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Make sure you keep THE MOST important documents you will need for a background check. Get Free Printable PDFs here for your files.
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The Most Important Records to Keep for a Background Check {Know what data you need and what you can toss} + FREE Printable list

Background checks are commonplace in today’s world. (My kid’s school makes you file for one just to volunteer there.) It’s almost too easy for someone to look you up and find out your history. But, there are times when you are the one requesting the background check. Clearance for government jobs is a top reason. If you have ever gone through the process then you know the time involved in finding all of your old info.

Depending on the clearance level you want, you may have to go back as far as ten years. If you’ve moved in the past 10 years, do you remember the name of one of your neighbors and have their contact information? Do you know the name of your landlord 2 moves back? Do you have all of your old addresses, job supervisors, have both personal and professional references? If the answer is NO, then you need to print out these sheets and get to work ASAP.

Even if you aren’t needing the info for a background check, you may want it for your own personal records. Military families, traveling therapists/nurses, colleges students, really anyone that moves frequently would benefit from keeping these records.

Free printable for the most important documents you need on file if you ever want to apply for security clearance. Learn what you need to keep and what you can toss to clear out space in your file box while still keeping all pertinent data.

Attached at the bottom of the post are 4 printable PDFs to store your information easily.

The Records You Need to Keep

  • Addresses
  • Job information- Resume
  • Professional Licenses
  • Professional and personal references
  • School info
  • Military records
Other important records to keep

These are a good idea to always have on file, you’ll need them for other reasons

  • Bank/credit card/ loan statements–  Anything you may need for tax purposes
  • Tax records– At minimum 7 years and up to the last 10 years of 1040s just to be on the safe side.
  • Monthly bill statements– Going 1-2 years back
  • Shot records
  • Kids school records
  • Insurance paperwork– Medical and Dental EOBs, homeowners policies.
  • Continuing Education Paperwork/Certificates
  • Essential info– Birth, marriage and death certificates. Titles, deeds, wills, etc…
  • Receipts, warranty info and proof of purchase for important/major items– You would be amazed at how many items have lifetime warranties that go unused. Some even have warranties that allow you to send in items for a newer version every few years for just the cost of shipping and handling.
  • Medical Records

The Records Can You Toss Out

  • Receipts over 2 years old- Some recommend after 1 year.
  • Voided or Revised wills
  • Old manuals- We all have them for some reason
  • Bank records not relevant to taxes- After 1 year. Relevant to taxes- After 6-10 years.
  • Statements on accounts closed- After 3 years. But you might want to hold onto the final statement. Just in case.

Printable PDFs for your Important Documents

Addresses


Keep all of you prior addresses on file

Job Information

Keep all of your old job info on file in one easy place.

References

Keep all of your references on file in one safe space.

School and License

Printable PDF for school and license information