State Background Check – Virginia
In addition to other indispensable parts of the background screening process, a state background check gathers all available records of an applicant’s criminal history—even if they’ve lived in several jurisdictions within a state.
Please view our Services & Pricing page to view our products, pricing, and turnaround times.
Background Checks
NCS makes hiring easy for our Virginia customers! Whether you work in health care, retail, tourism, tobacco or other agriculture, banking, or another industry, background checks are a critical part of the hiring process.
Accessing Criminal Records
In Virginia, it is legal for all private and most public employers to conduct inquiries about an applicant’s criminal history during the pre-employment screening process, including reviewing conviction records. However, employers are prohibited from making hiring decisions based solely on arrest records.
NCS makes reading reports easy. Our criminal background checks report convictions and serious pending cases that belong to your applicant.
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We offer cost-effective background screening solutions.
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Criminal History Packages
Our services have you covered with comprehensive, affordable pre-employment screening services. Choose one of our featured criminal history packages and add optional individual services.
Recommended Packages
- Essential
- Enhanced
- Expanded
- Motor Vehicle Reports
- Employment Credit Reports
- Education Verification
- Employment Verification
- And much more…
Volunteer Screening and Tenant Screening packages are also available.
Continuous Monitoring
We now offer Continuous Monitoring to stay on top of applicants’ criminal records after hiring. New arrests, pending cases, and convictions will be reported.
Employers must thoughtfully consider EEOC recommendations and FCRA anti-discrimination guidelines before disqualifying a candidate. Any disqualification should be documented and based on the relevancy of the conviction to the job.
What May Be Reported on a Record
- Charge
- Charge degree (e.g., misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge date
- Filing date
- Disposition
- Disposition date
- County where the offense took place
- Sentence
How Far Back Do Records Go?
National Crime Search reports all convictions within 7 years.
Drug Screening
In Virginia, employers may not inquire about arrests, charges, or convictions related to marijuana possession. (This does not apply to distribution-related charges.)
Employees can schedule their drug screen at a convenient collection site. DOT testing and random testing options are available.
Electronic Form I-9 & E-Verify Management
NCS can help you comply with Virginia law using our easy-to-use online I-9 and E-Verify system.
Ban the Box Policies – State, Municipal and County
Virginia enforces a ban-the-box law that prohibits public sector employers from asking candidates about criminal history before the initial interview. Exceptions include roles in law enforcement, school boards, and other sensitive positions.
Municipalities and counties that also enforce ban-the-box for the public sector include:
- Alexandria
- Arlington County
- Fairfax County
- Henry County
- Blacksburg
- Montgomery County
- Norfolk County
- Danville
- Prince William County
- Roanoke County
- Harrisonburg
- Virginia Beach
Employers should remain aware of case-by-case regulatory differences across these regions.
Social Media Background Check Law
While social media screening is allowed, Virginia prohibits employers from:
- Requesting applicants’ or employees’ social media usernames or passwords
- Requiring individuals to add the employer as a contact on social media
Navigate State Background Checks and Compliance with NCS
Enjoy an expedited, compliant, and informed hiring process with National Crime Search’s comprehensive Criminal Background Checks.
Contact us today to learn how our services can integrate seamlessly with your HR needs and help you hire confidently.
