background check ohio essentials for employers and individuals

What’s included in an Ohio search

In Ohio, background screening usually combines statewide BCI checks, county court records, and, when authorized, FBI fingerprint results. Employers often add verification of identity, employment, education, and professional licenses. Public records can surface misdemeanor and felony dispositions, while sealed or expunged matters should not appear if properly updated.

Compliance basics

To stay compliant, obtain written consent, follow the federal FCRA, and respect Ohio’s “ban-the-box” limits for initial applications. Provide pre-adverse and adverse action notices, allow disputes, and assess relevance, recency, and job requirements using a documented, individualized review.

• Use a consistent policy and retention schedule.
• Search at the county of residence and any prior jurisdictions.
• Confirm names, DOB variations, and possible aliases.
• Consider motor vehicle records for driving roles.
• Avoid arrest-only data for decisions.

Timing and practical tips

Turnaround varies: instant database screens are preliminary, while county research may take 1–5 business days depending on court access. For faster results, submit clean identifiers, accurate addresses, and clear authorization. When records appear, match carefully and document your reasoning; a transparent process protects both the candidate and the organization.