How to Get a Free Copy of Your Background Report (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Amy Wells
- Jan 17
- 3 min read
Many people are surprised to learn that background screening companies maintain detailed reports about them. We’ve published a lot of information about credit reporting, particularly regarding the widely recognized credit reports from the “big three” – Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax. But background reports, often used for employment, housing, licensing, and more, can have a major impact if they contain inaccurate or outdated information.
The good news: federal law generally requires background screening companies to provide you with a free copy of your report upon request.
Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to obtaining your free background report from the top 10 background check companies. Please note that this list represents only a small sample of the industry—there many more background reporting companies operating in the United States, most of which maintain their own websites with relevant consumer contact and disclosure information.
Why You Should Request Your Background Report
To verify accuracy before applying for a job or apartment
To identify outdated or incorrect criminal records
To catch identity theft or mixed-file errors
To understand what employers or landlords may be seeing
Errors in background reports are common—and they can have serious consequences if left uncorrected.
Top 10 Background Report Companies & How to Get Your Free Report
1. Checkr
Commonly used by: Gig platforms, national employers, tech companies
Free report request:https://candidate.checkr.com
Mailing address:Checkr, Inc.1 Montgomery Street, Suite 2400San Francisco, CA 94104
2. First Advantage
Commonly used by: Large employers and staffing agencies
Free report request:https://fadv.com/consumers
Mailing address:First Advantage Corporation1 Concourse Parkway, Suite 200Atlanta, GA 30328
3. HireRight
Commonly used by: Corporate and multinational employers
Free report request:https://www.hireright.com/consumer
Mailing address:HireRight, LLC100 Centerview DriveNashville, TN 37214
4. Sterling
Commonly used by: Employers and housing providers
Free report request:https://www.sterlingcheck.com/consumers
Mailing address:Sterling Infosystems, Inc.1 State Street Plaza, 24th FloorNew York, NY 10004
5. Accurate Background
Commonly used by: Employers and staffing firms
Free report request:https://www.accurate.com/consumer
Mailing address:Accurate Background, Inc.7515 Irvine Center DriveIrvine, CA 92618
6. GoodHire
Commonly used by: Small and mid-size employers
Free report request:https://www.goodhire.com/resources/consumer-rights
Mailing address:GoodHire, Inc.257 Castro Street, Suite 400Mountain View, CA 94041
7. ESR
Commonly used by: Employers and healthcare organizations
Free report request:https://www.esrcheck.com/consumer
Mailing address:Employment Screening Resources (ESR)15300 Redhill Avenue, Suite 201Tustin, CA 92780
8. TransUnion
Commonly used by: Landlords and property managers
Free report request:https://www.transunion.com/consumer-disclosure
Mailing address:TransUnion LLCP.O. Box 2000Chester, PA 19016
9. Experian
Commonly used by: Employers and housing providers
Free report request:https://www.experian.com/consumer
Mailing address:ExperianP.O. Box 4500Allen, TX 75013
10. Intelius
Commonly used by: Online background searches and public-records databases
Free report request:https://www.intelius.com/consumer-rights
Mailing address:Intelius, Inc.1000 2nd Avenue, Suite 2500Seattle, WA 98104
Important Notes to Keep in Mind
📌 Free means free – You should not be required to pay for your report.
📌 Reports may differ – Each company may have different data sources. They are not required to report the same information. Rather, what they report must be accurate and not be outdated.
📌 Processing times vary – Some reports are instant; others take days.
📌 Errors are common – Especially with criminal records, name matches, or old cases.
📌 Disputes must be handled lawfully and timely
If You Find an Error — Contact Us
If your background report contains incorrect, outdated, misleading, or mixed-file information, do not assume it will fix itself. Wells Law - Chicago has decades of experience:
Correcting background report errors quickly
Forcing compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Obtaining maximum compensation for harm caused by inaccurate reports
If a background report error cost you a job, housing, or opportunity—or if a company fails to correct inaccuracies after a dispute—we encourage you to contact us today for a free case review.
Disclaimer
🕒 Last updated: January 2026. Procedures and contact information may change. Always consult the background company’s official website for the most current instructions.
Comments