Background check refers to an investigation on background and identity of the person. It could range from a simple criminal check to a full blown investigation.  Background check could include the following kinds of checks:  criminal record search, employment verification, education verification, driving record and credit check.  Employment background check usually requires the above-mentioned documents. But for a full blown investigation, background check usually includes more in-depth elements such as multi-jurisdictional civil searches to interviews of friends, relatives and neighbors.