Private Adoption Background Check
Private adoption background checks are completed for adoptions that do not have OKDHS involvement; these types of adoptions may include: step-parents, grand-parents, those organized through private adoption agencies, attorneys, and others. Private adoptions are often processed through attorneys and home study providers, but may also be submitted by individuals.
In addition to reviewing criminal history, OBI conducts an Oklahoma Sex Offender and Violent Offender registry search with private background checks.
To ensure the confidentially of the individual’s information, private criminal history background check results are sent by mail, to the subject of the background check. The individual may share their results with others as they choose.
Related Links
- Fingerprint-Based Checks
- Name-Based Checks
Private Adoption: Fingerprint Based Background Check
Private fingerprint based background checks require the submission of fingerprint hard cards. This check includes a FBI national criminal history search, an OSBI (Oklahoma) criminal search, and an Oklahoma Sex and Violent Offender Registry search.
Results will be only mailed to the individual applicants as the FBI results are highly confidential. It is the option of the individual to share these results with anyone they choose.
Please note that from the day we receive the cards it takes 2-4 weeks to get results back from OSBI and FBI. Submit requests with enough time prior to any set court dates.
Fingerprint Background Checklist [Insert Private Fingerprint Background Checklist link here, to print if needed]
What you will need:
- Complete Request for Background Check, form 04AD003E. Ensure all sections of form are completed and signed
- Keep a copy of signed request for your records.
- Include 2 completed fingerprint hard cards (all ten fingerprints on each card), with all personal information completed.
- Hard cards may be requested from OBI or obtained at time of fingerprinting from the local Sheriff’s office.
- Contact the local Sherriff’s office to schedule fingerprinting appointment. Fee(s) may apply.
- Ensure all information is completed using blue or black ink.
- Complete all required fields. Enter data within the boundaries of the designated field or block.
- The required fields are: NAM, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, SOC, Sex, Date fingerprinted, Reason Fingerprinted, and Signature.
- Do not use highlighters on fingerprint cards. Do not enter data or labels within ‘Leave Blank’ areas
- Payment of a $50 processing fee, per person is required. Payment(s) can be made via money order, cashier’s check or personal check, payable to Department of Human Services.
- Mail all items together to:
Office of Background Investigations
PO Box 268935
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
Upon request, OBI can send you a private background hard card packet. Email OBI at OBI@okdhs.org with your name, address, and the number of individuals needing a private fingerprint based background check.
Be advised that fingerprint hard cards expire 6 months after your fingerprints are captured. If you submit expired hard cards to OBI, we will be unable to process them and will request a new set of hard cards before the background check can be completed.
Private Adoption: Name Based Background Checks
While most private adoption cases require a national fingerprint background check, at times a name based check may be requested. This can protect a court date, to provide progress in the case while waiting on fingerprint results. Please check with your attorney or home study provider to see if this applies to your case.
What you will need:
- Complete Request for Background Check, form 04AD003E. Ensure all sections of form are completed and signed.
- Keep a copy of signed request for your records.
- Payment of a $20 processing fee, per person is required. Payment(s) can be made via money order, cashier’s check or personal check, payable to Department of Human Services.
- Mail all items together to:
Office of Background Investigations
PO Box 268935
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
