What shows up on a background check in Tennessee?

Criminal background checks search a candidate's criminal record to reveal arrests, convictions, incarcerations, and both current and past arrest warrants . This search can be conducted directly through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) or by partnering with a qualified background check provider, like Checkr.

How long does it take for a TN background check to come back?

How long does it take to get the results of a background check? Normally, the process only takes a few days . If you have not received your results within five days, please contact your Licensing Program Evaluator.

How far do background checks go in Tennessee?

How Far Back Does an Employment Background Check Go in Tennessee. The state of Tennessee is governed by the Federal Credit Reporting Act when it comes to the time limit for looking into pre-hire histories. This standard lookback period is seven years . There are some exceptions to this time limit, however.

What are some red flags on a background check?

9 Common Red Flags on Background Checks Multiple Periods of Unemployment. ... Multiple Short-Lived Jobs. ... Inconsistency in Experience or Education. ... Missing Relevant Past Jobs. ... Criminal Record. ... Job-Relevant Convictions. ... Poor Credit History. ... Refusing a Check. More items...

How much does a background check cost in Tennessee?

Also, criminal history information (intrastate) may be obtained from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for a fee of $29.00 per name submitted , under T.C.A. § 38-6-120.

How far back do most employers go for background checks?

In most cases, the lookback period for criminal background checks is seven to ten years . These checks can turn up publicly available arrest records, court records and criminal records for felony arrests and convictions as well as pending cases.

Will pending charges show up on a background check in Tennessee?

Yes, pending charges will show up on background checks . The only reason they wouldn't is if a state has a law that only shows certain types of pending charges. Luckily, even if a pending charge does show up, it doesn't mean an applicant isn't a good fit or will be denied a job.

What is usually checked in a background check?

Background checks look to verify details regarding an individual's identity, social security, past residences, criminal history, employment history, credit, and driving records . Employers can then use this information to make well-informed decisions about candidates, fostering safe and trustworthy workplaces.

What could show up on a background check?

With these types of checks, potential employers or landlords can verify an individual's identity, criminal records, employment, education and credit history . Searches could also include driving records and professional licenses, depending on the industry.

What matters most in a background check?

Criminal Backgrounds The biggest red flag in a background check is a criminal history. Background checks show different types of offenses depending on the type of check. They may involve national, federal, state, or county databases.

Out of State Registry Check (If you work for a child care in TN) (2024)

Idaho

Checklist:Idaho Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete Idaho form:https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Idaho.pdf
Please do NOT send this form to Idaho. Please send it to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send it to Idaho.
Idaho form needs to be notarized.

Email, fax or mail checklist, disclosure form and Idaho form to:
Email: ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15^th Floor
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243

*Disclaimer: Please do not send forms for applicants until at least one day after their fingerprints have been completed. Please also send all forms for each applicant together, including the checklist.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Illinois

Checklist:Illinois Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete Illinois form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/IL_Form_CFS_689.pdf
*Please note that the Illinois CFS-689 form requires a handwritten ink signature. Illinois rejects forms with electronic signatures.
*Please do NOT send the CFS-680 to Illinois. TN DHS will send both forms.

Email, fax or mail checklist, disclosure form and Illinois forms to:
Email: ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15th Floor
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Indiana

Checklist:Indiana Checklist

Forms:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf

Email, fax or mail checklist and disclosure form to:
Email: ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15^th Floor
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243

Applicant completes online Indiana form, sent to applicant’s email, after disclosure form has been received in our office

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Iowa

Checklist:Iowa Checklist

Forms:for CAN and Criminal

Kansas

Checklist:Kansas Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete both Kansas forms: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Kansas%20Adult.pdf

AND

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Kansas-Child-Form-1011.pdf
- Please do NOT send these forms to Kansas. Please send them to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send them to Kansas.

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Kansas forms to:
Email: ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15^th Floor
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243

*Disclaimer: Please do not send forms for applicants until at least one day after their fingerprints have been completed. Please send all forms for each applicant together, including the checklist.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kentucky

Checklist:Kentucky Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete the Kentucky form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/KYDCC-374-rev.pdf
*Please note the following when completing the Kentucky form*:
Please make sure to include full name (i.e., first name, middle name, nick name, maiden name, last name).
Kentucky requires a witness signature.
Applicant and witness signature dates must match.
A clear copy of the applicant’s driver’s license is required.
Please do NOT send this form to Kentucky. Please send it to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send it to Kentucky.

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Kentucky forms to:
Email:ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Louisiana

Checklist:Louisiana Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form:https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete Louisiana form:https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/LA%20Consent%20Form.pdf
Please do NOT sign as the requestor. TN DHS signs as the requestor.
Please note a clear copy of the applicant’s driver’s license is needed.
Complete Criminal Release Form: LA Criminal Release Form

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Louisiana forms to:
Email:ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Maine

Checklist:Maine Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete the Maine form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Maine-Release-Form.pdf
Please do NOT send this form to Maine. Please send it to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send it to Maine.

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Maine forms to:
Email:ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street

*Disclaimer: Please do not send forms for applicants until at least one day after their fingerprints have been completed. Please send all forms for each applicant together, including the checklist.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Maryland

Checklist:Maryland Checklist

Forms:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete the Maryland form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Maryland%20CPS%20Background%20Form%201279A.pdf

*Please note the following when completing the Maryland form*:
Maryland requires that the form be typed.
Maryland requires the form to be notarized.
Maryland requires the original form (not a copy, but originally written on in ink).
- Please do NOT send this form to Maryland. Please send it to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send it to Maryland.

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Massachusetts

Checklist:Massachusetts Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete applicant information on Massachusetts form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Massachusetts%20Form%20-%20received%2003-2023.pdf
Please do NOT send this form to Massachusetts. Please send it to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send it to Massachusetts.

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Massachusetts forms to:
Email:ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Michigan

Checklist:Michigan Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete the Michigan form:https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Michigan%20Form%201929-1.pdf
- Please do NOT send this form to Michigan. Please send it to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send it to Michigan.
- Please also note that the signature on the Michigan must be handwritten – it cannot be electronic.
Please note that Michigan requires a clear copy of the applicant’s driver’s license.

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Michigan forms to:
Email:ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Minnesota

Checklist:Minnesota Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Complete Minnesota form:https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/Minnesota.pdf
- Please do NOT send this form to Minnesota. Please send it to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send it to Minnesota.
The Minnesota form must be notarized.

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Minnesota forms to:
Email:ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mississippi

Checklist:Mississippi Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Applicant completes disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
In addition to electronic Identogo fingerprints, the applicant must also get their fingerprints completed in ink, on a hardcopy fingerprint card through their local Police Station, Sheriff’s Office, or vendor of their choice.
Make a copy of the applicant’s hardcopy ink fingerprint card
Once these steps are completed: mail original hardcopy fingerprint card (cannot be bent) to:

Mississippi Department of Health
Criminal History Record Check Unit
Attn: Julie Henderson
143B LeFleurs Square
Jackson, MS. 39211

Also, please email or fax a copy of the applicant’s ink fingerprint card, a clear copy of the applicant’s driver’s license, Mississippi checklist and completed disclosure form to:

Email: ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov

Fax: 615-532-9956

When the disclosure form, driver’s license, and copy of the ink fingerprint card are received in the Nashville DHS office, an online Mississippi DocuSign form will be emailed to the applicant’s email address listed on their disclosure form. Please have the applicant watch for this Mississippi DocuSign form in their inbox and junk/spam folders.
Applicant completes and submits the online Mississippi Child Abuse Registry Check DocuSign Form

*Mailing the hardcopy ink fingerprint card (cannot be bent) via USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS with a tracking number is recommended.

*TN DHS does not cover the payment for the hardcopy ink fingerprint to be completed or the mail delivery services*

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Missouri

Checklist:Missouri Checklist

Form:for CAN and Criminal

Applicant completes disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf
Provider must check whether the applicant is registered in MO’s system (each applicant only needs to be registered once – they will not need to be registered each time a Missouri Background Screening Request is needed).
Please call 866-422-6872 to verify if applicant is registered (if the applicant needs to be registered, MO will tell you how to do that).
Please note that if you do have to register the applicant, there is a $14 fee – TN DHS is not authorized to cover or reimburse this fee.
If the applicant is registered in the system, simply request their background check over the phone (same phone number: 866-422-6872).
Please Email, fax or mail a copy of the checklist, disclosure form and Missouri Screening results to our Nashville DHS office:

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Missouri forms to:
Email:ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Montana

Checklist:Montana Checklist

Complete disclosure form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/New%20TN%20Disclosure%20Form%20(rev.%2010-2022)template.pdf

Complete Montana form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/MT_Form_CFS_400.pdf

The Montana form must be notarized.

Please do NOT send this form to Montana. Please send it to TN DHS, and TN DHS will send it to Montana.

Email, fax or mail the checklist, disclosure form and both Montana forms to:
Email:ccbackground.dhs@tn.gov
Fax: 615-532-9956

Mail:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
ATTN: Basem Girgis / OIG Background Unit
James K. Polk Building, 15thFloor
505 Deaderick Street

Out of State Registry Check (If you work for a child care in TN) (2024)

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

FAQs

What shows up on a background check in Tennessee? ›