Best Background Check Texas: In-Depth Guide

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posted on 1 year ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Even though the information is available to the public, it can be challenging to locate specific background details about an individual by going through a large amount of data and documents.

If you’re looking for guidance on conducting a background check in Texas, then you’re in luck. You’ve come across the most comprehensive guide on the internet, which will provide you with all the necessary information.

Our coverage on Texas background checks will include comprehensive information on the subject, along with recommendations for the most efficient background check services. However, it’s important to note that obtaining public records in Texas can be a challenging process.

Even though the information is available to the public, it can be challenging to locate specific background details about an individual by going through a large amount of data and documents. That is why we suggest using our recommended Texas background check services, which can provide accurate information within seconds.

7 Best Background Check Texas Services

BeenVerified – Best Overall for Background Check Texas
PeopleLooker – Best for Fast & Accurate Results
TruthFinder – Best Value for Money
Intelius – Best for Accuracy
Instant Checkmate – Best for Speed
Spokeo – Best for TX Reverse Email Lookup
US Search – Best for API Integration

What is a Background Check Texas?

A background check Texas is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s information in both state and federal public records. By utilizing identifying information like their name, phone number, or email, one can access public records to gather further details. It’s a thorough examination of any and all information related to the person.

If you conduct a public records search in TX, you can find a wide range of information, such as personal details, employment and education history, potential family members and acquaintances, whereabouts history, criminal and court records, sex offender data, social media profiles, and property ownership information.

If you choose to manually search through public records, it’s unlikely that you will find all the necessary information. Texas background check services provide a better opportunity to obtain precise background information on an individual.

When you provide your ID information to Texas background check services, they utilize their database of federal and Texas public records that contain billions of records to search for pertinent details. After gathering the necessary data, they create a well-structured and easy-to-read free background check Texas report that can be easily shared with others.

The report for a routine background check in Texas may provide a comprehensive range of information:

Full name
Date of birth and age
Aliases
Photographs
Criminal and arrest records
Civil court records
Educational background
Employment history
Financial assets
Liens
Bankruptcies
Weapons permits
Professional licenses
Social media profiles

How to Run a Texas Background Check?

When it comes to conducting a background check in Texas, there are two ways to approach it: the difficult method and the simpler one. The difficult method involves manually contacting various public offices to obtain public records, filing a request to access these records, and then sifting through them to locate the necessary information.

To conduct a background check Texas, one can use a people search service such as BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, or TruthFinder. This method is straightforward, and requires only the name and city or phone number of the person being searched. Additionally, reverse email lookup tools can be utilized to find information on individuals using their email addresses. It’s important to note that all relevant information can be obtained through these services.

To utilize the Texas background check service, input the essential details about an individual, and the system will search its database. It may require a few minutes to complete the process, but if it takes longer, rest assured that the service is providing a wealth of accurate information.

How Can I Access Public Records in Texas?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures that anyone who requires access to government information has the right to obtain it. No information can be left out when requesting access to government data under this act.

It’s essential to conduct thorough research on the relevant laws before requesting any documents due to the differences in procedures across various states. No information can be left out when paraphrasing the original text.

Access to Texas public records can be obtained online, although certain records require a physical form. The relevant office responsible for file-keeping can receive any necessary documentation via email, fax, or mail. No information has been left out in the paraphrasing process.

Since the regulations for obtaining records from one department may vary from those of another, you should prepare for some degree of rule-bending.

Typically, when making a request for public documents, it’s important to include the following information:

The anticipated date of delivery when you require the documents
Name of the owner of the documents
File name
Contact details
The most favored method of sending, whether it be through physical mail or electronic mail
The details of the document must be accurately conveyed

Texas Background Check Laws – TX Public Records

Although there are no limitations imposed by the state regarding the use of a candidate’s criminal history to make hiring decisions, the federal regulations on fair hiring are still applicable in the Lone Star State.

Texas law mandates employers to inform applicants in writing and obtain their written consent before conducting a criminal background check.

Before taking any final adverse action, such as revoking a job offer, based on the outcome of a criminal Texas background check, it’s necessary to send a pre-adverse action notice to the applicant and wait for at least five business days.

Starting from 2021, federal contractors and government agencies will be restricted by ban-the-box regulations to inquire about a job applicant’s criminal record before offering them a conditional job offer, unless the position pertains to national security and confidential data.

Federal contractors and agencies are not allowed to ask about a candidate’s criminal history until they have made a conditional job offer unless there is another law requiring them to conduct an early screening. This is in accordance with federal regulations that ban the box.

Furthermore, it’s evident through the county resources provided below that various counties and towns within Texas have implemented their own regulations on banning the box.

When employers conduct Texas background checks, they must comply with the regulations of the county and city where their company is located, as well as the county and city where the applicant lives.

To avoid legal actions, businesses should prioritize following the most rigorous laws and regulations even if they’re unsure about their compliance.

Ban the Box – Background Check Texas Law

Presently, there are no statewide “ban the box” statutes in effect in the state of Texas. An employer’s use of a state criminal Texas background check may be affected, however, by fair chance hiring legislation in effect in a number of different jurisdictions throughout the state.

Currently, Texas does not have any statewide laws that require the removal of the “box” asking about criminal history on job applications. However, employers in various locations across the state may be impacted by fair chance hiring regulations when conducting criminal Texas background checks on potential employees.

The cities of San Antonio and Austin, as well as Travis and Dallas counties in Texas, have implemented laws that prohibit the use of criminal history questions during hiring for jobs in the municipal or county government sector.

Additionally, Austin has passed a ban-the-box policy that goes beyond the public sector and also covers private-sector hiring.

Companies in Austin are not allowed to use criminal background checks during their hiring process if they have 15 or more employees. Additionally, the background check must be conducted after the applicant has received a job offer that is contingent upon the results of the check.

A penalty of $500 will be imposed for every violation of this rule.

What Does the Texas Public Records Law Say?

Under the Freedom of Information Act in Texas, it’s possible for anyone to request public documents. The requester will receive the records within a period of ten days or will be informed in writing of when they will be made available.

If a government office denies your request for public documents, it’s necessary to send a formal exception to the attorney general (AG). This process indicates that government officials cannot simply reject requests for public documents without proper consideration.

In Texas, the decision to release data rests with the state’s Attorney General, but this can cause delays in obtaining the necessary files. If the Attorney General rejects the request, a response may take up to 45 days. While there is no option to appeal the decision, individuals may take legal action to gain access to the documents.

According to the Texas Public Records Act (TPRA), certain exclusions apply. Although papers from state and federal organizations are obtainable, the ones from the judiciary are not accessible.

Access to documents related to audits, private information, personnel records, invasion of privacy, victims of crime or abuse, and certain parts of law enforcement proceedings may be restricted due to security concerns. It’s possible that you may not be granted permission to view such information.

To obtain copies of documents in Texas, a charge of $0.10 per page is applicable. Additionally, if any search is required to fulfill your request, you may be charged $15.00 per hour for the time spent on the search.

If you request records from multiple organizations, you might have to pay extra fees. Moreover, if you ask an employee to redact confidential information, that time will be considered billable.

If you’re seeking additional information, you can visit Texas.gov.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Texas?

When a CRA (Consumer Reporting Agency) investigates your background, they’re only able to uncover information within a certain timeframe and based on the type of search conducted. Unlike felony convictions that can be recorded indefinitely, job-related free background check Texas typically only go back seven years. Therefore, the CRA’s ability to access your past is restricted within these limitations.

According to credit reporting rules, any negative impact on a consumer’s credit report caused by tax liens, lawsuits, and court judgments is limited to seven years. However, bankruptcy filings can remain on record for up to a decade.

In Texas, businesses that send their employees to customers’ homes for maintenance or delivery purposes must check their criminal records going back 20 years for felony convictions and 10 years for misdemeanor convictions. It is mandatory for such companies to conduct this verification process.

In cases where a job seeker is interested in a job that offers a salary exceeding $75,000 annually, the employer might extend the period for checking non-criminal records. In such a scenario, the background check can go back to the time when the applicant turned 18.

In Texas, MVRs are reported for a period of three years without any missing information.

If an employer conducts a criminal records check without a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA), they’re not limited to only checking the previous seven years of a candidate’s history.

Finally, it should be noted that in Texas, there is no statute of limitations for investigating a person’s employment history or educational background.

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What Can You Find With a Free Background Check Texas?

It may come as a shock to discover the extent of information that can be obtained through a Texas background check on an individual. Utilizing reliable people search services such as TruthFinder or Intelius can provide a comprehensive report containing the following details.

Personal Information

To identify the correct individual, every report for a free background check Texas commences with personal details such as the person’s name, age, date of birth, any known nicknames, and images. Personal information is crucial for ensuring that the right person is identified.

Jobs and Education

When conducting a Texas background check, you may come across education and career details, such as the person’s alma mater and previous employment history. It’s important to keep in mind that this information cannot be utilized for a tenant or employee screening unless the background check provider you’re working with adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Possible Relatives and Associates

The section provides details of possible individuals related to the person being searched, including family members, friends, and coworkers. It’s possible to come across a report on one’s own background check when conducting a search on a family member.

TX Contact Information

If you’re conducting a free Texas background check for business purposes, the report can provide you with phone numbers and email addresses, which can be useful in generating leads. This section of the report is especially valuable for this purpose.

TX Criminal Records

It’s essential for all Texas background checks to encompass criminal and arrest records obtained from public records of Texas police and courts. These records can furnish vital details like the nature, date, and place of the crime, along with the court name and case number if the proceedings took place in a court of law.

TX Property Information

If you need to assess someone’s financial status, the following section can be extremely beneficial. It contains a wealth of information, including details about their current property holdings, property taxes, sales transactions, land values, outstanding mortgages, vehicles they own, and their vehicle identification numbers.

How Long Does a Background Check Take In Texas?

The time taken for conducting a free Texas background check depends on the method you choose. If you opt for reliable people search services like TruthFinder or BeenVerified, a single background check report can be completed in a matter of minutes. This allows you to conduct multiple checks with ease and receive comprehensive results.

If you choose to do a background check TX manually, it can take up to 1-3 business days, particularly for employee and tenant screenings.

7 Best Services for Background Check Texas

Once you’re aware of the simplicity of conducting a background check Texas through Texas background check services, it is important to delve deeper into the most efficient services available. In this regard, we will provide a brief summary of the top five services to pinpoint the unique features that distinguish them from each other.

When it comes to conducting background check Texas, you can determine the most suitable people search for websites for your specific needs. All relevant information will be included to guide you in your decision-making process.

BeenVerified – Best Overall for Background Check Texas

BeenVerified is a reputable background check service provider based in Texas, offering various searches such as Texas court records, criminal records, public records, and many more. The company’s searches are very thorough and provide a detailed overview of an individual’s background. They have access to billions of public records in Texas and use credible sources to ensure the accuracy of their reports.

BeenVerified provides a user-friendly platform that enables users to conduct quick and easy searches. The platform is designed to be intuitive and straightforward, featuring a simple search interface and clear instructions for navigating reports. The company offers various pricing options, including monthly subscriptions and pay-per-search alternatives, which can be advantageous for individuals or businesses with financial constraints.

Moreover, BeenVerified provides customer assistance to address any queries or problems that may come up while conducting a background check. The organization has a group of proficient experts who can offer direction on how to navigate the system and comprehend the data provided in the reports.

PeopleLooker is a service based in Texas that enables users to search for public records related to individuals. The service provides information like criminal records, contact details, and other relevant data. It could prove to be a valuable resource for people looking to conduct a background check Texas.

According to PeopleLooker, they can provide access to various public records in Texas, which include criminal and court records. This implies that their Texas background checks might offer more extensive details compared to other similar services.

The platform of this service is designed in a user-friendly manner, making it simple to navigate even for those who lack familiarity with Texas background checks. This feature can prove beneficial for individuals or companies who require background check Texas but lack the necessary experience to conduct them efficiently.

The background check service Texas-based provides various pricing plans based on the number of background checks required. Their pricing is deemed cost-effective, making it useful for individuals or companies with limited finances.

TruthFinder – Best Texas Background Check Service for Value

TruthFinder is a leading provider of background checks in Texas. Its website is designed to be very easy to use, allowing you to search for information using various parameters such as names, phone numbers, or email addresses. Thanks to its extensive Texas public record database, it’s able to generate a significant amount of reliable data about a specific individual.

The background check Texas services offered by TruthFinder, when used in conjunction with its dark web monitoring tool, provide access to exclusive information that cannot be found anywhere else on the internet. The cost of TruthFinder’s services is $28.05 per month or $46 for a two-month subscription. For more information on TruthFinder’s exceptional background check Texas services, read our comprehensive review.

Intelius – Best Texas Background Check Service for Accuracy

When it comes to conducting background check Texas, Intelius is just as effective as TruthFinder. This renowned people search platform is particularly noteworthy for its remarkable precision in delivering results. Its functionality is similar to that of TruthFinder, and it boasts a database of over 20 billion public records, making it a virtual treasure trove of information on any Texan individual.

When it comes to pricing, Intelius offers a monthly plan that is a bit more affordable than TruthFinder at $24.86. If you opt for the 2-month plan, the total cost will be $42.25. Although Intelius is similar to TruthFinder, it doesn’t include the dark web monitoring tool, which is why it’s priced slightly lower. If you’re considering using Intelius for a background check Texas, we recommend reading our review first. It contains all the necessary information about the service.

Instant Checkmate – Best TX Background Check Service for Speed

Instant Checkmate can be an ideal option if you need fast outcomes for background check Texas. This service is well-suited for those who value convenience as it provides rapid results and a mobile application, which is a unique feature not commonly found in other Texas background check services. It ensures that no information is left out and provides an efficient background check service.

Instant Checkmate boasts a vast collection of government records that it leverages to generate precise background information. Although it’s relatively expensive, with a monthly subscription rate of $34.78, it does not offer a two-month package but instead provides a three-month option priced at $83.47.

In addition to its speed, Instant Checkmate takes pride in safeguarding your confidential data. For further information, refer to our Instant Checkmate review.

Spokeo – Best Texas Background Check Service for Reverse Email Lookup

If you have someone’s email address, you can use reverse email lookup to do a Texas background check on them. Spokeo is a very good service for this purpose, particularly if you need to do business research or find leads in Texas. It’s recommended as the best option for email lookup.

Spokeo is a comprehensive background check Texas solution that offers various lookup options such as email, name, phone number, and physical address. It’s considered one of the most cost-effective background check services Texas, with a monthly subscription rate of $19.99 and a 3-month package costing $44.85. For more information, you can read our review on Spokeo.

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US Search – Best Texas Background Check Service for API Integration

US Search has a quick start wizard that simplifies the process of running background checks. It’s unique in offering a refund policy if the service does not meet your needs. While their web interface may seem basic compared to other services, their straightforward approach is suitable if you require basic background checks specifically in Texas.

For just $3, US Search offers the option to conduct a background check Texas specifically. In case you require multiple searches or a plan for a longer duration, US Search provides a monthly plan that is reasonably priced at $19.86 per month. If you require more details about US Search, you can read its review.

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Texas Criminal Records – Background Check Texas

All incidents of Class B misdemeanors or above, including arrests, prosecutions, and outcomes, will be recorded in a Texas criminal record without any omission.

The details of the person’s interactions with law enforcement will also be incorporated.

The Department of Public Safety holds jurisdiction over all criminal records in Texas.

What’s on a Texas Criminal Record?

If someone has interacted with law enforcement agencies across Texas, it will be recorded in their criminal record.

The state’s penal system comprises nine facilities, and data such as arrests, convictions, and time spent in jail have been gathered from different sources.

When you request a criminal history record in TX, you will receive complete information with the following details.

License number – Drivers
Birth date or year
Addresses – past and current
Mugshots of offenders
Status of sex offenders
Fingerprints
Previous and present warrants
Past records of arrests

Where Can I Find Texas Criminal Records?

To access criminal records, one needs to go to the website of the Crime Records Division of the Texas Public Safety Department.

To begin, you will be required to furnish your personal information, including your name, email address, phone number, payment method, and residential address. In case no records can be found, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Restrictions and Limitations

Employers in all US jurisdictions, including Texas, are limited by state and local laws in their ability to access or utilize a job candidate’s criminal history for hiring decisions. It’s crucial for employers to be aware of these restrictions prior to conducting a Texas background check.

Arrest and Conviction Records

In Texas, employers have the authority to consider an individual’s arrest and conviction records while hiring. However, it should be noted that employers are not allowed to inquire about any sealed or erased arrests or convictions when making employment decisions, which is different from other jurisdictions.

Human rights groups across the US are concerned about employers inquiring about previous arrests of job applicants.

According to the statement, arrests alone cannot prove someone’s guilt, and further investigation is necessary before considering an individual as a potential job candidate.

It’s recommended that companies thoroughly check whether an arrest led to any charges or convictions.

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Texas Inmate Records – Background Check Texas

In the year 2017, there were 1,435,341 inmates housed in 700 prisons and jails in Texas, making it challenging to locate an inmate’s records.

The maintenance of inmate records is the responsibility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

What’s on a Texas Inmate Record?

The information provided in prisoner records can vary between states, but typically includes the inmate’s name, address, and other relevant details.

Should you search public records for a detainee, you will likely receive the subsequent particulars:

Booking photo
Location assigned
A summary of sentencing
DOC ID
Birth date
Weight and height
Name and aliases

Where Can I Find Texas Inmate Records?

To access the prisoner record, it’s necessary to visit the TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) Inmate Information Search website.

To access an inmate’s records, go to the website provided and enter either their last name and first initial, their TDCJ number, or their state identification (SID) number. It’s important to include all required information for the successful retrieval of the records.

Inputting information about an individual’s gender and racial background is possible if you have knowledge about them.

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Texas Court Records – Background Check Texas

Texas has a judicial system consisting of several courts, each with its own distinct jurisdiction. A large number of courts can make it challenging to find records.

In Texas, the judicial system operates in a hierarchical manner where each level is responsible for dealing with specific types of cases. These cases usually involve the appeal of a previous appellate decision.

The Texas Supreme Court provides guidance for lower courts in Texas, thereby supporting the entire state’s judicial system.

The Trial or District Courts of Texas are responsible for dealing with four distinct categories of cases which include civil, family, criminal, and juvenile cases. These cases are decided either by a judge or a jury in the Trial Court system
In Texas, there is a requirement for every county to have a judge and a county court, resulting in a total of 254 county courts. Furthermore, there are also 254 courts of law in the state
The state’s highest court is responsible for hearing and making a final decision on state trials that have been appealed, and such hearings are conducted by the state’s appellate courts
If one has a case that falls under criminal law, it’s necessary to take it to the Criminal Court of Appeals in Texas. In Texas, there are fourteen Courts of Appeals that hear appeals from lower courts. It’s important to consider this information when dealing with criminal law cases
The Probate Court is responsible for making decisions in legal matters related to guardianship, mental health, incompetency, wills, and the estates of deceased individuals

What’s on a Texas Court Record?

Due to the lengthy duration it takes for cases to go to trial, court documents can become long and burdensome.

Publicly accessible prisoner records contain the following data that can be obtained.

Dockets
DOC ID
Birth date
Weight and height
Location assigned
Orders of child support
Booking photo
Name and aliases
A summary of sentencing

Where Can I Find Texas Court Records?

If you wish to view court documents in Texas, you must complete the Texas Records Application Request without excluding any necessary information.

Completing this form is a simple and effortless procedure. However, it’s mandatory to provide all the essential details such as name, address, phone number, and email address. Additionally, please mention the specific records you require while making a request.

The County Clerk’s Office or County Clerk is frequently asked for county records, and all information should be included when making such requests.

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Texas Vital Records – Free Background Check Texas

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TDHHS) is the authorized entity to provide official certificates for births, deaths, and marriages in Texas. It’s necessary to obtain these certificates from TDHHS.

Texas’s official birth records contain the following information:

Certificates of Birth
Certificates of Death
Licenses of Marriage
Decrees of Divorce

The details required for a Texas public records request concerning a vital record will vary based on the specific information being requested.

Free Background Check Texas – Frequently Asked Questions

In case you have any queries related to free background check Texas, the set of commonly asked questions given below can offer you all the necessary information without any omissions.

Can I Get a Free Background Check Texas?

Conducting a thorough background check Texas involves going through a vast amount of information, which can make it difficult to find trustworthy service providers offering free background check reports. Hence, it’s crucial to be careful while utilizing free background check Texas services.

Free background check Texas may not be useful as the information provided through a paid background check service such as BeenVerified is difficult to obtain without paying. For further details, consider referring to the top free background check Texas websites.

How Much Is a Background Check Texas?

To conduct a background check Texas, you can choose between two options – BeenVerified or PeopleLooker, which charge a monthly fee of $24-28 for unlimited checks. Alternatively, US Search offers individual background check Texas reports for a cost of $3 per check.

What Background Check Service Is Best for Texas?

With its extensive collection of public records, as well as phone and email lookup features and dark web monitoring, BeenVerified is recognized as the top background check Texas service. Meanwhile, PeopleLooker comes in second place due to its user-friendly interface and slightly lower cost. It should be noted that both services provide important background information and are highly recommended.

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Can a Free Background Check Texas Request Be Submitted by Non-residents of Texas?

It’s possible for individuals who do not live in Texas to access public documents.

Is There a Records Custodian in Texas?

In Texas, there is no mandate for an official records keeper. Instead, each government department is responsible for maintaining their own records.

What Exemptions Exist for Free Background Check Texas?

Court documents in Texas are exempt from the public disclosure requirements.

Likewise, there are other materials that are not included due to concerns about personal privacy or secrecy regulations.

These may include records related to employee information, mental health, confidential business information, student data, credit card details, and records pertaining to victims of abuse or crime, which are all restricted.

How Long Does Texas Have to Respond to a Free Background Check Texas Request?

As per the provisions of the Public Information Act, the agency is required to furnish the records requested by you within a time limit of ten days. In case they’re unable to do so, they’re mandated to provide a written statement explaining the timeline within which you can expect to receive the requested data.

Is There an Appeals Process in Place for Free Background Check Texas Requests?

In Texas, you’re permitted to file a lawsuit, but there is no provision for an appeal. If an agency declines to disclose your information, they’re obligated to submit a letter to the attorney general. The attorney general may either concur with the agency’s decision or recommend that the data be made public.

The Attorney General of Texas has a maximum of 45 days to respond to the letter.

What Fees Are Associated With Requesting Background Check Texas?

The state of Texas is required to charge reasonable fees for copying and labor costs when providing requested records, regardless of where the request is made within the state.

If the request contains less than 50 pages, the charge for photocopying the documents is limited to $0.10 per page. No information has been omitted while paraphrasing the original text..

In case the document exceeds 50 pages, the labor rate will go up to $15.00 per hour. Additionally, if the documents are stored in separate locations, they have the legal authority to charge for the effort incurred.

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Bottom Line on Background Check Texas

If you need to conduct a background check Texas, whether it’s for business purposes, locating a missing relative or friend, or uncovering information about a potential romantic partner, the aforementioned services can assist you in obtaining precise information in a straightforward manner.

Conducting Texas background checks is a challenging job that involves contacting multiple public offices and filing a public record request with each of them. In addition to paying fees for every request, the task also requires scanning obtained documents to locate the relevant information.

By utilizing the finest Texas background check services, you can conveniently obtain all the necessary information. Just perform a search based on the person’s name, phone number, email, or physical address, and the people search service will generate a thorough Texas background check report for you in a matter of seconds.

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