How to Obtain Your Criminal Record in West Virginia

West Virginia Criminal Background Check: Introduction and Overview

A criminal background check is a process used to retrieve information about an individual’s criminal history. It typically includes details about arrests, convictions, pending charges, and other legal records. In West Virginia, this tool is essential for ensuring safety, security, and compliance across various industries and personal scenarios.

From landlords screening potential tenants to employers evaluating job candidates, criminal background checks help make informed decisions. West Virginia-specific background checks offer state-level records while also integrating national databases for a more comprehensive overview when necessary.


Why Are Criminal Background Checks Important?

Why Are Criminal Background Checks Important?

Criminal background checks serve multiple purposes in West Virginia, such as:

  1. Protecting Public Safety: Employers and organizations ensure individuals in sensitive roles meet ethical and legal standards.
  2. Reducing Risks: Landlords, businesses, and organizations mitigate potential liabilities by verifying backgrounds.
  3. Ensuring Legal Compliance: Many West Virginia industries must conduct background checks to comply with federal or state regulations.
  4. Fostering Trust: Knowing that employees, tenants, or colleagues have been vetted builds confidence within communities and organizations.

Who Uses Criminal Background Checks in West Virginia?

Criminal background checks in West Virginia are utilized by a wide range of individuals and organizations, including:

  1. Employers:
    • Screen potential hires to ensure workplace safety and compliance.
    • Particularly vital in industries such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, and childcare.
  2. Landlords:
    • Verify a tenant’s criminal history to protect property and other tenants.
  3. Government Agencies:
    • Conduct checks for public safety roles like police officers or firefighters.
  4. Individuals:
    • Obtain their own criminal record for personal use or dispute inaccuracies.

Types of Criminal Background Checks in West Virginia

Types of Criminal Background Checks in West Virginia

West Virginia offers multiple methods to obtain criminal background checks, each suited for specific needs:

1. State-Level Background Checks

Administered by the West Virginia State Police, these checks provide a thorough review of an individual’s criminal history within the state. They include records of arrests, convictions, and pending charges documented in West Virginia.

2. FBI Fingerprint-Based Background Checks

These checks use fingerprints to access national criminal databases, providing broader insights. Employers in industries like education, healthcare, and government often require this type of background check.

3. Third-Party Screening Services

Private companies, such as Exact Background Checks, offer tailored services that consolidate data from various state and national sources. These services often provide faster results and greater convenience compared to state-run options.


How to Obtain a Criminal Background Check in West Virginia

If you need a criminal background check in West Virginia, there are three primary ways to obtain one: online, in person, or by mail. Each method is straightforward but requires specific steps.

1. Online Through the West Virginia State Police

The online method is one of the most convenient options for accessing criminal background records in West Virginia. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the official West Virginia State Police website.
  2. Complete the online application form, providing all necessary details, such as full name and date of birth.
  3. Upload supporting documents (if required).
  4. Pay the processing fee using a debit or credit card.
  5. Wait for the results, which are typically available within 5–10 business days.

2. In Person at Authorized Fingerprinting Locations

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, in-person background checks are available:

  1. Locate an authorized fingerprinting site in West Virginia.
  2. Schedule an appointment (required at most locations).
  3. Bring valid government-issued identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
  4. Provide fingerprints and complete the necessary paperwork.
  5. Pay the applicable fee.
  6. Receive your results by mail or through a secure online portal within 1–2 weeks.

3. By Mail Using Official Forms

If you’re unable to visit a location or prefer a traditional method, you can request a criminal background check by mail:

  1. Download the official request form from the West Virginia State Police website.
  2. Fill out the form with accurate personal details, ensuring all mandatory fields are completed.
  3. Attach a set of fingerprints obtained from a certified professional.
  4. Include a money order or cashier’s check for the processing fee.
  5. Mail the completed package to the address specified on the form.
  6. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on demand.

Key Information Included in a West Virginia Criminal Background Check