Many companies and individuals now want to learn more about the people they are about to hire or get involved with. Doing FBI background checks will give you the criminal history record of any individual. This is a list of information on the person including fingerprints that were taken as well as number of arrests. FBI background checks will also include the date or dates of arrest and the arrest charge.

FBI background checks are requested by many different individuals for a variety of reasons:

1. A person may want to check information to make sure they have a clean record
2. A person may want to challenge information on their record
3. International adoption
4. In order to satisfy a requirement to live or work in a foreign country

Some people actually request a background check on themselves before they look for employment. This allows them to see what, if anything, is on there so they can clear it up if it is wrong information. FBI background checks are pretty accurate but not infallible.

To request a copy of your record you must include the following:

1. A cover letter – The cover letter must be signed and include your current and complete mailing address. If you have a deadline, for example regarding immigration, then you have to include the deadline date in your letter and on the outside of the envelope very visible and in plain sight.

2. Proof of identity – For FBI background checks you must include your name, date and place of birth as well as a full set of fingerprints. This must be included and must be taken by a fingerprint technician which can be available through your local law enforcement agency.

3. Include an $18 money order or certified check which has to be made payable to the Treasury of the United States. Also, if you prefer, you can use a credit card. But do not sent cash and no personal checks are allowed.

4. Mail it all to:
FBI CJIS Division – Record Request
1000 Cluster Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306

Getting the records from FBI background checks can be a tedious process. Nowadays similiar searches can be done online. One service we recommend is Instant Background Reports. You can try their search out below.