---
title: "What Is Background Check? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A background check is a review of a person's criminal and sometimes financial history. States and carriers use it to decide whether to license or..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/background-check
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Agent licensing and appointments

# Background Check

A background check is a review of a person's criminal and sometimes financial history. States and carriers use it to decide whether to license or contract an agent.

## Why it matters

Most license applications ask about felonies, certain misdemeanors, and past regulatory actions, and states often confirm answers through fingerprints. A record does not always block a license, since states weigh the type and age of the offense. Carriers run their own reviews too. Answering truthfully on every form matters most.

Source: [naic.org](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/producer-licensing)

[Read next, for agentsHow life insurance licensing works across multiple states](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers/licensing)

## Where we use this term

-   [Your first 90 days as a telesales life insurance agent: a week-by-week ramp](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/first-90-days-as-a-telesales-agent)
-   [How to get a multi-state life insurance license: resident first, then nonresident](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/multi-state-life-insurance-license)
-   [How to become a life insurance agent with no experience](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers/new-agents)

## Start your climb.

Tell us where you are today and request a call about licensing, training and the calls.

[Apply to join](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply)

Shopping for coverage instead? [Get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote)