Background Checks
NCS makes navigating Iowa background checks easier! Whether you work in food production, manufacturing, life insurance and annuities, farm supplies, agriculture, or a different industry, background checks are a critical part of the hiring process.
Accessing Criminal Records
In Iowa, both public and private employers may legally review an applicant’s criminal history—including conviction records—during the pre-employment screening process.
NCS makes it easy to read and interpret reports that include convictions and serious pending cases related to your applicant.
Employers may not:
- Ask about expunged records
- Access sealed or dropped/dismissed charges
- Require disclosure of expunged convictions
- Penalize candidates for expunged misdemeanors
Expungement Law:
Since 2019, individuals with certain misdemeanor convictions may petition for expungement if:
- At least 8 years have passed
- There are no pending charges
- All court fines and fees are paid
Expunged misdemeanors will not appear on background checks and do not need to be disclosed to employers.
Healthcare Employers
Healthcare providers must:
- Conduct fingerprint-based criminal background checks (via the Bureau of Criminal Identification)
- Perform abuse/neglect registry checks through the Department of Human Services
- Hospitals must conduct background checks on all prospective employees
Law Enforcement & Security Employers
Law enforcement and security agencies are required to conduct:
- State and federal fingerprint-based background checks
Iowa
Criminal History
Choose from comprehensive and affordable pre-employment screening packages. Additional services are available to enhance your screening.
Recommended Packages
- Essential
- Enhanced
- Expanded
- Motor Vehicle Reports
- Employment Credit Reports
- Education Verification
- Employment Verification
- And much more
Also available:
Volunteer Screening
Tenant Screening
Continuous Monitoring
With Continuous Monitoring, employers are alerted to new arrests, pending cases, or convictions that occur after an applicant is hired.
Employers must follow EEOC guidance, FCRA requirements, and Title VII standards. Disqualification decisions must be justified based on job relevance and properly documented.
What May Be Reported on a Record
- Charge
- Charge degree (e.g., misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge date
- Filing date
- Disposition
- Disposition date
- County of offense
- Sentence
How Far Back Do Records Go?
National Crime Search reports all convictions within 7 years.
Drug Screening
Employees can easily schedule drug tests at a location and time of their choice. DOT and random testing options are available.
Electronic Form I-9 & E-Verify Management
NCS provides a streamlined solution for managing I-9 forms and instantly retrieving E-Verify results.
Ban the Box Policies – Iowa
The City of Waterloo enforces a ban-the-box ordinance prohibiting inquiries into criminal history on job applications. Employers must wait until a conditional offer is extended.
Navigate State Background Checks and Compliance with NCS
Enjoy an efficient, compliant, and informed hiring process with National Crime Search’s background screening services.
Let us help you meet your HR needs confidently and remain compliant with Iowa laws.
