If you’re preparing to apply for a job in New York, whether you’re in NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, or anywhere else in the state, there’s a strong chance your future employer will conduct a background check during the hiring process.
But do you know what might show up?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to run a self-background check in New York, verify that your records are correct, identify any mistakes, and get a clear picture of what employers are likely to see.
Key Takeaways
- Running a background check on yourself can give you a valuable edge in the hiring process. It helps you catch errors in your records, detect signs of identity theft, clean up your digital footprint, get ready for interview questions, and prove you’re a legitimate candidate.
- In New York, background checks often cover identity verification, criminal history, driving records, employment and education history, professional license status, and occasionally your social media activity.
- At iprospectcheck, we provide secure, accurate self-background check services that follow the same standards employers across New York rely on.
Why Run a Background Check on Yourself in New York?
1. Correct Errors Before Employers Do
Background checks aren’t always flawless. They can include outdated details, mix you up with someone else who has a similar name, or list incorrect information.
Checking your own background in advance allows you to catch and correct these mistakes before they potentially derail your job search.
2. Catch Identity Theft Early
If someone has misused your personal information, you might see unfamiliar accounts or legal issues in your background report.
Running a self-check helps you catch these problems early, start the correction process, and explain the situation to employers if necessary.
3. Clean Up Your Social Media Presence
Before you start applying for jobs, it’s wise to see what’s visible on your public social media accounts.
In New York, many employers review social media during the hiring process, and even harmless-looking posts could raise concerns.
With iprospectcheck’s social media screening tools, you can identify and remove content that might appear unprofessional.
4. Get Ready for Interview Questions
Employers may ask about something they find in your background report.
If you’ve already seen what’s in your file, you’ll be better prepared to answer questions with confidence and clarity.
Knowing your background helps you stay composed and professional when faced with sensitive topics.
5. Show You’re a Real, Trustworthy Candidate
With fake applicants and AI-generated profiles becoming more common, employers are more vigilant than ever.
Running your own background check and confirming your information is accurate shows you’re a genuine and dependable applicant.
What Appears on a Personal Background Check in New York?
The details included in a personal background check can vary depending on the type of job you’re applying for and any specific legal or industry-related requirements.
That said, most personal background reports commonly include the following:
Identity Verification
Every background check begins with confirming your identity.
At iprospectcheck, we use this step to make sure the records being reviewed actually match you, and not someone with a similar name or background.
Accurate identity verification helps ensure that your report is complete, relevant, and reliable.
Criminal History
A criminal background check in New York may pull records from national crime databases, state criminal records, federal criminal records, and county court files.
These searches usually focus on areas where you’ve lived, worked, or studied over the past seven years.
Depending on the position, your report could show pending charges, misdemeanors, or felony convictions.
Records that have been sealed, expunged, or pardoned, or that didn’t lead to a conviction, typically won’t appear.
New York also generally follows a seven-year lookback period for non-conviction information, starting from the date of conviction, release, or parole.
Social Media Screening
A social media check reviews the content of your public profiles, including posts, images, and comments, across popular social media platforms.
This type of screening highlights what a potential employer might find if they look up your online presence.
iprospectcheck provides a summary of your public social media activity so you can see how your digital footprint might be perceived by hiring teams.
Get Your Personal Background Check Today!
How to Run a Background Check on Yourself in New York
Option 1: Do-It-Yourself
You can gather your personal background information by using official resources available at the state, local, and federal levels.
Here are some key tools and records accessible to New York residents:
- New York Criminal History Records – Employers and background screening agencies must request an official Criminal History Record Search through the Office of Court Administration (OCA), which conducts a name-based search across New York’s Unified Court System. The fee for this search is $95 per name, per submission, making New York one of the more expensive jurisdictions in the country for criminal record access. This structure reflects the state’s highly centralized court system and strict control over the dissemination of criminal history information, particularly for employment-related background checks.
- County and City Court Records – Employers often review records from courts in areas where applicants have lived or worked. In New York State, access to criminal court records in most counties is centralized through the New York State Office of Court Administration, which administers statewide criminal history searches rather than relying on individual county courthouses.
- Driving Record – For roles that involve driving, your driving history may be reviewed. You can request your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to check for traffic violations, license suspensions, and other entries.
- Federal Court Records – For positions requiring a federal background review, you can access your case history by subscribing to PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), which includes civil and criminal federal filings.
- Sex Offender Registry – You can search the New York State Sex Offender Registry and the National Sex Offender Public Website to make sure your name hasn’t been mistakenly listed. These databases are frequently reviewed during background checks.
- Social Media and Online Presence – Use a search engine to see what public information is connected to your name. Review your social media profiles to ensure your public content aligns with a professional image.
- Education Verification – Contact your school, college, or training program directly to request transcripts or confirmation of graduation and credentials.
- Employment Verification – You can reach out to your former employers to confirm your job titles, dates of employment, and duties. Some employers may use third-party verification services that you may need to go through.
Pros:
- Access to official public records
- Full control over what and when you check
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming to compile all the records
- Some information may require formal requests or permissions
- Certain records may be hard to interpret without guidance
- The format may differ from what employers typically receive
Best For:
New York job seekers who want a budget-friendly option and are confident in managing the process independently.
Option 2: Order a Personal Background Check from iprospectcheck
For a faster and more convenient experience, you can order a personal background check directly from iprospectcheck.
Our reports are fully FCRA-compliant and closely resemble what many employers across New York use in their hiring processes.
Pros:
- Professionally prepared and easy to read
- Reviewed by certified screening professionals
- Fast processing and digital access
- Secure data handling and privacy protection
- Includes detailed summaries across key record categories
Cons:
- Paid service
- Requires sensitive information for verification
Best For:
Individuals who want a professional, accurate background check without the hassle of collecting and reviewing all the records themselves.
How to Get Started:
- Visit our secure online portal and provide your legal name, any former names, Social Security number, and complete address history.
- Once your report is ready, go through it carefully.
- If you notice any incorrect entries, such as an inaccurate criminal record or job listing, our support team is available to assist.
- If a correction needs to be made to an official New York record, you may also need to contact the appropriate state agency or local court.
Get a Personal Background Check with iprospectcheck
Running a background check on yourself before applying for jobs in New York gives you the chance to correct errors, update outdated details, and move through the hiring process with greater confidence.
At iprospectcheck, we provide comprehensive, employer-level personal background checks for individuals throughout New York and across the country.
Order your report today and move forward in your job search with a clear understanding of what employers might see.
DISCLAIMER: The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Consult your counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.
FAQs
How much does a personal background check in New York cost?
At iprospectcheck, we offer several self-background check packages for New York residents:
- Basic Personal Background Check – starting at $39.95
- Employer-Level Background Check – starting at $59.95
- Executive Premium Package – starting at $89.95
Please note: Some services, like education or license verifications, and county court access fees are not included in the base price and may vary by location and request.
If you want to run a personal background check that is employer quality in most of the State of New York, you will need to pay the $95.00 fee plus the cost of the background check, as our research fees are passed through to you in addition to the price of the background check.
We also offer an optional Social Media Analysis Report for $39.95.
How long does it take to receive a personal background check in New York?
Most personal background checks ordered through iprospectcheck are delivered in less than an hour.
However, if your report includes multiple jurisdictions, out-of-state records, or special verifications, the turnaround time may be longer, sometimes up to 30 days, depending on how fast the relevant agencies respond.
Will expunged records appear on a background check in New York?
In general, expunged or sealed records do not appear on employment background checks used by most private-sector employers in New York.
However, certain government agencies, schools, or healthcare employers may be permitted to view sealed information if state laws allow it.
If you’re applying for a regulated or licensed position, check with the applicable board or agency to understand what information they’re allowed to access.
How far back do background checks go in New York?
In New York, criminal convictions can be reported indefinitely unless the record has been sealed or expunged.
At iprospectcheck, our standard reports go back seven years for criminal convictions, aligning with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable New York laws.
For jobs that pay under $75,000 annually, non-conviction information, like arrests or civil suits, is also limited to a seven-year lookback period.
Roles in healthcare, finance, education, or public safety may involve extended screening to meet regulatory requirements.
What are my rights under background check laws in New York?
New York job seekers are protected by federal, state, and local laws:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Before running a background check, employers must disclose that they intend to check your background and get your written consent. If they decide not to move forward based on the results, they must follow the FCRA’s adverse action process. This includes sending you a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report, giving you a chance to respond with evidence of the information’s inaccuracy or of your rehabilitation, and a final adverse notice with a copy of your rights if they ultimately decide not to hire you.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Employers cannot use background checks in a way that discriminates based on race, religion, sex, or national origin. They’re required to ensure that any background screening is job-related and applied fairly to all candidates. If you have a conviction, the employer must evaluate it as it relates to the position for which you’ve applied before deciding against hiring you based on that information.
- Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (FCA): Federal employers and contractors can’t ask about your criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
- Changes to New York City’s Fair Chance Act: In 2021, New York City expanded its Fair Chance Act Now, employers must wait until after a conditional offer has been made to check your criminal history. They must separate background reports into two parts: non-criminal info first, then criminal records after the offer. If a conviction shows up, they must follow the Fair Chance process before deciding not to hire.
- New York State Reporting Limits: State law bars consumer reporting agencies from including non-conviction arrests (unless pending), drug or alcohol records over seven years old, civil judgments older than five years, past mental health confinements, or unconfirmed shoplifting claims. Convictions over seven years old are also excluded unless the job pays $25,000 or more.
- Article 23-A of the New York Corrections Law: Employers can’t deny you a job based on a conviction unless it directly relates to the role or poses an unreasonable safety risk. They must consider factors such as the offense, the time that has passed, your age at the time, job duties, and evidence of rehabilitation. If you’re rejected because of your record, you can request a written explanation within 30 days.
- New York Salary History Ban: Since January 2020, employers in New York can’t ask about your past salary on applications or during interviews.
- New York Clean Slate Act: Starting Nov. 16, 2027, most misdemeanor and many felony records will be sealed automatically after sentence completion and a waiting period. Sealed records won’t show up on background checks, and employers can’t ask about them or use them in hiring decisions. Serious crimes like murder or sex offenses won’t qualify for sealing.
- Local Laws:
- New York City: Employers can’t ask about criminal records on job applications. They also must do an individualized assessment under Article 23-A. NYC employers also can’t run credit checks unless the job legally requires one.
- Buffalo: Employers can’t ask about convictions on applications or before the first interview.
- Rochester: Similar to Buffalo, criminal history can’t be discussed until after the first interview.
- Albany County – Public county employers can’t ask about criminal history or conduct a pre-employment criminal background check until after making a conditional employment offer. They can only conduct criminal background checks if deemed necessary based on the job, and if they do, they must provide you with a copy.
- Dutchess County – In Dutchess County, public employers can’t ask about criminal history on their applications, employment exams, or recruitment materials.
- Ithaca – Public employers can only make criminal history inquiries if required by law, and they must wait to perform background checks until you’ve been chosen as a finalist.
- Kingston – Public employers in Kingston can’t ask about criminal history on their applications. They can ask you about it during an interview, and they must wait until the interview stage to perform a background check.
- Newburgh – Like in Kingston, public employers in Newburgh can’t ask questions about criminal history on their applications. They must wait until the interview phase to perform a background check or ask you about criminal history information.
- Suffolk County – Suffolk County’s ban the box law applies to both public employers and private employers with 15 or more employees. This law prohibits employers from inquiring about criminal history until after an interview and forbids employers from considering convictions unrelated to the job.
- Syracuse – Syracuse has a ban-the-box ordinance that applies to city employers and public contractors. This law requires public employers and contractors to wait until after a conditional job offer to conduct a background check.
- Tompkins County – Public employers in Tompkins County can’t ask about criminal history on their job applications and must wait until later in the hiring process to perform criminal background checks.
- Ulster County – Public employers in Ulster County can’t inquire about criminal history information until after an initial interview.
- Westchester County – Public employers in Westchester County can’t ask about criminal history on their job applications. If a person has a conviction, they must consider its relevance to the job, recency, and safety considerations before using it to deny employment.
- Woodstock – Public employers in Woodstock can’t ask about criminal history on job applications.
- Yonkers – Public employers in Yonkers can’t inquire about criminal history on their applications and must wait until after a conditional job offer before conducting background checks.
