If you’re getting ready to apply for a job in Virginia, there’s a good chance your prospective employer will conduct a background check, either before making an offer or shortly afterward.
But do you know what might actually show up on that report?
Running a self-background check in advance helps you spot any errors, confirm the accuracy of your information, and understand exactly what employers will see.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to perform a self-background check in Virginia and highlight the key laws and steps specific to the state that you should know.
Key Takeaways
- Conducting a self-background check in Virginia can help you catch and fix mistakes, detect potential identity theft, improve how you present yourself professionally, and get ready to answer employer questions.
- In Virginia, background checks commonly include identity verification, criminal record searches, driving history, education and employment confirmation, license verification, and sometimes a review of social media activity.
- At iprospectcheck, we offer reliable personal background check services that meet the same high standards employers across Virginia rely on.
Why Run a Background Check on Yourself in Virginia?
1. Correct Mistakes Before Employers See Them
Background check reports are not always accurate. They can include outdated information, incorrect records, or even entries that belong to someone with a similar name.
By reviewing your own background report ahead of time, you have the opportunity to identify and fix issues before they affect your chances of getting hired.
2. Detect Identity Theft Early
If your identity has been compromised, your background check might show accounts or criminal activity that you do not recognize.
Running a personal background check allows you to spot these problems early, begin resolving them, and inform potential employers if necessary.
3. Evaluate Your Online Presence
Before applying for jobs, take time to assess your social media profiles from a professional perspective.
In Virginia, employers often review public social media accounts. Even posts that seem harmless or personal could raise concerns.
iprospectcheck’s social media screening helps identify content that might be outdated, inappropriate, or inconsistent with your professional image.
Cleaning up your online presence ensures that you present yourself in the best possible light.
4. Be Ready for Interview Questions
Employers may ask about details from your background check during interviews.
Knowing what is in your report ahead of time allows you to prepare honest and thoughtful responses.
This preparation helps you stay composed and respond with confidence during the hiring process.
What Shows Up on a Personal Background Check in Virginia?
The information included in a personal background check depends on the type of job you are applying for and any legal or industry-specific requirements involved.
Most personal background reports typically contain the following key elements:
Identity Verification
The first step in a background check is confirming your identity.
Companies like iprospectcheck use this process to make sure the records being searched actually belong to you and not to someone with a similar name.
Accurate identity verification is essential to ensuring the results are reliable.
Criminal History
A Virginia criminal background check can include searches of national criminal databases, state-maintained records, federal criminal records, and county-level court files.
These checks often focus on places where you have lived or worked during the past seven years.
Depending on the position, your report may include pending charges, misdemeanors, or felony convictions.
However, sealed or expunged records, non-conviction arrests, and certain older offenses are usually not included.
Most background reports follow a seven-year timeframe based on the date of conviction, parole, or release.
Social Media Analysis
A social media check looks at your publicly available posts, comments, and photos across popular platforms.
The results are compiled into a summary that reflects what an employer could find when reviewing your online presence during the hiring process.
Get Your Personal Background Check Today!
How to Run a Background Check on Yourself in Virginia
Option 1: Do-It-Yourself Search
You can gather your own background records by using official sources in Virginia and at the federal level. Here are some helpful options:
- Virginia Criminal History Records – Request a copy of your state-level criminal background check through the Virginia State Police. Use the Criminal History Records Check process to access details about arrests and convictions tracked by the state. Keep in mind that this may not include every county or out-of-state record.
- Local Court Records – Many employers review court records from the cities or counties where you have lived or worked. You can search these records through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System or by contacting the clerk’s office in the relevant locality.
- Driving Record – If the position involves operating a vehicle, your driving history may be reviewed. You can request a copy of your driving record from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to check for past violations, suspensions, or other concerns.
- Federal Court Records – Some employers check for civil or criminal cases filed in federal court. You can search your federal court history by subscribing to the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) and running a name-based search.
- Sex Offender Registry – This is often included in broader background checks. To confirm that your name is not incorrectly listed, search your name using the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry, as well as the National Sex Offender Public Website.
- Social Media and Internet Presence – Use search engines to look up your own name and check the visibility of your social media profiles. Employers in Virginia may review publicly available content, so make sure your online presence reflects the image you want to present.
- Education Verification – Reach out to the schools, colleges, or certification programs you attended and request official transcripts or confirmation of your degree or coursework.
- Employment Verification – Contact your former employers to confirm your job titles, dates of employment, and responsibilities. If your past employers use third-party verification services, you may need to follow their specific process.
Pros:
- Low or no cost
- Access to original government sources
- Full control over the process
Cons:
- Can be time-intensive
- Some records may require authorization or credentials to access
- Interpreting the results may be challenging
- Final report may not resemble employer-facing formats
Best For:
Virginia job seekers who are comfortable doing their own research and want to review their background without spending much.
Option 2: Order a Personal Background Check from iprospectcheck
For a more convenient and professional approach, you can order a personal background check directly from iprospectcheck.
We provide FCRA-compliant reports that reflect what many Virginia employers rely on during the hiring process.
Pros:
- Detailed, professional-level reports
- Reviewed and compiled by trained screening experts
- Quick results
- Secure, private digital access
- Clean and easy-to-read formatting
- Strong data security protocols
Cons:
- Requires payment for services
- Personal information must be provided to verify identity
Best For:
Anyone looking for a reliable, accurate background report without spending time tracking down records on their own.
How to Get Started:
Visit our secure platform and enter your full legal name, any previous names, your Social Security number, and a complete address history.
Once your report is generated, take time to review it for accuracy.
If you notice any errors, such as incorrect criminal records or inaccurate job history, contact us for guidance.
To correct criminal records in Virginia, you may also need to reach out to the Virginia State Police or the appropriate local court for assistance.
Get a Personal Background Check in Virginia with iprospectcheck
Checking your own background before applying to jobs in Virginia gives you the chance to spot mistakes, correct outdated details, and prepare for anything that might come up during the hiring process.
At iprospectcheck, we offer reliable, employer-level personal background checks for individuals throughout Virginia and nationwide.
Order your report today and take the next step in your job search with confidence, knowing exactly what employers are likely to 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 Virginia Cost?
At iprospectcheck, we offer several personal background check packages in Virginia:
- Basic Personal Background Check – starting at $39.95
- Employer-Level Background Check – starting at $59.95
- Executive Premium Package – starting at $99.95
Please note that court access fees and optional add-ons, such as education or professional license verification, are not included in the base price and may be added depending on your needs.
We also offer a Social Media Analysis Report as a separate service for $49.95.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Background Check in Virginia?
Most background reports ordered through iprospectcheck are completed within one hour.
However, if your report involves multiple counties, out-of-state records, or third-party verifications, it may take longer, sometimes up to 30 days, depending on how quickly agencies respond.
Do Expunged Records Show Up on a Background Check in Virginia?
Generally, expunged or sealed records in Virginia do not appear on background checks used by most private employers.
However, certain agencies, such as law enforcement, licensing boards, or employers in regulated industries, may still be able to access those records in specific situations.
If you are applying for a job that requires a professional license or involves working with vulnerable populations, it’s a good idea to check with the relevant agency about what may be reviewed.
How Far Back Do Background Checks Go in Virginia?
In Virginia, criminal convictions can typically be reported no matter how long ago they occurred, unless the record has been sealed or expunged.
At iprospectcheck our standard scope of searches is 7 years. We report felony and misdemeanor convictions consistent with federal and state law.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), non-conviction details like arrests or civil lawsuits are usually limited to a seven-year reporting period for jobs paying less than $75,000 annually.
Some industries, such as healthcare, finance, education, and public safety, may require deeper background checks due to state or federal compliance standards.
