Do Expunged Records Show Up on Background Checks?

When it comes to background checks, one of the most frequently asked questions by job seekers is: “Will an expunged record show up?” If you’ve had a past offense cleared by the court through expungement, it’s natural to wonder how that affects your employability — and what potential employers may or may not see during the screening process.

At Confirmify, we help both job seekers and employers navigate this question with transparency and compliance. Here’s what you need to know about how expunged records are treated in background checks.

What Is an Expunged Record?

An expunged record is a criminal charge or conviction that has been legally sealed or erased from public view by a court. When a record is expunged, it is as though the offense never occurred — in the eyes of the law and, typically, for employment purposes.

Each state has different laws regarding what can be expunged and under what conditions, but generally, once a record is expunged:

It does not appear in public criminal record databases.
The individual is usually not required to disclose the expunged offense on job applications.
The offense is removed from most employer-accessible databases used in background screening.

Do Expunged Records Show Up in Confirmify Background Checks?

No. At Confirmify, we provide FCRA-compliant background checks using only up-to-date, verified sources of public and legally reportable data. Expunged records do not appear in our reports.

We are committed to strict adherence to federal and state reporting laws, ensuring that only legally reportable and relevant information is included in our screenings. If a record has been properly expunged through the appropriate legal process, it is not accessible in our searches — and therefore, not shown to employers.

Why This Matters to Job Seekers

If you’ve had a record expunged, you can move forward with confidence knowing:

Your expunged record won’t be visible in employment background checks performed by Confirmify.
You are not required to disclose expunged information on most job applications.
You can focus on your qualifications and experience rather than past legal issues that have been officially resolved.

However, if you’re unsure whether your expungement has been processed or reflected in the appropriate databases, it may be beneficial to review your own background check before applying for jobs — a service Confirmify proudly offers.

Are There Any Exceptions?

In very limited circumstances, expunged records may be accessed by specific agencies or for specific roles, such as:

Federal government positions requiring a security clearance.
Law enforcement or criminal justice careers.
Jobs involving vulnerable populations (e.g., children, elderly, disabled individuals), where state law permits more in-depth screening.

In these rare cases, different laws may apply, and it’s best to seek legal guidance if you’re applying for one of these sensitive positions.

Why Choose Confirmify?

At Confirmify, we believe background checks should be accurate, compliant, and respectful of a candidate’s rights and privacy — especially when it comes to sensitive matters like expunged records.

When you partner with us, you get:

FCRA-compliant background checks that adhere strictly to federal and state laws.
Fast turnaround times — most background screenings are completed within 8 hours to 3 days, with many results available instantly.
No hidden fees — our pricing is straightforward, and you only pay for what you use.
Peace of mind — knowing that expunged records, by law and by our practice, are not reported.

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