What to redact for a background check
A background check usually means sending a screening company or employer a copy of your ID or documents. Here's what to redact for each one — and what to keep so it's still accepted.
For a background check, a screening company or employer needs your identity confirmed — they rarely need your full SSN or ID number kept in a copy. On every copy, black out the unique numbers and any field they don't strictly need, then stamp "For this background check only". Pick your document below for the exact fields.
Why a screening company or employer asks for a copy
Screeners confirm your identity so they match records to the right person. What they actually need: your identity confirmed — they rarely need your full SSN or ID number kept in a copy.
The risk — and how to handle it
The safe approach is the same for any document: redact the fields a screening company or employer doesn't need, keep the ones they do, and add a purpose watermark so the copy can't travel further than a background check.
The watermark to add
Which document are you sending?
Pick the document a screening company or employer asked for to see exactly what to black out:
- Redact your Social Security card for a background check
- Redact your driver's license for a background check
- Redact your ID card for a background check
- Redact your birth certificate for a background check
FAQ
What do I need to redact for a background check?
It depends on the document, but the rule is the same: hide the unique numbers (ID, account, card, or SSN) and keep your identity confirmed — they rarely need your full SSN or ID number kept in a copy. Add a "For this background check only" watermark to every copy.
Is it safe to send document copies to a screening company or employer?
Third-party screeners are a frequent breach target. Share the minimum and watermark it to the specific check. Send a redacted, watermarked copy rather than a clean scan whenever possible.
Will a redacted copy be accepted for a background check?
Yes, in most cases. As long as the fields they actually need are visible and the copy is clearly watermarked, a redacted copy is standard and accepted practice.
Redact it now — on your iPhone, nothing uploaded
Cachera blacks out the pixels for good, stamps a purpose watermark, and exports a print-ready PDF. Fully offline.