How to run a background check on yourself
Know what employers see before they do. This guide walks candidates through ordering a personal background check with SafestHires — from signing the agreement to receiving the final report by email.
A personal background check helps you spot errors, prepare for conversations with hiring managers, and understand what shows up when an employer runs a check. The process takes about five minutes to start and most reports are completed within a few business days.
Step 1 — Complete the personal background check agreement
Start by completing the sign-up form on our personal background check agreement page. This form confirms your identity, authorizes the background check, and creates your candidate record in our system.
You will be asked for basic contact information, your full legal name, date of birth, address history, and consent to run the searches. Read the agreement carefully before submitting it.
Step 2 — Wait for your SafestHires login credentials
Once your agreement is submitted, our team creates a secure SafestHires candidate account for you. Most applicants receive their login credentials by email within one business hour.
The email will include your username, a temporary password, and a link to the secure login page. If you do not see the email within an hour, check your spam or junk folder before contacting support.
Step 3 — Log in and place your order
After logging in, you will see the available personal background check packages. Select the package that fits your needs and follow the prompts to place your order.
You can customize your order based on the searches you want. Common options include county and statewide criminal records, national criminal database scans, employment and education verification, and a Financial Risk Search covering bankruptcies, judgments, and liens.
Step 4 — Enter your payment information
At the end of the order process, you will be prompted to enter valid credit or debit card information to pay for the background check. Your card will be charged when you submit the order.
All payments are processed through a secure, encrypted checkout. We do not store your full card number on our servers.
Step 5 — Receive your final report by email
Once the searches are complete, your final report is compiled and emailed to the address associated with your SafestHires account. You can also log back in at any time to view or download a copy.
Turnaround time depends on the searches you order. Many criminal record checks complete in one to three business days. Verifications and court record searches may take longer if the source requires manual research.
What to expect in your report
Your personal background check report will show the results of each search you ordered. This may include criminal records, verification of employment or education, driving records, and any Financial Risk Search findings.
Review every section carefully. If something looks incorrect, incomplete, or unfamiliar, follow the dispute process listed on your report or contact our support team.
Frequently asked questions
Who can order a personal background check through SafestHires?
Any individual who wants to know what a potential employer will see. Our personal background check is designed for candidates, job seekers, freelancers, and anyone preparing for an interview or licensing process.
How long does it take to receive login credentials?
Most applicants receive their SafestHires login credentials within one business hour after completing the agreement form. If you do not see the email, check your spam or promotions folder.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept major credit and debit cards. You will enter your card information at the end of the order process, and your card will be charged before the background check is run.
How is the final report delivered?
The completed report is emailed to the address you used when you created your account. You can also log back into your SafestHires account to view or download it.
Is a personal background check the same as an employer-ordered check?
The searches are run through the same court networks and verification sources. The difference is who initiates the order and who receives the result. A personal check is initiated by you, the candidate.
Can I dispute something on my personal report?
Yes. If you believe an item is inaccurate or incomplete, contact us through the dispute process and we will reinvestigate. You can also start by reviewing the information with your employer or licensing board.