background check california guide for residents and employers

A California background check verifies identity, criminal history, and job-related records to help evaluate trust and safety without overreaching. Whether you are hiring, volunteering, or applying for housing, it is important to know what can be reviewed and your rights under state and federal law.

What appears on a report

In California, consumer reporting agencies generally limit criminal record reporting to seven years, and they do not include arrests that did not lead to conviction, sealed or expunged matters, or most older minor marijuana offenses.

• Criminal searches: county, statewide repository, and relevant federal records
• Verification: prior employment, education, professional licenses
• Driving: DMV records for roles involving vehicles

Rules and consent

Employers must provide clear written disclosure and obtain consent before screening, follow adverse action steps if they might deny a role, and wait until after a conditional offer under the Fair Chance Act to ask about convictions.

Common concerns

If a record appears inaccurate, you can dispute the report and request a free copy. Agencies must investigate promptly and correct errors.

How to prepare

Review your own records, gather proof of rehabilitation, and be ready to explain job-related context with honesty and specifics.