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County vs National Criminal Search: What Each One Covers

A national criminal search and a county criminal search sound like they do the same thing at different sizes. They don't. A national search is a fast look across many databases that points to possible records. A county search checks court records directly, where most criminal cases are filed. Neither one is an FBI fingerprint check. This guide explains each search, how they work together, and how they map to Pact's two packages: Standard ($32) includes the national search, and Premium ($70) adds a county search covering the last 7 years.

Updated October 24, 2026 · Checked against the official sources listed at the end

What a national criminal search is

A national criminal search is a search of a large collection of commercial databases built from public records. Checkr, which runs Pact's checks, describes its national search as a query of over 2,500 databases sourced from state and county agencies nationwide.

Checkr also says this search is extensive but not necessarily comprehensive, and that its results point to potential records to look into further.

Two things a national search is not. It is not a federal court search: Checkr says a federal background check searches only for federal crimes, which is a different search. And it is not an FBI fingerprint check.

What a county criminal search is

A county criminal search checks the records of a county court directly. Checkr says most felony and misdemeanor cases are filed in county courts, so those courts generally have the most current and accurate records for those cases.

Checkr lists what a county record usually includes:

the defendant's name and the case number;
whether the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor, and the type of charge;
the outcome (disposition), such as convicted, acquitted or dismissed, and its date; and
any sentence.

What a county search usually leaves out

Checkr says these generally don't show up on a county criminal search, though it varies by state: traffic infractions (those are on a driving record), petty infractions, federal crimes, juvenile records, and sealed or expunged records. Checkr also notes that some court records don't show dismissed charges.

Pact's packages don't include a driving record or a federal court search. If the job needs either, ask the employer or program what they accept before you order.

Why the two are used together

The two searches fill each other's gaps. The national search covers a wide area quickly but can be incomplete or out of date. A county search is narrow but goes to the source.

Federal law pushes background check companies toward current records. When a company reports public records for employment that are likely to hurt someone's chances, it must either notify the person at the time or keep strict procedures so the records are complete and up to date (15 U.S.C. 1681k). Under that section, an arrest or conviction record counts as up to date if it shows the current public record status.

Federal law also requires reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy (15 U.S.C. 1681e(b)). Checking the court is one way to confirm a database hit belongs to the right person and shows the right outcome.

Where the FBI fingerprint check fits

An FBI fingerprint check goes through government channels, not through a private screening company. Some jobs require it by law. For example, federal child care rules require a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint check for child care staff, run by the state (45 CFR 98.43).

Under the National Child Protection Act, a state may let organizations that care for children, the elderly or people with disabilities ask a state agency for a nationwide fingerprint-based check (34 U.S.C. 40102). And a person can request their own FBI record by mail with fingerprints (28 CFR 16.32).

A Pact check is not a fingerprint check. If a law or licensing agency requires a fingerprint check, a Pact order doesn't replace it.

Standard vs Premium at Pact

Standard ($32) includes the national criminal search, plus an SSN trace, a sex offender registry search and a global watchlist search. It does not include a county search.

Premium ($70) includes everything in Standard, plus a county criminal search covering the last 7 years and a FACIS Level 3 healthcare sanctions search.

If you need to know which counties a Premium order will search for a specific person, ask Pact before you order: 901-666-6970. Some county courts charge a fee to search their records. If a search you order hits one, Pact tells you before adding it.

How long each search takes

Database searches are fast. Checkr says its national criminal search for employment usually takes a few seconds. County searches take longer when a court keeps paper records or a researcher has to pull them. Checkr says a county search can take from less than a day to 10 business days or more. Our guide to how long a background check takes covers the common delays.

Common questions

What does "county criminal" mean on a background check?

It means the screening company searched a county court's criminal records directly. A county record can show the charge, the outcome and any sentence.

Is a national criminal search the same as an FBI check?

No. A national criminal search is a search of commercial databases built from public records. An FBI check uses fingerprints and goes through government channels.

Is a national search enough?

It depends on the job. Checkr says its national search is extensive but not necessarily comprehensive, and results point to records to look into further. If an employer or program tells you what it needs, order that.

Does Pact's Standard package include a county search?

No. The 7-year county criminal search is in Premium ($70).

Why is a county search slower?

Some courts keep paper records or need a researcher to pull files. Checkr says a county search can take from less than a day to 10 business days or more.

Are there extra court fees?

Some county courts charge a fee to search their records. If a search you order hits one, Pact tells you before adding it.