The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) maintains the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which is a national database of criminal justice information. The database contains criminal history information, along with a listing of missing persons and wanted fugitives. In certain instances, a background check, can be requested from the FBI

Usually a FBI background check involves searching the database to determine if a person has a criminal record. Since the database contains crimes throughout the United States, it is a comprehensive criminal background check. A criminal history check may be required for employment, enrollment in school and to hold certain government offices.

If a subject undergoing a FBI background check has a criminal record, the date of the arrest and criminal charges are listed in the database. Various types of crimes are on the national database, including sex offenses, property crimes and drug offenses. Felonies and serious misdemeanors are included in the database. Minor misdemeanor offenses, such as moving violations, are not part of the database and do not show up on a FBI check.

When an individual is arrested, he or she is fingerprinted. The fingerprints are sent to the NCIC from the arresting law enforcement agency. When a FBI background check is requested, the fingerprints of the subject are run through the database to determine prior arrests.

The FBI is authorized to provide criminal history background checks for certain employers and certain types of employment. For example, certain government agencies, such as the Department of Justice, require employees to have a check. The FBI can also release criminal background information when an applicant is required to have a check by law, such as employees working with children.

Private employers may request a FBI background check. However, state laws determine what type of agency is authorized to request a background check. Individuals are allowed to obtain a copy of their own background check. Employers who are not legally authorized to request directly from the FBI, may ask an employee to request their own background check and turn it in to the employer.

There are additional reasons a FBI background check may be needed. Many international adoption agencies require applicants to undergo a background check. Local law enforcement agencies may request information from the database to determine if an individual has any arrests in another jurisdiction.

Anyone who wants to obtain their own FBI background check must first get fingerprinted to prove their identity. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the sheriffs department, may do fingerprints for background checks. A letter requesting a background check for personal review is required along with a fee. The processing time may take four weeks.