How long does USPS background check take and what if it's delayed by errors?

Question

I accepted a conditional job offer from USPS almost two months ago, and I'm still waiting for my background check to clear. When I first applied, they told me the background check would take a few weeks at most. Now it's been eight weeks and HR keeps telling me it's still "in process" without giving me any real updates or explanation for the delay. I'm getting worried because I turned down another job opportunity thinking this USPS position was secure, and now I'm stuck in limbo with no income and no answers. I don't know if the delay is normal or if something went wrong. Could there be an error on my background check that's causing this holdup? Is it possible they mixed me up with someone else and that's why it's taking so long? I need this job and I can't afford to keep waiting without knowing what's going on. How long should a USPS background check actually take, and what can I do if there's a mistake causing the delay?

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

Under normal circumstances, a USPS background check typically takes between two to four weeks to complete. Some checks may process faster, while more complex cases - such as applicants who have lived in multiple states or have common names - may take slightly longer. However, a delay of eight weeks or more is unusual and often signals a problem that needs to be addressed.

Common reasons for extended delays include:

Identity verification issues
If the screening company cannot clearly match records to you, they may be conducting additional manual reviews. This can happen if you have a common name, if you've moved frequently, or if there are inconsistencies in your address history.
Background check errors or mixed files
Delays often occur when there's conflicting information in the report - such as criminal records that don't clearly match your personal identifiers (date of birth, Social Security number, middle name). The screening company may be trying to verify whether certain records belong to you or to someone else with a similar name.
Pending disputes or reinvestigations
If inaccurate information appeared on an initial report and you or USPS questioned it, the screening company is required to reinvestigate. This process can add significant time, especially if they're slow to respond or if they're verifying records across multiple jurisdictions.

What you should do right now:

Request a copy of your background report
You have the right to know what's being reported about you. Contact USPS HR and ask which screening company is handling your background check, then request a copy of your report from that company. Many companies are required to provide you with a copy if the check is taking an unusually long time or if adverse information has been found.
Review the report for errors
Look carefully at every detail: criminal records, addresses, employment dates, and personal information. If you see anything that doesn't belong to you - especially criminal charges or convictions - that could be the source of the delay.
Dispute errors immediately
If you find inaccurate information, submit a written dispute to the screening company explaining exactly what's wrong and providing supporting documentation (your ID, proof of addresses, court records showing the case isn't yours, etc.).
Follow up with USPS
Let USPS HR know that you've identified errors on your report and that you're actively disputing them. Ask if they can expedite the review once the corrected report is available.
Contact us if the delay continues
If you've disputed errors but the screening company is slow to respond, or if they claim the information is "verified" despite evidence to the contrary, you may need legal help. We can escalate the dispute, demand that the screening company conduct a proper reinvestigation, and push for a corrected report to be delivered to USPS as quickly as possible.

Under the FCRA, background check companies must conduct reasonable investigations and correct inaccurate information promptly. If they're causing unreasonable delays by failing to fix clear errors, they may be violating federal law - and you may be entitled to compensation for the financial harm caused by the delay, including lost wages if you turned down other opportunities.

Long delays are frustrating, but they don't have to cost you the job. If errors are holding up your USPS background check, reach out to us today so we can help you get the process back on track.