background check texas guide for informed decisions

What a background check covers

A Texas background screen typically reviews identity, criminal court records, and verification of employment or education. Public criminal data often comes from the Texas Department of Public Safety and county courts, while nationwide databases are used only as leads to confirm at the source.

Consent and rules to know

Obtain written authorization and provide required disclosures. The federal FCRA and EEOC guidance apply, and Texas adds limits around liability for hiring people with records in many situations. Some cities use “fair chance” timing rules, so check local ordinances before asking about history.

• Define purpose: employment, tenancy, licensing, or personal review.
• Use a compliant consumer reporting agency for decision-making.
• Confirm identity with full name, DOB, and past addresses.
• Verify records at the originating court before acting.
• Follow pre-adverse/adverse action steps if denying opportunities.

Quality and fairness

Match records carefully to avoid false hits, consider job relevance, and note expunged or sealed cases should not appear. Document your process, set lookback periods aligned with role risk, and give candidates a chance to dispute inaccuracies.