Hiring the right person—or renting to the right tenant—can be the difference between peace of mind and costly mistakes. That’s why background checks are such a vital tool. But what exactly shows up on a background check in Washington? If you’re an employer, landlord, or business owner in Seattle, it’s important to know what information you can legally access—and how to interpret it.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what’s included in a professional background check, what’s off-limits under Washington law, and why working with a licensed private investigator like KCA Investigations can help you make better decisions.
Why Run a Background Check?
Whether you’re hiring a new employee, screening a tenant, or evaluating a business partner, background checks give you insight into a person’s history. They help you answer questions like:
- Are they who they say they are?
- Do they have a criminal record?
- Are they being truthful about their employment or education?
- Are there any red flags that could pose a risk to your business or property?
With accurate, up-to-date information, you can move forward confidently—and avoid costly legal or safety issues down the line.
What Can Show Up on a Background Check in Washington?
A comprehensive background check in Washington may include the following categories of information:
Criminal History
One of the primary components of a background check is a criminal record search. This can include:
- Felony and misdemeanor convictions
- Pending criminal charges
- Sex offender registry status
- Arrests and court dispositions (depending on local laws)
In Washington, employers may not consider arrests that did not result in a conviction, and certain older convictions may be sealed or expunged, meaning they won’t appear on a standard check. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable investigator who understands what’s legally reportable and how to interpret those records correctly.
Identity Verification
This includes checks to confirm a person’s legal name, Social Security number, and date of birth. This step ensures that the background check results are tied to the correct individual and helps prevent fraud.
Employment and Education History
Background checks can also verify:
- Past employers and job titles
- Dates of employment
- Educational institutions attended
- Degrees or certifications earned
Discrepancies in this area may indicate résumé inflation or potential dishonesty.
Professional Licensing
For roles in healthcare, finance, law, and other regulated industries, licensing checks confirm:
- Validity of professional licenses
- Any disciplinary actions
- Expiration or renewal status
Medical providers and nursing homes in particular rely on this part of the check to remain compliant with state and federal regulations.
Credit Reports (With Permission)
For positions that involve financial responsibilities or access to sensitive data, some employers request a credit check. This might include:
- Credit history and debt levels
- Accounts in collections
- Bankruptcy filings
Note: Under Washington law, credit checks for employment must be job-related and require written consent from the applicant.
Eviction and Rental History (for Tenant Screening)
Landlords and property managers may review an applicant’s:
- Prior evictions
- Rental payment history
- Lease violations or legal disputes with landlords
This data is critical in identifying potential high-risk tenants.
Civil Records and Legal Judgments
Background checks can uncover civil litigation history, such as:
- Lawsuits filed or judgments issued
- Small claims court records
- Restraining orders
This information can be valuable in certain industries or legal contexts.
Driving Records (DMV Check)
If an applicant will operate a company vehicle or hold a role that requires driving, a DMV check may include:
- Traffic violations
- DUIs or reckless driving charges
- License suspensions or revocations
What Won’t Show Up?
Background checks have limits—especially in Washington, where certain privacy and anti-discrimination laws apply. Information that won’t appear on most checks includes:
- Expunged or sealed records
- Juvenile records (in most cases)
- Medical history
- Marital status or family information
- Religion, political affiliation, or protected personal beliefs
Employers must also comply with Washington’s “Fair Chance Act”, which prohibits them from asking about criminal history on job applications. That doesn’t mean you can’t run a background check—you just need to do so later in the hiring process.
DIY vs. Professional Background Checks
You might be tempted to run an online background check using one of the many instant-report websites. But those services are often outdated, inaccurate, or not legally compliant in Washington.
When you work with a licensed investigative firm like KCA Investigations, you get:
✅ Verified and legally obtained records
✅ Access to databases not available to the public
✅ A human investigator who interprets and confirms the information
✅ Full compliance with federal and state privacy laws
For businesses in healthcare, education, property management, or corporate leadership, that level of accuracy and protection isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Why Seattle Businesses Trust KCA Investigations
At KCA Investigations, we’ve helped hundreds of Washington businesses screen candidates, prevent liability, and make better hiring and investment decisions. Our team knows how to conduct thorough, discreet background investigations that meet your exact needs.
We customize each report to your industry—whether you’re screening a CNA for a nursing home, a tenant for a duplex in Tacoma, or a new executive hire for your growing startup in Seattle.
Need Help With Background Checks in Washington?
If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of hiring or tenant screening, we’re here to help. KCA Investigations provides reliable, professional background checks for organizations across Seattle and beyond.
Contact us today at (971) 804-8993 to learn more about our investigative services and how we can protect your business from costly surprises.
