Self background check guide
How to Run a Background Check on Yourself
See exactly what landlords and employers see — before they do. Free and paid methods, what each covers, and how to fix errors.
Running a background check on yourself is one of the smartest things you can do before applying for a rental or a job. It lets you see exactly what will appear on your report — and fix any errors before they cost you an opportunity.
You have a legal right to your own background check information. Under the FCRA, you can request a free copy of your consumer report from any consumer reporting agency once every 12 months. Here's how to do it.
How to check your own background
Request your free annual credit report
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized site — to get free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This covers your credit history, which appears on tenant and employment background checks.
Check your criminal record at state court portals
Search your state's court portal for your own name. This shows what criminal records are publicly accessible in that state. Repeat for any state where you've lived.
Search the national sex offender registry
Search nsopw.gov for your own name to confirm no erroneous entries exist. Mistaken identity entries do occur and can be disputed.
Order a consumer disclosure from a CRA
Under the FCRA, you can request a free consumer disclosure from any consumer reporting agency. This shows the same data a landlord or employer would see. Contact the CRA directly to request your file.
Run a full paid self-check
The fastest way to see exactly what a landlord or employer sees is to run the same report they would run. Paid self-checks return in minutes and cover criminal, credit, and eviction history in one place.
What to look for in your own background check
Incorrect criminal records
Mistaken identity is the most common background check error. Verify that any criminal records match your exact name, date of birth, and address history — not someone with a similar name.
Outdated information
Expunged or sealed records should not appear. If they do, you have the right to dispute them with the consumer reporting agency.
Credit report errors
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates 1 in 5 credit reports contains an error. Check for accounts you don't recognize, incorrect balances, and accounts that should be closed.
Eviction records
Eviction records can appear even if the case was dismissed or you won. Verify that any eviction entries are accurate and that dismissed cases are correctly labeled.
Address history accuracy
Incorrect address history can cause identity mismatches. Verify that all listed addresses are places you actually lived.
How to dispute errors in your background check
- 1
Identify the error and gather documentation (court records, account statements, ID documents).
- 2
Contact the consumer reporting agency in writing. Include your full name, address, the specific item you're disputing, and why it's incorrect.
- 3
The CRA must investigate within 30 days and correct or delete inaccurate information.
- 4
If the error originated with the data furnisher (a court, lender, or employer), dispute directly with them as well.
If you were denied housing or employment based on a background check, you are entitled to a free copy of the report under the FCRA. Contact the consumer reporting agency that prepared it.
See your full background check report
The same report landlords and employers run. Credit, criminal, and eviction history. Results in minutes.
FCRA-compliant. No monthly fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a background check on myself for free?
Yes — you can check your credit report free at AnnualCreditReport.com, search state court portals for criminal records, and request a free consumer disclosure from any consumer reporting agency once per year under the FCRA.
Does running a background check on yourself hurt your credit?
No. Checking your own credit report is a 'soft inquiry' and does not affect your credit score. Only 'hard inquiries' from lenders affect your score.
What shows up on a background check for renting?
Tenant background checks typically include: criminal history (felonies, misdemeanors, sex offender status), credit history (score, payment history, collections), eviction records, and SSN verification.
How do I get a copy of my background check?
Request a consumer disclosure from the consumer reporting agency that prepared the report. Under the FCRA, you're entitled to a free copy if you were denied housing or employment based on the report, or once per year on request.
How long does information stay on a background check?
Most criminal records: 7 years (some states longer). Felony convictions: often indefinitely. Bankruptcies: 7–10 years. Evictions: 7 years. Credit negative items: 7 years. Sex offender registration: varies by state and offense.
Can I dispute a background check error?
Yes. Under the FCRA, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information with the consumer reporting agency. They must investigate within 30 days and correct or delete inaccurate items.