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Private Foster Care Background Check


Private foster care is fostering that is not processed through DHS, this includes private foster care and Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC). These background checks are generally submitted to OBI by private foster agencies, but can also be submitted by individuals.

National FBI results are highly confidential and results will be mailed to the individual applicants. The individual may share their results with others as they choose.

Please note that from the day we receive the hard cards it takes 2-4 weeks to receive results back from OSBI and FBI. Submit requests with enough time to receive results prior to any court dates. 

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

Generally, private foster care background checks are fingerprint based. However, you may be asked to supply a name based background check to update your criminal history.

Private Name-Based Checklist

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

Contact Information

Phone: (405) 962-1735 or
              1-800-347-2276
Email: OBI@okdhs.org
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 268935
OKC, OK 73126