Criminal Background Check

Make arrangements with a local provider in your area who offers fingerprinting services (local law enforcement agency, county sheriff, university police, etc.). The blue or black fingerprint cards are universal and may be completed at any location that offers fingerprinting. The Board recommends you obtain two (2) fingerprint cards in order to request the OSBI fingerprint-based background check.

Once you have been fingerprinted, complete the OSBI Criminal History Record Information Request Form and submit your form and completed fingerprint cards to OSBI for processing.  The OSBI request from may be downloaded at the following link, OSBI Criminal History Record Information Request Form. 

You will select the State Fingerprint-Based option ($19), ensure you list yourself as the requestor as well as the subject so that the completed results are sent back to you.

The fingerprint card may ask for an Originating Agency Identifier (ORI). Because you are the requestor you will not need the agency specific ID number.

Please note: OSBI-CHIRP checks will not be accepted.

The quickest FBI fingerprint-based background check option is to submit your Identity History Summary Check request online. For more information regarding obtaining an FBI fingerprint-based background check navigate to the FBI webpage at the following link https://www.fbi.gov/checks and select "Online" for further instructions. Mailing options may also be found on the FBI webpage.

The FBI recommends that you complete the request process on a computer (no phone or tablet) and that you use Mozilla, Firefox, or Internet Explorer (the FBI system is not compatible with Google Chrome or Safari) to complete your request.

If you choose to mail your request, the FBI recommends you pay the post office to put tracking on your envelope or sending it through a courier (Fed Ex, USPS, UPS, etc.) that provides a tracking number to assure timely delivery. 

Once the FBI has received your request, it will take approximately 7 business days to send it to you via email. If you would also like a hard copy response, please check the "preferences box" on the application to state that you would like the hard copy response in the mail/post.