Consent-Based Screening
Background checks,answered clearly.
Whether you are a landlord, an employer, or a private party, these questions cover who is eligible, what consent is required, and how a report is prepared and delivered.
Order a background check
Request a screening by sending the subject’s full name, purpose, and any specific jurisdictions. We will reply with the consent form and a written quote before any records are searched.
See pricingEligibility
- Who can request a background check?
- Landlords screening prospective tenants, employers verifying candidates, and private parties with a lawful purpose — such as due diligence for a transaction or personal safety — may request a background check. The request must be connected to a legitimate reason, not curiosity or harassment.
- Who can be the subject of a background check?
- Any individual 18 years or older who provides written consent and valid identity documents. Background checks are not performed on minors, and we do not run reports without a lawful, disclosed purpose.
- Can I run a background check on myself?
- Yes. Individuals may request a self-check to verify what appears in public records, confirm accuracy, or prepare for an employment or housing application. You will still need to verify your identity and sign the consent form.
- Are these checks compliant with the FCRA and state law?
- We follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state laws for tenant and employment screening. If your report is used for housing, employment, or credit decisions, the subject receives the required disclosure, authorization, and adverse-action notices.
Consent requirements
- What kind of consent is required?
- The subject must provide a written, signed authorization before any screening begins. Verbal consent is not enough. The authorization must name the purpose of the report and confirm the subject understands a background check will be conducted.
- What identity documents are required?
- A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. The ID is reviewed for authenticity and cross-referenced with the information provided on the consent form.
- Can a background check be conducted without the subject’s knowledge?
- No. With limited exceptions for law enforcement or certain legal proceedings, all background checks require the subject’s informed consent. We will not process a request that lacks proper authorization.
- What happens if the subject refuses to consent?
- The screening cannot proceed. We refund any payment made for the report, minus a small administrative fee if work had already begun on identity verification.
Typical processing steps
Every screening follows the same deliberate order so the report is lawful, accurate, and delivered securely.
- 01
Request & purpose
You tell us the purpose of the screening, the subject’s full name, and the jurisdictions to search. We confirm the scope and provide a written quote before any work begins.
- 02
Consent & identity verification
The subject reviews and signs the consent form, then provides a government-issued photo ID. We verify identity and match the ID to the request details.
- 03
Record searches
Searches are run at the county, state, and national levels based on the package chosen. We look for criminal records, sex-offender registry listings, and other public records authorized by the request scope.
- 04
Compilation & review
Results are compiled into a single clear report. Incomplete records, common-name matches, and data gaps are flagged so the report is accurate and easy to read.
- 05
Sealed delivery
The final report is delivered as a sealed PDF through a secure link. We retain the file according to state law and provide copies to authorized parties only.
Turnaround expectations
Most standard reports are completed within one to two business days. Complex records, paper-only jurisdictions, or holidays may extend the timeline.
| Service | Timing | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard package | 24 – 48 hours | County + state criminal, sex-offender registry |
| Comprehensive package | 48 – 72 hours | Adds national database and expanded county searches |
| Multiple counties or out-of-state records | +24 – 48 hours | Per additional jurisdiction with non-digital records |
| Rush processing | Same business day | Available for an additional fee when records are digital |
Important disclaimers
Please read these carefully before ordering or using a background check report.
- ✰Savage Signings is not a consumer reporting agency for all purposes. Reports are prepared for lawful screening, due diligence, and notarial-related verification only.
- ✰No background check can guarantee that a subject has no criminal history. Record availability varies by county, state, and federal database completeness.
- ✰All reports are based on public records at the time of search. A clean report does not guarantee future conduct or that a record was never filed under a different name or jurisdiction.
- ✰Background checks are not legal advice, employment law advice, or a substitute for counsel. Users are responsible for complying with the FCRA, state tenant-screening laws, and local ordinances.
- ✰We do not investigate, surveil, or obtain non-public information. Searches are limited to consented, legally available public records.
- ✰Adverse-action decisions based on a report must follow the FCRA two-step process: provide the report and a summary of rights before taking action.
Still have questions?
Every background check begins with a conversation about purpose and scope. Send a message and we will confirm whether a screening is the right next step.
Contact Savage SigningsNot a law firm and not legal advice. Background checks are conducted using consented public-record searches only.