Background Checks
NCS makes navigating Washington background checks easier! Whether you work in aerospace, agriculture and food manufacturing, forestry, technology, maritime, life sciences, tourism, or another industry, background checks are a critical part of the hiring process.
Accessing Criminal Records
In Washington, employers—both public and private—are allowed to inquire into an applicant’s criminal history as part of the pre-employment screening process, including conviction records.
NCS provides clear and comprehensive background reports that highlight convictions and serious pending cases related to your applicant.
Employers may not:
- Ask about or consider expunged records
- Access sealed charges or dropped/dismissed arrests
- Require disclosure of expunged arrests or convictions
- Request changes to social media privacy settings
- Require candidates to share social media credentials
Credit Report Restrictions:
Employers are restricted from requesting credit reports unless the information is:
- Substantially related to job duties
- Required by state or federal law
Social Media Protections:
Washington’s social media law prevents employers from demanding access or visibility into applicants’ personal accounts, except under specific circumstances (e.g., workplace misconduct investigations).
Washington
Criminal History Services
We provide thorough and affordable screening solutions. Select one of our featured packages or enhance your screening with optional services.
Recommended Packages
- Essential
- Enhanced
- Expanded
- National Quick Check + Single State (Washington)
- Motor Vehicle Reports
- Employment Credit Reports
- Education Verification
- Employment Verification
- And much more
Also available:
Volunteer Screening
Tenant Screening
Continuous Monitoring
With Continuous Monitoring, you’ll be notified of any new arrests, charges, or convictions after employment.
Hiring decisions involving arrest records must align with EEOC guidance, FCRA regulations, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Any decision to disqualify based on criminal history should be relevant to job duties and documented at each step.
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 occurred
- Sentence
How Far Back Do Records Go?
We report all convictions within the last 7 years.
Drug Screening
Schedule drug tests quickly at a preferred collection site. DOT and random testing are also available.
Electronic Form I-9 & E-Verify Management
Our system makes it easy to fill out and securely store Form I-9s, with E-Verify results returned instantly.
Ban the Box Policies – Washington
The Washington Fair Chance Act applies to both public and private employers across the state. Employers may only inquire about criminal records after determining the candidate is otherwise qualified.
Additional local jurisdictions with ban-the-box laws include:
- Pierce County
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Spokane County
- Tacoma
Navigate State Background Checks and Compliance with NCS
Experience a streamlined, compliant hiring process with National Crime Search’s expert criminal background checks.
Let us help you meet your HR goals with confidence and compliance.
