Federal vs State Scope
An FBI background check searches the national criminal database (NCIC/III) maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, covering federal offenses across all jurisdictions. A state background check searches criminal records within a specific state's court system.
Neither search is a complete substitute for the other. Federal offenses may not appear in state databases, and some state-level offenses may not be reported to the FBI database.
When You Need an FBI Check
FBI background checks are typically required for government employment, positions of trust (childcare, education), professional licensing (healthcare, finance), security clearances, and immigration proceedings.
They're also valuable when you need nationwide coverage and the subject has lived in multiple states, as searching each state individually would be time-consuming and expensive.
When a State Check Suffices
For many employment screening and tenant verification purposes, a state-level check is sufficient and faster — especially if the subject has lived primarily in one state. State checks also tend to include more detail on local offenses.
For comprehensive due diligence, we recommend combining both: an FBI check for national coverage plus state checks in the subject's primary states of residence for maximum detail.
| Feature | FBI Background Check | State Background Check |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All 50 states + federal | Single state |
| Federal Crimes | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included |
| Local Detail | Less detailed | More detailed |
| Turnaround | 5-7 business days | 1-3 business days |
| Price | $195 | $50-75 |
| Required For | Government, licensing | Employment, tenant screening |