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FCRA reporting limits

The FCRA 7-year rule explained and the states that limit reporting

A plain-English explanation of the FCRA 7-year rule, non-conviction reporting, conviction reporting, salary exceptions, and state limits.

Direct answer

The FCRA 7-year rule is not a universal rule that deletes all criminal records after 7 years. It mainly limits certain adverse non-conviction information in consumer reports, while convictions can be reported longer under federal law unless state law or another rule limits them.

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Common mythAll records vanish after 7 years
Federal ruleNon-convictions and other adverse items are limited differently than convictions
State overlaySome states add stricter reporting limits

The 7-year rule in practical terms

The FCRA restricts certain older adverse information in consumer reports, but criminal convictions have a different treatment under federal law. State laws can create additional limits, especially for employment reports.

Why people get confused

  • Arrests, charges, dismissals, and convictions are often mixed together in online summaries.
  • State reporting laws may be stricter than federal law.
  • Salary or role exceptions may change the reporting analysis.
  • Public court access and CRA reporting are separate questions.
  • Sealing or expungement can change what should appear after the order.

What to do if an old record appears

  1. Identify whether the report shows an arrest, charge, dismissal, conviction, or cleared record.
  2. Check the date, disposition, and state law.
  3. Look for salary, role, or state exceptions.
  4. Dispute the report if it appears legally outdated, inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading.
  5. Use state clearing if the record remains public and eligible.

Use precise dispute language

Do not simply say 'this is over 7 years old.' Explain the exact reporting problem: non-conviction, outdated disposition, sealed order, expungement order, mixed file, duplicate record, or state-law reporting limit.

FAQ

Fast answers

Do convictions fall off after 7 years under the FCRA?

Not as a universal federal rule. Convictions can be reported longer under federal law, though state laws may add limits.

Can dismissed charges be reported after 7 years?

Non-conviction reporting can be limited, but the analysis depends on date, report type, state law, and role exceptions.

Should I dispute an old background-check record?

Yes, if the report is inaccurate, incomplete, legally outdated, mixed, duplicated, or fails to reflect a clearing order.

Last reviewed 2026-06-03. Clean My Past is software, not a law firm. This guide is informational and is not legal advice. State laws, agency policies, platform rules, and consumer-reporting practices change, so confirm details on the official source before relying on them. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.