Written by Background Check Repair
Background Checks | May 28, 2024
Table of Contents
How long is a level 2 background check good for?
A level 2, fingerprint background check only remains valid for a certain period of time, and the number of years it’s good largely depends on the type of profession that requires the check, based on federal, state, and industry regulations.
Indeed, the answer to ‘how long is a level 2 records check good for,’ will depend on a number of factors, but most are good for at least 2 years or more.
This comprehensive guide explains which industries require fingerprint background checks more frequently than others, so that employees can be careful to check their background for any surprises before the official check is performed.
The answer to, ‘how long is a level 2 background check good for,’ will have a different answer based on the state that the background check was performed in. Although the term level 2 background check is one that is used quite often, only the state of Florida has a specific legal distinction for this term.
In most states, a level 2 background check is a term used to refer to a full-scale background investigation, which uses fingerprints to search national records, as opposed to the basic level 1 background check that only searches local jurisdictions.
A level 1 check is what individuals can expect when applying for jobs with companies like Amazon, the Home Depot, Walmart, UPS, etc. These are major companies that are screening employees with the intent to protect their own assets and the safety of their customers and other employees. A level 1 check will usually consist of a basic identity verification check as well as a name-based criminal history check that is performed at the state and local levels.
Level 2 background checks tend to be comprehensive checks that will include a national name-based criminal history check at the very least. However, level 2 background checks will usually involve a fingerprint-based criminal history check, such as the Identity History Summary Check that is performed by the FBI.2 In addition to the more thorough criminal history check, level 2 checks will also include credit history checks in some cases, as well as various other checks that will be specific to the industry the job is in.
Keep in mind that Level 1 and Level 2 background checks do not have a specific meaning, and will change slightly based on who is performing the background check. The levels are often used as marketing terms for background check services to advertise more comprehensive checks. The one exception to this is Florida, where level 1 and level 2 background checks have specific legal distinctions.
In Florida, specific jobs and industries are legally required to perform either a level 1 or level 2 background check on all their employees.3 Level 1 is still a basic check and involves a name-based state criminal history check, whereas a level 2 requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check that will check criminal information at the state, national and federal levels. Level 2 checks are required for industries that deal with sensitive groups such as the elderly or children and other industries that have a higher level of responsibility or trust.
Level 2 on a background check simply means that the background check will be more comprehensive than most pre-employment background checks. It typically indicates a fingerprint-based criminal history check will be performed, rather than the typical name-based state criminal history check.
In Florida, a level 2 background check has a legal distinction and is required by law to be performed on employees in certain industries. This is also the case for many professions, such as healthcare, childcare, and people who work for the public education system.
A common question besides how long is a level 2 background check good for, is how long does a level 2 check actually take? Although the test is more comprehensive, it shouldn’t take much longer than a standard background check. The gathering of fingerprints and subsequent fingerprint-based check will add several days to the process, but it still should take less than two weeks to complete.
All the databases being checked are still electronic, so there is no need for any of the information to be gathered manually, which is often the main cause of background checks taking longer.
Only the state of Florida has specific legal requirements for what a level 2 background check must consist of. These include a fingerprint-based criminal history check performed by the FBI, a state-wide criminal history check, and a warrant check.
Outside of Florida, a level 2 background check has no specific definition, however, there are industry standards amongst background check services, so a level 2 background check will generally consist of the following in each state.
| State | Requirements |
| Alabama | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Alaska | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Arizona | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Arkansas | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| California | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Colorado | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Connecticut | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Delaware | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Florida | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check FBI national criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Georgia | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Hawaii | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Idaho | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Illinois | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Iowa | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Indiana | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Kansas | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Kentucky | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Louisiana | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Maine | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Massachusetts | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Maryland | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Michigan | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Minnesota | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Mississippi | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Missouri | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Montana | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Nebraska | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Nevada | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| New Hampshire | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| New Jersey | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| New Mexico | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| New York | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| North Carolina | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| North Dakota | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Ohio | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Oklahoma | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Oregon | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Pennsylvania | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Rhode Island | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| South Carolina | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| South Dakota | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Tennessee | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Texas | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Utah | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Vermont | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Virginia | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Washington | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| West Virginia | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Wisconsin | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
| Wyoming | Identity verification Fingerprint-based criminal history check Credit History Check (Sometimes) |
Fingerprints are generally valid for as long as the background check they accompanied. In most cases, this will be several years but will vary depending on the industry. Many industries and companies will require employees to get fingerprinted and undergo a background check every 2-5 years.
How long a level 2 background check is good for is an extremely common question, due to the background check being more thorough and requiring more involvement from the individual because of the fingerprint requirement. There is not a set number of years a background check is good for, however many industries will require that employees undergo a background check after a set amount of time.
Most of the industries that require frequent background checks on existing employees due to federal requirements. For example, individuals that work in the child care industry are required to undergo a background check every 5 years at the very least.1
Many states will have laws that require background checks even more frequently. Unless the job involves security clearance, a background check will usually be good for at least 2 years.
| State Level 2 Check | How Many Years Background Check is Good For? |
| Alabama | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Alaska | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Arizona | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Arkansas | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| California | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Colorado | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Connecticut | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Delaware | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Florida | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Georgia | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Hawaii | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Idaho | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Illinois | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Iowa | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Indiana | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Kansas | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Kentucky | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Louisiana | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Maine | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Massachusetts | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Maryland | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Michigan | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Minnesota | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Mississippi | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Missouri | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Montana | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Nebraska | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Nevada | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| New Hampshire | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| New Jersey | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| New Mexico | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| New York | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| North Carolina | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| North Dakota | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Ohio | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Oklahoma | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Oregon | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Pennsylvania | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Rhode Island | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| South Carolina | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| South Dakota | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Tennessee | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Texas | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Utah | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Vermont | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Virginia | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Washington | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| West Virginia | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Wisconsin | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
| Wyoming | 2-5 Years depending on industry |
As mentioned, most states have specific background check requirements for various industries. One of the industries that has specific background check requirements is the healthcare industry. In order to ensure that all healthcare employees are screened the same way, the state of Florida developed a specific background check that is administered by the AHCA.4
The AHCA operates similar to background check agencies, but only performs checks on Florida health care workers. Although the AHCA meets the minimum requirements of a Florida Level 2 background check, there are additional requirements that must be met as part of the background check that is specific to healthcare employees in the state.
There is generally no need to update your own background check. Many industries will require employees to undergo a background check after a set amount of time, usually 2-5 years. However, in certain industries, there are requirements involving when an employee commits a disqualifying offense while employed, such as being convicted of a felony. In this case, the employer is generally notified when it happens and the necessary action will be taken. Also, many employers will have policies that require individuals to notify management of arrests, convictions, etc.
Many people who are wondering how long is a level 2 background check good for are worried about having to get checked again, in most cases the employer will notify individuals if they need to undergo the check again.
The amount of different background checks available these days can be intimidating when job hunting. This is especially true for individuals with criminal records who don’t know what kind of checks will be run and have questions like How long is a level 2 background check good for?
Level 4 background check has no legal diction but usually refers to an extremely comprehensive background check, such as those required for positions involving security clearance.
Level 2 background checks usually last 2-5 years before the individual is required to be checked again.
A level 2 background check consists of identity verification, a state-wide criminal history check, and a fingerprint-based national criminal history check at the very least.
Most background checks go back 7-10 years. Some states have limits as to how far a background check can go back, in states with no limits it is possible for a background check to go back indefinitely.
A level 3 check should take around 2 weeks unless additional checks are performed such as extensive reference checks.
Most level 2 background checks will be paid for by the employer, but shouldn’t cost an individual more than $50.
A level 1 check usually consists of a state-criminal history check, whereas a level 2 check involves a fingerprint-based national check.
Any criminal history information will be found such as charges, convictions, and more. Disqualifying offenses will depend on the industry.
Florida background checks can go back indefinitely, however certain information will be removed after 7 years.
Disqualifying offense will depend on the industry, but most violent felonies will be disqualifiers.
Healthcare workers have specific checks performed such as fingerprint-based criminal history checks as well as checks of abuse, and pharmaceutical databases.
Level 2 background checks consist of a fingerprint-based criminal history check at the national level.
Yes, although it depends on the misdemeanor, it is possible to pass with a misdemeanor depending on the crime and the industry.
There is an extensive and specific list of disqualifying offenses for a level 2 background check in Florida.
Sometimes, passing a level 2 background check with a felony is possible but will depend heavily on the crime and industry.
A level 2 background check should take less than two weeks to complete.
1Child Care. (2022). Background Checks: What You Need To Know. ChildCare.gov. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from <https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/background-checks-what-you-need-to-know>
2FBI. (2022). Identity History Summary Checks. FBI. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from <https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks>
3FDLE. (2022). Criminal History Record Check. Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Retrieved 7 2022, July, from <https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Background-Checks/VECHS-FAQs/Definitions.aspx>
4Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (2022). Background Screening. Agency For Health Care Administration. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from <https://ahca.myflorida.com/mchq/central_services/background_screening/index.shtml>
5The Florida Legislature. (2022). The 2021 Florida Statutes. Online Sunshine. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from <http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0435/Sections/0435.04.html>
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it