If you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent in North Carolina, you’re probably wondering whether you’ll need to go through fingerprinting or a background check. It’s a smart question, and the answer is yes, a criminal background check is required as part of the licensing process. Here’s what that involves, what to expect, and how to make sure you don’t hit any roadblocks on your path to licensure.
North Carolina Requires a Criminal Background Check
Before the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) will approve your license application or allow you to sit for the licensing exam, you’ll need to submit a criminal record report. This is part of the state’s character and fitness review process, which ensures all licensees meet North Carolina’s standards of honesty and trustworthiness.
You must disclose any criminal convictions, even those from years ago or from other states. The criminal record report must include records from every location you’ve lived in the past seven years. It also includes any aliases or previous names you’ve used.
Use Only the Approved Vendor
This part is crucial: North Carolina will only accept your background check if it’s completed through their approved vendor, currently CriminalRecordCheck.com. Reports from other online services or local police departments won’t
be accepted.
When you order the report through the approved vendor, it gets securely delivered to the Commission and also made available to you. This process ensures accuracy, identity verification, and compliance with state requirements.
Fingerprinting: What You Need to Know
While North Carolina doesn’t typically require you to physically submit fingerprint cards, fingerprint-based identity verification is still part of the process. When you complete your background check through the approved vendor, you’re authorizing the use of biometric data, including fingerprints, to verify your identity and gather criminal records.
So while you’re not usually walking into a fingerprinting appointment, fingerprint checks are still happening behind the scenes as part of your criminal record review.
When to Complete Your Background Check
Timing is everything. You’ll want to complete your background check after finishing your 75-hour pre-licensing course, but early enough that it doesn’t delay your application.
The criminal record report must be current when you apply. Most applicants order their report within a few weeks of completing the course. Processing usually takes about one to two weeks, so plan accordingly.
What the Commission Looks For
After receiving your background check, the Commission reviews your record as part of a character and fitness evaluation. They’re looking for honesty, integrity, and whether any past issues might impact your ability to act as a trustworthy real estate agent.
If you have a criminal record, that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be denied. The Commission considers each case individually and may request additional information or offer an informal conference or formal hearing before making a decision.
Be Honest and Thorough
Transparency is key. You’re required to disclose any criminal convictions, felonies or misdemeanors, on your application. Failure to disclose something, even unintentionally, can cause bigger problems than the conviction itself.
Make sure to:
- Include all names and addresses from the past seven years
- Double-check your report for accuracy
- Contact the vendor or NCREC if anything seems unclear
Cost and Budgeting
The cost of the background check depends on how many places you’ve lived in the past seven years, since reports must be pulled from each jurisdiction. Fees typically range from around $20 to $50 or more, depending on your history.
Ongoing Reporting Responsibilities
Once you’re licensed, you’ll be responsible for keeping the Commission informed. If you’re ever convicted of a crime after licensure, you must report it to the Commission within 60 days. Staying compliant protects your license and keeps your record clear.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, a background check is required for your North Carolina real estate license.
- Fingerprints are used within the background check process but are not submitted separately.
- Only use the approved vendor, CriminalRecordCheck.com.
- Start the background check right after your pre-licensing course to avoid delays.
- Be honest and thorough on your application. Transparency matters.
At A-Ha! Real Estate Academy, we make the path to your real estate license as smooth as possible. With flexible online courses, expert instructors, and support every step of the way, we’re here to help you launch your North Carolina real estate career with confidence.
Still have questions? Reach out to our team or check out our pre-licensing course options today!