Criminal Background Check

How to request the check:

1. The fastest way is to request your FBI Identity History Summary Check online at https://www.fbi.gov/checks (click "Online" for instructions). Mail-in options are also listed there.
2. Use a computer, not a phone or tablet, and use Firefox or Internet Explorer — the FBI's system doesn't work with Chrome or Safari.
3. If you mail your request instead, pay for tracking (through USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) so you can confirm it arrives.
4. Once the FBI receives your request, expect about 7 business days before you get your results by email.
5. If you also want a paper copy mailed to you, check the "preferences box" on the application to request that.

Watch the timing:

• The background check must be dated within 30 days of when you submit your application to the Board — if it's older than that, it won't be accepted, so don't do this step too early.

How to request the check:

1. Get fingerprinted. Find a local place that does fingerprinting — police department, sheriff's office, university police, etc. Ask for two fingerprint cards (blue or black, standard/universal cards work anywhere).
2. Fill out the OSBI form. Download and complete the OSBI Criminal History Record Information Request Form.The OSBI request from may be downloaded at the following link, OSBI Criminal History Record Information Request Form. 
3. Choose the right service. On the form, select the State Fingerprint-Based option, which costs $19. Do not use OSBI-CHIRP — it won't be accepted.
4. List yourself twice. Put yourself down as both the requestor and the subject of the background check, so the results get mailed/sent back to you directly.
5. Skip the ORI number. If the form asks for an Originating Agency Identifier (ORI), you can leave that blank — it's only needed if an agency is requesting it, not an individual.
6. Mail it in. Send the completed form along with both fingerprint cards to OSBI for processing.

Watch the timing:

The background check must be dated within 30 days of when you submit your application to the Board — if it's older than that, it won't be accepted, so don't do this step too early.