Quick Answer
A state criminal background check searches a state-level criminal record source, such as a statewide repository or a state court database. Coverage depends on what courts and agencies report to it, so many employers pair State searches with County searches. State database searches usually return in minutes.
What a State Search Covers
Most states keep a central repository of criminal history reported by courts and law enforcement, and some offer statewide court databases. What is included, how current it is, and who may access it differ by state. Some states only release conviction records; others include more. For example, Texas treats DPS conviction and deferred adjudication records as public information.
State vs. County vs. National
- National Criminal Database: broad, fast, aggregated from many sources, but incomplete.
- State search: one state's records; coverage depends on what is reported to the state source.
- County search: records pulled directly from the court where cases are filed.
- Federal search: federal court cases, which are not in state or county records.
Ordering State Searches with SaffHire
State searches can be added to a package; see Standard Packages & Turnaround. Federal, State and County searches cover the jurisdictions where the applicant has lived. Court access fees may apply to State and County searches; these are pass-through fees. There are no setup fees and no minimums.
Before ordering, the employer gives the applicant a standalone written disclosure and gets written authorization; SaffHire's invitation workflow collects both electronically. Employers remain responsible for their own hiring decisions and legal compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is a state criminal search?
State database searches usually return in minutes. Some state sources take longer depending on how records are accessed.
Does a state search replace a county search?
Not always. State sources depend on what courts report, so many employers also run County searches for the counties where the applicant has lived.
Are there extra fees?
Court access fees may apply to State and County searches; these are pass-through fees. There are no setup fees and no minimums.