A background check service is a tool used to retrieve publicly available information. Background checks in Ohio are commonly used during hiring processes, tenant screenings, and issuance of professional licenses. They help mitigate risks such as fraud and security breaches.
This article will explore the various types of background checks available in Ohio and how to get a background check done on a person of interest. Let’s get started!
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Get StartedWhat is a Ohio Background Check
A Ohio background check is a process used to verify information about a person, primarily for employment, licensing, or security purposes in Ohio.
Background checks typically involve accessing various public and private databases. The data is then aggregated to evaluate an individual’s qualifications, character, and risk factors.
Although not mandatory, a Ohio Background Check can help you learn more about a person in your locality. They help prevent fraud, uphold regulatory compliance, and ensure qualified individuals fill sensitive or critical roles.
How Far Back Do Background Checks Go in Ohio
In Ohio, there are generally no state-specific restrictions that limit the extent to which a background check can search.
However, most background checks, especially those conducted through Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs), adhere to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
The Fair Credit Reporting Act imposes a standard seven-year lookback period for certain records. These records include civil judgments, tax liens, and bankruptcy filings. Criminal convictions can be reported indefinitely unless state laws specify otherwise.
What Shows Up On a Background Check In Ohio
Criminal Record
A background check in Ohio will show any criminal convictions and pending criminal cases. Arrests and non-conviction information older than seven years can also be retrieved. A criminal background check might access county, state, and national databases to ensure a comprehensive search of your criminal past.
Employment History
A pre-employment background check in Ohio typically reviews an applicant’s work history during the hiring process. Employment verifications confirm previous employment details such as past employers, and job titles. They also reveal dates of employment. This helps verify that a candidate has the initially stated professional experience.
Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Checks
Motor Vehicle Report checks in Ohio provide insights into a candidate’s driving history. This includes license status, traffic violations, suspensions, and other driving-related offenses. These checks are particularly important for positions requiring driving as a core part of job duties.
Professional License Verification
Professional license verifications ensure that the candidate holds valid credentials for positions requiring specific qualifications. This check verifies the status, authenticity, and details of professional licenses. Professional license verification is mostly done for sensitive roles in healthcare, law, education, and other regulated fields.
Visit the Ohio Attorney General’s background check webpage for detailed official guidelines and regulations related to background checks in Ohio.
Civil Searches
Civil searches investigate records of non-criminal litigation. These may include looking into records related to bankruptcies and credit reports. They may also search for civil judgments and lawsuits. Although not mandatory, this type of check helps understand any legal issues that may impact an applicant’s suitability for a role.
Drug Tests
Drug tests in Ohio are used to determine if an applicant has a history of using illegal drugs or misusing prescription medications. This check is critical for maintaining workplace safety and compliance with company policies.
These checks help Ohio employers make informed decisions by reviewing an applicant’s background. This ensures compliance with relevant laws, maintaining safety and integrity in the workplace.
Ohio Background Check Laws
Ohio Fair Hiring Act (HB 56)
Ohio has implemented the Ohio Fair Hiring Act (HB 56). It is a statewide ban-the-box law applicable exclusively to public sector employers. This law restricts public employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history on initial job applications. Instead, they can only conduct background checks after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
This approach ensures that all candidates are evaluated on their qualifications first, without the immediate stigma of a criminal record. More details about this legislation can be found through Ohio’s legislative resources or the Ohio Attorney General’s office Ohio Attorney General’s Background Check Information.
Individualized Assessment Requirement
Under the Ohio Fair Hiring Act, before any adverse employment decision is made based on a background check, public sector employers are required to perform an individualized assessment.
This assessment considers the nature of the crime, the time elapsed, and the relevance of the criminal activity to the duties of the position being filled. This process is designed to ensure fair and relevant evaluations of prospective employees.
Sealed Records Protection
Ohio law also provides protections for individuals with sealed criminal records. Employers are prohibited from asking about any sealed criminal records.
The sealed records protection helps reintegrate individuals into the workforce. This relieves the burden of past convictions that are not publicly accessible.
Local Ban-the-Box Regulations
In addition to state laws, many Ohio cities and counties have enacted local ban-the-box or fair hiring laws. These local laws might extend protections or impose additional requirements.
Employers operating in multiple locations within Ohio need to be aware of these local laws. Awareness will help ensure compliance across different areas. They should always aim to comply with the most stringent applicable laws to mitigate risks of legal challenges.
For specific guidance and legal advice, it is recommended that employers consult legal experts. Relevant city or county legal resources can also come in handy.
How Long Does A Background Check Take In Ohio?
The timeframe for completing a background check in Ohio can vary depending on several factors. Typically, a background check in Ohio might take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The process length depends on the type of check being conducted:
- Standard State-Level Checks: These usually process quicker, within 3 to 5 business days. If there are no complications such as common names or incomplete records.
- National and Federal Checks: These can take longer due to more comprehensive searches across various jurisdictions and databases.
- WebCheck System: Ohio utilizes the WebCheck system for electronic fingerprinting. This can speed up the process. Delays may still occur if there are issues with the fingerprints or if additional verification is needed.
The overall speed of a background check will also depend on the specific agency or service provider’s workload. The completeness of the information provided by the applicant also determines the timeframe.
Ohio County Resources
Butler County
Located north of Cincinnati, Butler County provides various public information and records through its county website and clerk of courts. Major cities include Hamilton, Middletown, and Oxford, home to Miami University.
Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County, encompassing Cleveland, offers extensive public information and records online. It is known for its significant cultural and sports contributions and is home to the Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams.
Franklin County
As Ohio’s most populous county and home to Columbus, Franklin County provides public information and records through its county website and clerk of courts. The area is known for its cultural attractions and has a strong local economy supported by Ohio State University.
Hamilton County
Ranked as a top place to live, Hamilton County is home to Cincinnati. It is Ohio’s third most popular county (as per the 2020 census). You can access various public records and information online through the official website.
Licking County
Known for its rural charm and historical sites, Licking County near Columbus offers public information and records, including a court records search for its residents.
Lorain County
Part of the Cleveland metro area, Lorain County is home to cities like Lorain and Elyria. Public records and information are available through its official website.
Lucas County
Lucas County, including Toledo, offers public information and records through its county website and court records service. Known as “Glass City,” Toledo has a rich cultural heritage and is among the best places to live in Ohio.
Mahoning County
Mahoning Country is home to Youngstown, the second-best city to live in Ohio (no. 62 nationally) as ranked by the U.S. News & World Report. Public information and records are accessible online.
Montgomery County
Dayton, the largest city in Montgomery County, is known for its aviation history and significant employment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Publication information can be accessed through the following sites.
Stark County
Home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Stark County offers a variety of public records and information through its website and clerk of courts.
Summit County
Akron, located in Summit County, was historically known as the “Rubber Capital of the World.” Public records and information are provided through the county executive office and clerk of courts.
Trumbull County
Warren, the largest city in Trumbull County, is notable for its history with streetlights and Packard automobiles. Public information and records are available online.
Above are online resources of some of Ohio’s counties. Each county provides essential services and access to public records, ensuring transparency and facilitating local governance.
How To Get A Background Check In Ohio
To obtain a background check in Ohio, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Fingerprinting: Visit a WebCheck agency to have your fingerprints taken. This is necessary for the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) checks.
- Submitting Your Request: After obtaining your fingerprints, submit your background check request through the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) for child care providers, or via the appropriate channel for other types of employment or licensing.
- Fingerprint Card: If you are outside Ohio or unable to visit a WebCheck agency, you can print a fingerprint card from the Ohio Attorney General’s website. You will need to complete this card and mail it in for processing.
- Completion of Forms: Depending on the specific requirement (like for notaries), complete the necessary forms, including an application form, fingerprint impression sheet, and your signature.
- Review and Results: You will receive the results once your background check request is processed. This can be used for employment, licensing, or other purposes as Ohio law requires.
Best Background Check Services in Ohio
When it comes to performing background checks in Ohio, the importance of choosing the right service cannot be overstated. A good background check service will allow you to obtain accurate, up-to-date information.
Here are some top options that cater to various needs, from deep data digging to quick checks.
1. TruthFinder – Best Background Check Service for In-Depth Reports
Overview
TruthFinder is a background check service known to provide detailed and comprehensive reports. It works by scouring numerous databases to gather information on individuals.
It’s arguably the best background check service for checking personal records, criminal records, and online activity.
Services/Records Available
Truthfinder offers various background check services, including full criminal records, past address histories, known relatives, and social media profiles.
The service also provides information on potential associates and neighbors, enhancing the depth of its background screenings.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive Data Access: Offers extensive details from public records
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy for non-tech-savvy people to navigate.
- Regular Updates: The database is regularly updated to ensure accurate data is retrieved.
Cons:
- Subscription Model: Requires a monthly subscription. This may not be cost-effective for one-time users.
- No Free Trial: Does not offer a free trial, making it difficult to evaluate the service without initial payment.
- Information Overload: The thoroughness of the reports can sometimes retrieve irrelevant data.
2. InstantCheckMate – Best Background Check Service for Quick Results
Overview
Instant CheckMate is designed for quick and efficient background checks. Its major selling points are speed and ease of use.
The background check service pulls information from public records to deliver swift results. InstantCheckMate is ideal if you need quick checks as opposed to detailed reports.
Services/Records Available
InstantCheckMate provides a variety of checks, including criminal records and arrest records. You can also unearth address history, relatives’ information, and associates’ information. This makes it a versatile tool for quick background searches.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast Results: Quick processing times make it ideal for urgent background checks.
- Ease of Use: The straightforward platform allows hassle-free navigation and data retrieval.
- Affordable Plans: Offers various pricing plans that are more affordable than other services.
Cons:
- Limited Depth in Reports: While fast, the reports might not be as detailed as those from more thorough services like Truthfinder.
- Upsells and Advertisements: Users may encounter frequent upsells or advertisements. This takes away from the user experience.
- Accuracy Concerns: Rapid data retrieval can sometimes compromise the depth and accuracy of the information provided.
3. BeenVerified – Best Background Check Service for User-Friendly Searches
Overview
BeenVerified blends user-friendliness with comprehensive data retrieval. This makes it a good choice for those new to conducting background checks.
It provides detailed reports and is designed to be straightforward. Been Verified is among the easiest search tools around.
Services/Records Available
Been Verified covers many records. Common areas include criminal records, financial history, and previous addresses. It also scans social media profiles and vehicle records. They also offer services like email lookup and phone number lookup, which can be useful for more specific inquiries.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Offers extensive background checks that cover a wide range of records.
- Easy to Use: The interface is clean and intuitive, making navigation simple.
- Mobile App: Features a mobile app that allows users to conduct searches on the go.
Cons:
- Slower Updates: Some users report delays in the update of data which may not reflect the most current information.
- Subscription Requirement: Like many other services, it requires a subscription. This may not be ideal for users needing one-time checks.
- Report Navigation: While detailed, some users find navigating through the extensive reports cumbersome.
Ohio Background Checks FAQ
What Does an Ohio Background Check Consist of?
An Ohio background check generally involves checking a candidate’s history. You can search for criminal records, employment history, driving history, and professional licenses. The details reported will depend on the scope of the background check requested.
How Can I Check the Status of My Background Check in Ohio?
To check the status of a background check in Ohio, it’s advisable to contact the agency or department that is processing the background check. You can also use a private background check provider like Truthfinder to see what pops up when people run a background check on you.
How Far Back Do Criminal Background Checks Go in Ohio?
The time range that an Ohio background check covers varies depending on the type of check conducted. Some checks might cover a person’s entire adult criminal history, while others might be limited to a specific number of years.
How Do I Look Up Criminal Records In Ohio?
To look up criminal records in Ohio, individuals or employers can use the National WebCheck service. This web-based system allows for the electronic submission of fingerprints. You can also use private background check services like Truthfinder.
How Much Is A Background Check In Ohio?
The cost of a background check in Ohio varies depending on the depth of the check and the agency performing it. Because costs can vary, it’s recommended that you contact the specific service provider for accurate pricing information.
Conclusion
Understanding Ohio’s background check laws is essential for employers. It can also come in handy for anyone involved in hiring, leasing, or conducting personal investigations. This knowledge ensures compliance with legal standards and helps protect against potential liabilities.
A background checker like TruthFinder can come in extra handy when looking to know more about a candidate. It offers tailored solutions ranging from in-depth reports to quick and user-friendly searches.
Background check services like Truthfinder allow you to enhance safety and verify integrity. This ensures you maintain high accountability standards in both professional and personal setups.
Ohio residents and businesses must stay informed about the capabilities and legalities of background checks to foster a safer and more compliant community.