By Parviz Malakouti-Fitzgerald, Esq.
You can get your Ohio state background check from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) easily to review for yourself with $22, paper, an ink pad and about 30-40 minutes of time.
You may want to do this if you want to apply for second citizenship or an immigration benefit and you’ve been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime in Ohio.
Article Outline:
Here's a step by step guide on how to request your Ohio state BCI background check, with minimal delay.
Application Form
Step 1 - go to the Ohio BCI website and download the 3 page PDF with the instructions, fingerprint card, and request for BCI report here.
Step 2 - Print your name, sign, and date your signature on page 3 (the application) of the PDF mentioned in step 1.
Ohio BCI background check application form
Step 3 - For the “Agency Name” box, you can write “Self.”
Fingerprint Card (BIM 12/98)
The next step is to complete your fingerprint card.
Step 1 - Locate page 2 of the 3 page PDF above which contains the blue “Civilian Background Check” fingerprint card (BIM 12/98) that you need to use to request your Ohio BCI record.
Ohio BCI background check fingerprint card, (BIM 12/98)
Step 2 - Fill in your biographical information in the appropriate boxes. For the agency code box, you can write “1AB002” if you are requesting your own background check for yourself, and including payment with the card (which is probably the case).
Step 3 - In the box “Signature of official taking fingerprints”, sign your own name if you are taking your own fingerprints.
Step 4 - In the box “Send background check results to”, write your own address if you want the background check sent to you.
Step 5 - In the ORC field, you can write in “Other: records requested for self”
Step 6 - Carefully roll your fingerprints on the fingerprint card. You’ll also need a fingerprint ink pad to take your own fingerprints. At Malakouti Law, we use this fingerprint ink pad from amazon shown below, which costs only five bucks.
$5 fingerprint pad, available on Amazon
Payment & Verification of ID
You’ll have to include payment of $22 with your Ohio BCI background check. The payment must be made payable to: Treasurer, State of Ohio.
See the instructions below.
Also, you’ll need to include a copy of your valid government issued ID with your request. You can use a U.S. state issued driver license, passport, or “other photo ID.”
Send Complete Application Package
Once you’ve completed your application package, it should have four components:
The completed application (page 3 of the 3 page PDF) mentioned above
The completed, signed blue fingerprint card (page 2 of the 3 page PDF) mentioned above
Payment of $22
A copy of your valid ID for verification of identity
Note: We recommend you paper clip these four items together, with the payment in the very front, and mail the package in a 9”x 11” manilla envelope.
Mail the application package to:
Bureau of Criminal Investigation
P.O. Box 365
London, Ohio 43140
In my experience, the OH BCI are pretty responsive via telephone for questions. They can be reached at 740-845-2000
Then just wait for a response. If you have no criminal record in Ohio, your background check will look like the letter below.
Sample Ohio BCI Background Check
Good luck!
Request a Consultation with Malakouti Law
If you’re an American with a criminal record and you’re interested in second citizenship, request a consultation with Malakouti Law here to start getting answers on what’s possible.
Each immigration and citizenship case is particular and you should consult with a qualified immigration and citizenship lawyer about your case before taking any steps. The Law Office of Parviz Malakouti does not guarantee the accuracy of information presented nor assume responsibility for actions taken in reliance of this information. The information in this page could become outdated. Attorney marketing.