Illinois Background Checks
Background screenings in Illinois are the investigation of criminal, credit, financial and federal public records of an individual. Government agencies or private organizations are usually responsible for these types of inquiries into the background of a future employee or tenant.
Individuals may also require an IL personal background report in order to make sure that it is accurate and to correct any discrepancies that may cause affect them negatively in the future.
How To Get A Background Check
IL background reports can be requested either in person or online. Most requestors can skip a trip to an Illinois State Police (ISP) office and conduct instant background searches online from a computer or mobile device.
Ordering an Illinois Background Check Online
Learning how to get a background check online in IL is easy, as applicants need only provide a few identifying details in order to complete the request form. To conduct an Illinois personal background search on an individual, gather the following personal details about your subject including his or her:
- First and last name.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security Number.
Who needs a background check?
Background investigations in Illinois are conducted on individuals applying for some type of position, service or privilege. Most often, background check services are utilized by institutions — both private and public — during the process of hiring an employee or renting property to a tenant.
Other types of applicants who need to get a background check in IL include those for Firearm Owner’s Identification Cards (FOID) and potential foster or adoptive parents.
Renters
Property management companies or landlords may require potential tenants to complete an Illinois renter background check when submitting an application for a lease on a house or apartment.
The property owner has the right to request a rental background investigation in order to determine whether an applicant has a criminal background or any past evictions. Records such as these may indicate to a landlord the level of financial responsibility the tenant has and whether or not he or she can be entrusted to maintain their rented accommodations.
In order to fix any issue with your renters background screening in IL, order an online copy of your own personal background check before starting your rental search.
Employees
Background checks for employment in IL is a common procedure employers follow to screen potential job candidates. Illinois employee background checks investigate individuals to verify their work history and education and to determine if they have a criminal history.
It is a good idea to obtain a copy of your own background investigation before attending an interview if you think there may be items there that could disqualify you from the type of employment you seek.
EMS/First Responders
All EMS and first responders must submit to a medical background check in Illinois run by the company they are applying for a position with. Conducting a EMS background check uncovers any criminal actions or financial circumstances.
It is the employer’s duty to ensure the safety of the public and to screen for candidates that reveal poor judgement to dismiss them from consideration for a position as an emergency medical worker.
Care Givers
An IL complete background search can help families feel more secure entrusting the care of a child, elderly or disabled person to a stranger. A full background check is an invaluable tool families can use to help choose the most responsible and trustworthy caregiver possible.
Managers
Ordering background checks for jobs is a smart idea for job seekers in order for them to see what a potential employer might find. Illinois company background checks ask for a background report as part of the interview process.
In most cases, institutions perform an employment history check along with a criminal record check to help narrow their applicant pool to those that demonstrate a history of being able to handle the responsibilities of a managerial position.
When You Will Need a Background Check
An Illinois background screening is often required at some point to obtain a particular service or privilege. The most common reasons individuals require a background report include the following:
- To apply for employment with a public or private agency organization.
- To apply for a rental property.
- To obtain an Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID).
- To apply to be a foster or adoptive parent.
- To obtain a hazardous materials endorsement on an IL commercial drivers license.
The Difference Between Standard and Criminal Background Checks
The two types of Illinois background reports that are routinely conducted on individuals include criminal history reports and a financial history reports. Criminal record searches scan state or national crime databases to find out if an applicant has any history of arrests or convictions.
The financial history check portion of an IL background report will include details such as an individual’s credit score and credit standing.
Note: The Illinois Employee Credit Privacy Act protects prospective employees from having their credit history information used against them in the hiring process. The results of a credit check may not be used by institutions to make employment decisions.