages, while others offer them as optional add-ons. Understanding when and how statewide checks are applied ensures you’re not missing a layer of protection—or paying for something unnecessary.
5. Can I combine statewide checks with county, federal, and national database searches?
A single search rarely tells the whole story. Your screening partner should recommend a layered approach that includes multiple types of searches based on the candidate’s address history, the role in question, and your industry’s risk profile.
By asking the right questions, you can ensure your background screening process is both thorough and tailored to your organization’s unique needs.
How InfoMart Helps Employers with Background Screening
At InfoMart, we provide customized background screening solutions for HR professionals. Our Statewide Reliability Report ensures the use of the most effective statewide criminal background check and county background check methods for accurate results.
With over 35 years of experience, our PBSA-accredited and WBENC-certified services guarantee efficient, compliant, and accurate pre-employment background checks.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Background Check for Hiring
A statewide criminal background check is valuable, but may not be enough in some situations. To ensure accuracy, employers should:
- Use statewide searches for broad screenings but verify completeness.
- Supplement with county background checks for accurate results.
- Work with an experienced background screening provider to stay compliant.
At InfoMart, we make pre-employment background checks simple, reliable, and tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you hire with confidence.
As always, please refer to your legal counsel for official guidance on background check policies. InfoMart does not offer legal advice.
About Tammy Cohen
Tammy Cohen, an industry pioneer and expert in identity and employment screening, founded InfoMart 30 years ago. Deemed the “Queen of Screen,” she’s been a force behind industry-leading innovations. She was most recently the first-to-market with a fully compliant sanctions search, as well as a suite of identity services that modernizes talent onboarding. Tammy revolutionized the screening industry when she stepped into the field, developing the first client-facing application and a due diligence criminal search that has since become standard for all background screening companies. Cohen has received national awards and honors for her business and civic involvement, including Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 25 Women-Owned Firms in Atlanta, Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year award, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award, and a commendation in the 152nd Congressional Record.
About InfoMart
InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727.