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Kentucky Background Check Laws: What Employers Need to Know
Kentucky largely follows federal FCRA standards, with a notable local requirement in Louisville, relevant across the state's automotive, healthcare, and logistics industries, whether you're hiring in Louisville, Lexington, or Bowling Green.
Non-Conviction Records Can't Be Reported
Arrests or charges that didn't result in a conviction aren't to be included in a report.
Employers Can't Pass Certain Costs to Candidates
Employers can't require an employee or applicant to pay for a medical examination, or the cost of furnishing records required as a condition of employment.
Louisville Ban-the-Box
Louisville government employees and city contractors have additional Ban-the-Box restrictions under the city's local ordinance. This is specific to Louisville and doesn't apply statewide.
Pass-Through Fees for Kentucky Records
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal county search | No pass-through fee listed for county-level searches in this state |
| Criminal statewide (Kentucky State Police Criminal Identification & Records Branch) | $25.00 per name-based check (the Kentucky Administrative Office of Courts also offers an online name check for $25) |
| Motor vehicle record | $6.00 |
Fees are sourced from 3rd Degree Screening's published fee schedule and are subject to change without notice by the issuing agency.
Common Questions from Kentucky Employers
Does Kentucky have a statewide Ban-the-Box law?
No. Kentucky's Ban-the-Box rule applies to Louisville government employees and contractors specifically, not statewide.
Can non-conviction arrests show up on a Kentucky background check?
No. Arrests or charges that didn't result in a conviction aren't reportable in Kentucky.
Who pays for medical exam costs during Kentucky hiring?
Not the candidate. Employers can't require an applicant or employee to cover the cost of a required medical exam.
This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and requirements may change and may vary based on specific facts and circumstances. Users should consult their own qualified legal counsel regarding their specific compliance obligations.
