The basic "3 county" criminal background check shouldn't cost you more than $100.00
. A more in-depth background check for criminal records, marriage records, divorce records and civil records will cost more. Most private investigators will charge an hourly rate plus mileage and a "copying fee" when it comes to researching court records at the county courthouse. I have promoted my company's background service as a "real" background check service because clients get a real investigator checking records. We also check most of our records at the county level which is the most accurate. I don't recommend going with a nationwide criminal check company, especially the ones that offer checks around $12.95. This data is purely archived information that is by no means double checked for accuracy. Having a trusted background check company or private investigator checking the background of an individual is highly recommended.