You submitted your application. Now you are waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it is a job offer, an apartment, a volunteer position, or something more personal, a background check is standing between you and the next step. And nobody tells you how long that is actually going to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The honest answer is: it depends. A basic criminal record search can return results in minutes. A federal security clearance can take six to nine months. Most people fall somewhere in between, and understanding where you land can make a real difference in managing your expectations and your next move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a breakdown of how long every major type of background check takes, what makes them faster or slower, and what you can do to keep the process moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Need to run a quick background check on someone or yourself right now? Search a name, phone number, email, or address on Social Catfish<\/a> for fast results without the wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n