When it comes to employment, employers in Washington State must conduct a comprehensive background check on their prospective employees. The process of a background check can be lengthy and time consuming, and it is important to understand how long it takes to complete the check. The length of time it takes to complete a background check varies depending on the type of check being conducted.

Types of Background Checks

In Washington State, employers may conduct several types of background checks on their potential employees. These include: criminal history checks, credit checks, driving record checks, work history checks, and education checks. Each of these types of checks can take a different amount of time to complete.

Criminal History Check

A criminal history check is a search of public records to find any criminal activity associated with an individual. The length of time it takes to complete a criminal history check depends on the availability of records and the method of search used. Generally, a criminal history check can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks. The Washington State Patrol provides a criminal history check service that can be completed within two to three weeks.

Credit Check

A credit check is a search of public records to determine an individual’s credit score. This type of check can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to complete. It is important to note that employers in Washington State are prohibited from using credit checks as a factor in making decisions regarding employment.

Driving Record Check

A driving record check is a search of public records to determine an individual’s driving history. This type of check can take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks to complete. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) provides a driving record check service that can be completed within five to seven business days.

Work History Check

A work history check is a search of public records to determine an individual’s employment history. This type of check can take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks to complete. Employers should contact previous employers to verify an individual’s work history.

Education Check

An education check is a search of public records to determine an individual’s educational background. This type of check can take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks to complete. The Washington State Board of Education provides a service that can be completed within two to four weeks.

Conclusion

The length of time it takes to complete a background check in Washington State depends on the type of check being conducted. Generally, a criminal history check can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks, a credit check can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, a driving record check can take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks, a work history check can take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks, and an education check can take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks. It is important for employers to understand the length of time it takes to complete a background check and to plan accordingly.