THE 10 BEST Background Check Services in PORTLAND, OR
| Business Name | Key Services | Best For | Address | Hours | PS Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privin Network | Criminal Background Checks, Employment Verification, Tenant Screening | Comprehensive Investigation Services | Near Burnside Street & 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR | By Appointment | 4.7/5 |
| Health Street | Criminal Database Checks, DOT Screening, Resume Verification | Fast Employment Screening | Portland Metro Area (Multiple Locations) | Mon-Fri: Call (971) 266-4489 | 4.5/5 |
| PDX Fingerprinting | FBI Background Checks, Live Scan Fingerprinting, Ink Fingerprinting | Fingerprinting & FBI Checks | 5 Centerpointe Dr, Ste 400, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 | Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4.8/5 |
| Smart Labs Now | Background Checks, Drug Testing, DNA Testing | Employers & Landlords | 12003 NE Ainsworth Circle #103, Portland, OR 97220 | Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | 4.6/5 |
| Bemrose Consulting | Tenant Screening, Employment Screening, Credit Checks | Property Managers | Portland & Oregon Metro Area | Mon-Fri: Business Hours | 4.4/5 |
| CICS Employment Services | Pre-Employment Screening, Criminal Background Checks | Human-Centered Hiring | Portland Metro Area | By Appointment | 4.3/5 |
| Sterling Identity | Identity Verification, Biometric Services, Fingerprinting | Professional Fingerprinting | 10220 SW Greenburg Road, Portland, OR 97223 | Mon-Fri: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM PST | 4.6/5 |
| Pac Signing Notary | FBI Background Checks, Fingerprinting, Notary Services | Mobile Services Available | 9620 NE Tanasbourne Dr, Ste 300, Hillsboro, OR 97124 | Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4.7/5 |
| Background Investigations | Consumer Credit Reports, Criminal History, Eviction Searches | Comprehensive Screening | 1800 Blankenship Rd #250, West Linn, OR 97068 | Mon-Fri: Business Hours | 4.2/5 |
| Criminal Information Services | Criminal Background Checks, National Searches | Affordable Screening Services | PO Box 7235, Aloha, OR 97007 | Mon-Fri: Phone (503) 591-1355 | 4.1/5 |
#1. Privin Network – Best for Comprehensive Investigation Services
Key Highlights:
- Licensed investigators with access to nationwide databases
- Complete services including criminal, employment, and education verification
- Fast turnaround with most reports completed in 2 to 3 business days
Privin Network serves Portland with professional background check services for employers, landlords, and individuals. Located near Burnside Street and 23rd Avenue, they specialize in thorough background investigations using licensed access to federal, state, and national databases.
Their team handles everything from pre-employment screening to tenant verification. They verify identities, check criminal records, and confirm employment history with accuracy. The company follows all Oregon and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Whether you need a simple criminal check or a complete background report, Privin Network delivers professional results. Their investigators understand Portland’s specific requirements and regulations. Many clients trust them for hiring decisions and rental screenings because they provide clear, actionable information.
#2. Health Street – Best for Fast Employment Screening
Key Highlights:
- Over a decade of experience in Portland background checks
- Automated electronic waiver system for quick processing
- DOT background checks and specialized industry screening
Health Street makes employment background screening simple and fast for Portland businesses. They handle criminal database checks, DOT background services, and resume verification all in one place. The company helps employers avoid legal issues during the hiring process.
When you register online or call their number, the process starts immediately. Each person being screened receives an electronic waiver that starts the background check once signed. New companies also get an agreement to sign electronically.
Health Street knows Portland’s ban-the-box laws inside and out. These laws prevent most employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. The company helps businesses stay compliant while still getting the information they need to make smart hiring choices.
#3. PDX Fingerprinting – Best for Fingerprinting & FBI Checks
Key Highlights:
- State-of-the-art live scan and ink fingerprinting technology
- FBI background checks for visas, employment, and immigration
- Over 10 years of experience in fingerprinting services
PDX Fingerprinting offers professional fingerprinting and background check services throughout the Portland area. Located in Lake Oswego, they provide both electronic live scan and traditional ink fingerprinting options. Their trained technicians use modern equipment to ensure clear, accurate prints every time.
The company specializes in FBI background checks needed for jobs, immigration, adoption, and personal reviews. They handle ATF services, FINRA fingerprinting, and Florida background checks too. Mobile fingerprinting services are available for businesses that need on-site collection.
Their office makes the process easy with simple appointment scheduling online. Walk-ins are welcome when technicians are available. Most fingerprinting sessions take about 20 minutes, and results come back faster than traditional methods. They serve Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Portland.
#4. Smart Labs Now – Best for Employers & Landlords
Key Highlights:
- Local, minority-owned independent lab near Portland Airport
- Combines background checks with drug and DNA testing services
- On-site mobile testing available at your location
Smart Labs Now brings comprehensive background screening to Portland employers and landlords. This independent lab near the airport handles background checks alongside drug testing, DNA testing, and wellness screenings. They offer both in-lab services and convenient mobile testing at your facility.
The company understands Oregon’s complicated screening laws and keeps employers compliant. They perform criminal history checks, verify employment, and conduct thorough tenant screenings. Smart Labs Now is certified by NDASA and maintains high standards for accuracy.
Their friendly staff makes the process easy whether you need pre-employment testing or tenant verification. Many Portland businesses choose them because they handle multiple services in one place. The lab has received excellent reviews for their professional service and quick turnaround times.
#5. Bemrose Consulting – Best for Property Managers
Key Highlights:
- Over 25 years of experience in background investigations
- Specialized tenant screening tools designed for landlords
- Credit history, criminal records, and employment verification
Bemrose Consulting has served Portland property managers and landlords since 1992. They bring decades of expertise to tenant screening and employment background checks. Their services help landlords make informed decisions and protect their rental investments.
The company performs comprehensive tenant screening including credit checks, criminal background searches, and employment verification. They verify income, check references, and review rental history thoroughly. Bemrose uses advanced data search technology combined with personal attention to each applicant.
Property managers trust Bemrose because they understand Portland’s specific rental laws and requirements. The company offers web-based tools that let individual landlords access the same screening services used by large property management companies. Their detailed reports help landlords identify potential problems before signing a lease.
#6. CICS Employment Services – Best for Human-Centered Hiring
Key Highlights:
- People-first approach that goes beyond criminal records
- Accurate and compliant pre-employment screening solutions
- Holistic candidate evaluation for better hiring decisions
CICS Employment Services brings a unique human perspective to background checks in Portland. Instead of just reporting criminal records, they dig deeper to understand the whole candidate. Their screening solutions reveal the complete story behind each applicant.
The company believes every candidate deserves a fair evaluation. They provide accurate reports while maintaining transparency and empathy throughout the process. CICS helps employers align screening with their specific hiring goals and company culture.
Their expert team uses technical knowledge and experience to deliver relevant insights. Portland businesses choose CICS when they want more than just basic criminal checks. The company supports investment in teams by revealing important details that simple database searches miss.
#7. Sterling Identity – Best for Professional Fingerprinting
Key Highlights:
- Next-generation technology and biometric solutions nationwide
- Fast results often returned in less than one hour
- Convenient, safe, and secure fingerprinting process
Sterling Identity leads Portland in identity verification and biometric services. Located on SW Greenburg Road, they provide advanced fingerprinting technology for business and personal needs. Their services support industries from financial services to government and defense.
The company makes fingerprinting convenient with appointment-free options at many locations. Most results come back in less than an hour, making it one of the fastest services available. Sterling Identity uses modern equipment that ensures accuracy while keeping the process simple.
Their nationwide network covers all 50 states including Washington, DC. Portland residents use Sterling Identity for employment verification, background checks, and identity confirmation. The company has earned excellent customer reviews for professional service and quick processing times.
#8. Pac Signing Notary – Best for Mobile Services Available
Key Highlights:
- 24/7 mobile notary and background check services
- FBI background checks with expedited processing options
- Fingerprinting, notary, and translation services in one place
Pac Signing Notary serves Portland with comprehensive FBI background check and fingerprinting services. Based in Hillsboro, they offer both office visits and mobile services that come to your location. The company has operated successfully for over 10 years in the Oregon area.
Their services include live scan fingerprinting, ink fingerprinting, and complete FBI background checks. Pac Signing handles immigration paperwork, employment verification, and personal background requests. They also provide notary services, passport photos, and document translation.
The company stands out because they work around your schedule, not the other way around. Their mobile service brings certified notaries and fingerprinting technicians directly to your home or office. Portland residents appreciate the convenience and professional service available any time of day or night.
#9. Background Investigations – Best for Comprehensive Screening
Key Highlights:
- Founded in 1992 with national recognition
- TransUnion credit reports and eviction search services
- Community policing support and educational resources
Background Investigations serves Portland from their West Linn headquarters. This nationally recognized company provides consumer credit reports, criminal history, and eviction information across the western United States. They work with clients throughout the Oregon metro area.
The company offers complete screening packages including credit reports from major bureaus. Their services cover employment credit checks, criminal record searches, and comprehensive eviction history. Background Investigations helps employers, landlords, and property managers make informed decisions.
Many Portland businesses have trusted them for over 30 years. The company provides funding and educational resources while supporting community policing efforts. Their online services make ordering reports simple and fast for busy professionals.
#10. Criminal Information Services – Best for Affordable Screening Services
Key Highlights:
- Cost-effective background check solutions
- National crime and eviction searches available
- Fast turnaround times for urgent requests
Criminal Information Services offers affordable background screening throughout the Portland area. Based in Aloha, they provide criminal background checks, national searches, and eviction reports. The company focuses on delivering quality information at reasonable prices.
Their services help Portland landlords and employers make smart decisions without breaking the bank. They perform thorough searches through multiple databases and public records. Criminal Information Services understands that not every business has a huge budget for screening.
The company maintains high standards while keeping costs low for clients. They handle both simple criminal checks and more detailed background investigations. Portland area businesses appreciate their straightforward pricing and reliable service.
What Types of Background Checks Are Available in Portland?
Portland offers several types of background checks depending on your needs. Criminal history checks show felony and misdemeanor convictions at the county, state, and federal level. These searches look through court records and law enforcement databases to find any criminal activity.
Employment verification confirms where someone worked, their job titles, and how long they stayed at each position. Education verification checks if degrees and certificates are real and from accredited schools. Credit checks review someone’s financial history, though Oregon law limits when employers can use this information.
Tenant screening combines credit history, criminal records, eviction history, and rental references. Some background checks include identity verification using social security traces and address history. Professional licenses and driving records can also be checked when needed for specific jobs.
How Long Do Background Checks Take in Portland?
Most basic background checks in Portland take between 2 to 5 business days to complete. Simple criminal database searches often come back within 24 to 48 hours if everything goes smoothly. More comprehensive checks that verify employment and education take longer because companies must contact previous employers and schools.
FBI fingerprint background checks usually process within 3 to 5 business days when submitted electronically. Some companies offer expedited same-day service for urgent situations, though this costs more money. The time depends on how quickly courts and databases respond to information requests.
Delays happen when records are hard to find or when someone lived in multiple states. County courthouse searches take longer in areas without electronic records. If you need results quickly, tell the background check company upfront so they can prioritize your request and use the fastest methods available.
What Laws Affect Background Checks in Portland?
Portland has strict “ban-the-box” laws that protect job applicants from early criminal history questions. Employers with six or more employees cannot ask about criminal records on job applications. They must wait until after making a conditional job offer before running criminal background checks.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to get written permission before checking backgrounds. Applicants must receive a copy of the report if the employer plans to reject them because of it. Oregon law also limits when employers can check credit history, with exceptions for certain jobs like banking and law enforcement.
Portland’s Fair Chance Ordinance requires individualized assessments when criminal convictions appear. Employers must consider the nature of the crime, how long ago it happened, and whether it relates to the job. These laws ensure people get fair chances at employment and housing despite past mistakes.