When it comes to hiring, small businesses and HR managers need a screening option that digs deeper while staying cost-effective. At National Crime Search (NCS), our Enhanced Background Check builds on the Essential package — offering broader criminal record coverage and multiple county-level verifications to give you the most comprehensive search possible.
For $64.95, the Enhanced Background Check provides:
- Social Security Number (SSN) Trace
- Multi-State Criminal Database Search (includes OFAC and National Sex Offender Registry checks)
- Up to 3 County Criminal Searches (based on the applicant’s address history)
- Up to 3 County Courthouse Verifications to confirm any Multi-State Database hits
Nationwide median turnaround time: just 38 minutes
SSN Trace: The Foundation of the Search
The Social Security Number (SSN) Trace checks databases to confirm that the SSN is valid, and reveals address history. This address history is essential — it determines which counties we search in-depth, ensuring that criminal records tied to past residences don’t slip through the cracks.
👉 For a detailed explanation of how this works, see our blog: What is an SSN Trace?
Multi-State Criminal Database Search: Broad Coverage
This search scans criminal records from across the country, including:
- State and county court records
- Department of Corrections records
- Sex Offender Registries
- OFAC and other security watchlists
While it offers wide coverage, not every jurisdiction contributes records to a national database. That’s why the Enhanced package doesn’t stop here — it pairs the database search with county courthouse verification and address-based county searches.
👉 For more detail, see our blog: What is a Multi-State Criminal Database Search?
County Criminal Searches: Targeted Local Accuracy
Using the SSN Trace’s address history, we search up to three counties where the applicant has lived in the past 7 years. County courthouse searches are one of the most reliable ways to uncover criminal records, since many cases are only stored locally and never make it into the Multi-State Database.
👉 Learn more in our blogs:
- What is a County Criminal Search?
- Why Should I Include a County Criminal Search in My Screening Process?
County Courthouse Verification Searches: Compliance You Can Trust
The Enhanced package includes up to three county courthouse verifications of possible database hits.
Here’s how charges work:
- NCS’ standard $16.95 charge for each verification is waived in the Enhanced package.
- If a county itself charges an access fee (for example, $5 in Washington County, Arkansas), that county fee is still passed through to the client.
Why is this so important? Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), criminal records found in databases must be verified directly at the courthouse before being reported. As a PBSA-accredited provider, NCS ensures you stay compliant.
Our expert court researchers confirm:
- The record belongs to your applicant
- The information is accurate, current, and legally reportable
- You remain fully FCRA-compliant
Why Choose the Enhanced Background Check?
The Enhanced package is ideal if you:
- Have an applicant that has moved in the past 7 years
- Need more comprehensive coverage than the Essential package
- Want both nationwide reach and targeted county-level accuracy
- Prefer a screening process with multiple built-in verifications for compliance
- Seek peace of mind that nothing slips through the cracks when hiring
It’s the smart choice for HR managers and small businesses who want deeper insight, verified accuracy, and compliance peace of mind — all at an affordable price.
✅ Fast, compliant, and affordable background checks—powered by real people who care.
