Direct Screening's Enhanced National Criminal Background Check is designed for employers who want a broader national criminal search using name information associated with an applicant's Social Security number.
The Enhanced National search uses SSN-linked information to identify additional names associated with the Social Security number provided. Those names are then included in the national criminal background search, helping employers search beyond only the name originally submitted with the order.
Enhanced National Criminal Background Check: $39.95
No setup fees. No monthly minimums. No long-term contracts.
What Is an Enhanced National Background Check?
A standard National Criminal Background Check searches the name information provided with the order.
The Enhanced National option adds an SSN-linked name search to help identify additional names associated with the Social Security number provided. Direct Screening then searches those names through its national criminal record sources.
This can be useful when an applicant has previously used another last name, alternate name, or other name variation that may not have been included with the original order.
What Does the Enhanced National Search Include?
- SSN-linked name information.
- National criminal searches using the names identified through the SSN-linked process.
- Nationwide criminal record database sources.
- National Sex Offender Search covering all 50 states.
- State and local court and corrections data where available.
- Verification of potentially reportable criminal records through the appropriate court or county source before reporting.
- Certain government exclusion and sanctions sources included with Direct Screening's national criminal search.
Why Use an SSN with a Criminal Background Check?
A Social Security number does not itself contain criminal history.
Instead, SSN-linked information can help identify names associated with the individual. Those additional names can then be included in the criminal background search.
For example, an applicant may have previously used another last name or another variation of their name. Searching those additional names can provide broader coverage than searching only the name originally submitted.
For employers seeking a background check with a Social Security number, SSN-linked information can help identify additional names before the criminal record searches are performed.
This is why a criminal background check using an SSN to identify additional names can provide broader search coverage than searching only the name originally submitted.
National vs. Enhanced National Criminal Background Checks
National Criminal Background Check
Searches the name information provided with the order through Direct Screening's national criminal record sources.
Enhanced National Criminal Background Check
Adds SSN-linked name information and searches additional associated names through the same national criminal background screening process.
Employers who already know the names used by an applicant may choose the standard National search. Employers who want the additional SSN-linked name process can select Enhanced National.
Not sure which option fits your needs? View our National Criminal Background Check or compare all available background check options.
Criminal Record Verification
No national criminal database contains every courthouse record in the United States.
When Direct Screening identifies a potentially reportable criminal record, the record is verified through the appropriate county or court source before it is reported to the client.
This verification process helps ensure that criminal records reported by Direct Screening meet our identity-matching and reporting standards.
How Long Does an Enhanced National Background Check Take?
Many searches can be completed very quickly when no potential criminal record requires additional review.
When a possible criminal record requires court or county verification, completion commonly takes approximately 1 to 2 business days. Timing can vary depending on the jurisdiction and availability of court records.
What Information Is Reported?
Direct Screening's standard reporting policy focuses on reportable criminal convictions within seven years of disposition, subject to applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Potential database matches are reviewed and verified before being reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an SSN trace a criminal background check?
No. SSN-linked information does not contain criminal history. It can help identify additional names associated with the Social Security number, which can then be searched through criminal record sources.
No. SSN-linked information does not contain criminal history. It can help identify additional names associated with the Social Security number, which can then be searched through criminal record sources.
Can an employer run a background check with a Social Security number?
Yes. A Social Security number can be used as part of the background screening process to identify associated names. The SSN itself does not contain criminal records. Direct Screening uses the associated name information as part of the national criminal background search.
Yes. A Social Security number can be used as part of the background screening process to identify associated names. The SSN itself does not contain criminal records. Direct Screening uses the associated name information as part of the national criminal background search.
Why would an employer use an Enhanced National search?
The Enhanced National search may be useful when an employer wants to search additional names associated with an applicant rather than relying only on the name entered with the original background check order.
The Enhanced National search may be useful when an employer wants to search additional names associated with an applicant rather than relying only on the name entered with the original background check order.
Does the Enhanced National search verify someone's identity?
The Enhanced National search is intended to support the criminal background screening process by identifying associated names. It is not offered as a standalone identity-verification service.
The Enhanced National search is intended to support the criminal background screening process by identifying associated names. It is not offered as a standalone identity-verification service.
Does the Enhanced National search include county criminal searches?
Potentially reportable criminal records identified through the national search are verified through the appropriate county or court source before they are reported. This is different from proactively ordering criminal searches in every county where an applicant may have lived.
Potentially reportable criminal records identified through the national search are verified through the appropriate county or court source before they are reported. This is different from proactively ordering criminal searches in every county where an applicant may have lived.
How much does the Enhanced National Background Check cost?
The Enhanced National Criminal Background Check is $39.95 per report.
The Enhanced National Criminal Background Check is $39.95 per report.
Get Started
Direct Screening has provided employment background screening services since 2004.
There are no setup fees, monthly minimums, or long-term contracts.
Questions? Contact [email protected].