Background investigation in Montana is also known as criminal history checks or record checks, and can be performed by local, state and federal agencies, as well as the general public. If a law enforcement agency requests an MT background screening, the information provided may include all criminal history available in the state and across the nation.

Such details may be used for criminal justice purposes only. When conducting a background search, the Montana Department of Justice may release information to the general public which is not limited by state privacy laws. Note that, a background report in MT will also contain driving-related information regarding felony arrests. For a complete MT driving record, individuals must address the country’s Motor Vehicle Division.


How to Get a Montana Background Check

Law enforcement agencies and other individuals have two types of Montana background check available at the moment. A name-based background verification offers public information only.

If you want to complete a more accurate MT criminal record search, you may use the fingerprint-based screening. Note that, only authorized agencies are allowed to request federal fingerprint checks. Requestors can perform a background investigation in MT utilizing three methods: online, by mail or in person.

In-person screening for both types may require applicants to visit the Criminal Records and Identification Services Section at the state’s Department of Justice.

When requesting a background report via mail, you must enclose either personal information or a fingerprint card for the person you are searching for. Though the aforementioned methods may be useful, a more convenient way is to order your background screening online.

Ordering a Montana Background Check Online

The online background check in Montana is limited to public criminal history record information. Note that, you may obtain the necessary information through an online service as a public or a registered user. In case agencies or other requestors want to do a complete background check on a certain subject, they will need to provide the following information:

  • The individual’s complete name.
  • The individual’s date of birth.
  • The individual’s Social Security Number (optional).

Note: The requestor’s name must also be entered in compliance with the Montana Code Annotated.

Who needs a Montana Background Check?

Applicants may request a Montana personal background check for different reasons. Doing a background search on a future employee, for instance, has proven to be helpful for companies during the recruitment process.

If you are currently renting an apartment, conducting an online background verification on the prospective tenant can facilitate the selection process. To find more details on getting a background check in other situations, read the sections below.

Renters

Montana rental background screening may be crucial, in case you rent a house or an apartment to another person. Prior to signing any documents with the future tenant, landlords may perform a thorough background check on applicants, to make sure they choose the best-qualified candidate for their rental properties.

A clean renter background report in MT may suggest that the tenant will treat the property with care and respect.

Employees

Companies in Montana may request an employee complete background check to facilitate the selection and recruitment processes. Note that employers must comply with the state statute regulating the use of this type of information.

When asking for an MT employer background report, requestors may need to first receive the prospective hire’s authorization for the completion of the procedure.

Ordering a background check online may be very helpful for employers, especially during the interview process.

EMS/First Responders

An EMS background search in Montana may be conducted to hire first responders as part of a hospital personnel. Performing an extensive criminal history check can ensure requestors that the subject in question is fit to handle the responsibilities of such job position.

Care Givers

An MT complete background check is also available for applicants offering caregiver services. It is the responsibility of daycare centers, for example, to conduct a thorough background investigation on their employees.

Note that a full background check online will give an individual the necessary reassurance, especially if he or she personally hires someone to take care of a family member.

Managers

Employee background search in Montana can be done in the event of hiring candidates for management and executive positions.

In general, companies require an extensive background screening to be conducted on a potential manager, so to be sure that he or she is prepared to cope with the responsibility of the workplace. A clean MT employee background record will contribute to excluding applicants with questionable behavior.

When You Will Need a Background Check

Requestors of background investigation in MT may list various reasons to carry out this process. Typically, a background report may be asked for if you find yourself in the following situations:

  • To legally obtain a firearm.
  • To check a subject’s criminal history.
  • To gather information on a prospective employee.
  • For rental purposes.

Note that, both law enforcement agencies and the general public may obtain information of such kind, always taking into account the authorization level of the requestor.

The Difference Between Standard & Criminal Background Checks

Montana background screenings includes criminal history details only. For information regarding a consumer credit or an immigrant status, applicants may need to require a standard background check.

When getting a background check in MT, you may also obtain driving-related details only as they relate to felony arrests. Individuals who want to receive a full driving record, must do so through the nearest MT DMV location.

Note: Certain information may not be available with the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation. In case you want to obtain a police report, court transcript, warrant information or parole/probation information, for instance, you should address the appropriate local law enforcement agency or court.

Last updated on Thursday, October 15 2020.