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# What is a historic name check?

# What is a historic name check?
A historic name check looks up which names a person has previously been registered under in public records — names linked to the same national identity number that are no longer in active use.
A background check is only as good as the data it is based on. If a candidate has had a previous name, information registered under that name may be overlooked — not because anyone is concealing anything, but because systems do not automatically connect them.

> At Right Person, this check runs automatically and always with the candidate's consent.


## How does the check work?
The check is carried out automatically as part of the background check, after identity verification has been completed.
**Norwegian candidates**
* Public registers are searched automatically following BankID login
* All names linked to the candidate's national identity number are retrieved
* Previous names are included in the final report

## What can be missed without this check?
Information that may be registered under a previous name includes:
* Education history
* Employment records
* Credit history
* Criminal record

## Is this in line with GDPR?
Yes. The search is only performed after the candidate has given explicit consent, and all information is handled in accordance with GDPR and applicable Norwegian legislation.
The candidate always receives:
* Information in advance about what the check involves
* The opportunity to give explicit consent
* Insight into how their information is processed and stored

## Related articles
* [What is identity verification?](https://faq.rightperson.com/en/article/what-is-an-id-check-i63u4f/)
* [What can a background check include?](https://faq.rightperson.com/en/article/what-can-i-check-1hkrsjp/)
* [What is an open source search?](https://faq.rightperson.com/en/article/what-is-an-open-source-search-jcoabz/)

📩 **Need help?** Not sure whether this check applies to your candidate? Send an email to support@rightperson.com and we will assist you.