Many people ask whether it is possible to run a background check without a Social Security number. The short answer is yes, but only in limited ways. A background check without an SSN can provide useful risk signals, but it cannot replace a full, FCRA-grade screening.
Understanding the difference is critical for employers, landlords, and individuals who want accurate results without unnecessary risk.
Can you run a background check without an SSN
Yes. You can run partial background checks without an SSN using alternative identifiers such as a full legal name, date of birth, and address history.
However, skipping an SSN reduces accuracy and limits the scope of what can be verified. This is why you should use SSN-less background checks for initial screening or risk awareness, not for final decisions.
What information providers use instead of an SSN
When an SSN is not available, background checks rely on a combination of:
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Full legal name and known aliases
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Date of birth
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Current and prior addresses
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State or jurisdiction of interest
These identifiers allow databases to match records at the state level, but they increase the chance of missed records or false positives when compared to SSN-based searches.
What you can check without an SSN
A background check without an SSN can still surface meaningful information when used correctly.
Statewide criminal history searches
State-level criminal record searches can be performed using name and date of birth matching. These searches typically look back seven years and may include felony and misdemeanor records reported within a specific state.
This approach works best when:
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You know the individual’s state of residence
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The person has a limited address history
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The search is used as an initial screening step
Registered sex offender searches
Registered sex offender databases are public records and can be searched without an SSN. These searches check national and state registries to identify individuals required to register due to qualifying offenses.
This type of check is commonly used for:
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Tenant screening
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Volunteer screening
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Preliminary employment screening
What HireShield’s Bronze package includes
HireShield’s Bronze background check package is designed for situations where an SSN is unavailable or intentionally excluded.
It includes:
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Statewide 7-year criminal history search
Searches criminal records within a selected state using name and date of birth matching. -
Registered sex offender search
Checks applicable sex offender registries to identify registered offenses.
This package is ideal for initial screening, risk awareness, or personal use where a full SSN-based background check is not required.
What you cannot reliably check without an SSN
It is important to understand the limitations.
Without an SSN, you generally cannot perform:
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Credit history checks
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Nationwide criminal record verification with high confidence
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Employment or tenant screenings requiring FCRA-level accuracy
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Identity verification with strong certainty
Any service that claims otherwise should be approached with caution.
When background checks without SSN make sense
SSN-less background checks are best suited for:
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Early-stage screening
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Situations where an individual refuses to share an SSN
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Personal awareness checks
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Supplementing other verification methods
They should not be treated as a replacement for comprehensive screening when accuracy and compliance matter.
When you should require an SSN
An SSN should be required when:
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Making employment or housing decisions
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Running credit or financial checks
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Ensuring nationwide criminal coverage
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Meeting strict compliance requirements
Using partial data in these situations increases both legal and operational risk.
Final takeaway
Background checks without an SSN are possible, but they come with clear tradeoffs. When used appropriately, they can provide valuable insight. When used incorrectly, they can create false confidence and compliance exposure.
HireShield’s Bronze package offers a practical, transparent option for SSN-less screening by focusing on statewide criminal history searches and registered sex offender checks, without overstating what the results can do.
If you want accuracy, compliance, and trust, the key is knowing when partial screening is enough and when it is not.
