Employer Background Checks and Your Rights

Authored By: Federal Trade Commission

If you’re applying for a job or a promotion, an employer might run a background check. Federal law and some state laws give you rights when this happens. Employers must get your written permission before running a background check from a background reporting company. You have the right to say no, but if you do, you may not get the job.

Last Review and Update: Mar 16, 2026
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