There is no single expiration date that applies to every fingerprint background check. How long a result is accepted depends on the agency, employer, or licensing board that asked for it.
The best way to know is to ask them before your appointment. If they want a recent result, you can book a new fingerprint check at our Reynoldsburg or Westerville office.
This guide explains what affects how long a check is accepted and what to expect when you get one in Ohio.
Validity of Fingerprint Background Checks
Fingerprint background checks are widely used because fingerprints are unique to each person, which makes them effective for confirming identity. A check shows the records that were available when it was run, so some employers and agencies ask for a recent one.
Here is what affects how long a check is accepted:
1. The requesting agency or employer:
Each employer, licensing board, or agency sets its own rules for how recent a check must be. These rules differ from one organization to the next, so ask them directly.
2. The type of check:
A BCI check is a state-level check for Ohio, while an FBI check is a federal-level check used nationwide. Some agencies require one, and others require both. You can see both options on our Ohio background checks page.
3. The purpose of the check:
Fingerprint checks are used for employment, licensing, volunteering, and other official purposes. The reason for your check can change what the requesting organization asks for, including the type of check and how recent it must be.
4. Laws and regulations:
Rules can differ by profession, licensing board, and agency. Confirm the requirements with the organization that asked for your fingerprints.
Comparison with Other Background Checks
Different checks search different records, so the organization that requests your check decides which one it accepts. Here are the checks we offer:
1. BCI Background Checks:
A BCI background check is an Ohio criminal history screening processed through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation under the Ohio Attorney General's Office. BCI checks are commonly required for employment, professional licensing, volunteer roles, and other official state-related purposes.
2. FBI Background Checks:
An FBI background check is a nationwide search across federal databases. It is used for nationwide requirements, such as federal contracts and security clearances.
3. BCI and FBI Combined Checks:
A combined check covers both state-level Ohio records and national federal history, and both can be completed in one appointment.
4. Non-Fingerprint Background Checks:
A non-fingerprint background check is a name-based search that uses personal identifiers such as your full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number when fingerprints are physically unavailable. Learn more about non-fingerprint background checks.
Legal Considerations
Rules about background checks can differ by state, profession, and requesting agency, so confirm what applies to you with the organization that asked for your check.
Your rights as an applicant:
Applicants have the right to notify the FBI if they believe their personally identifiable information (PII) has been exposed or misused. Individuals may also request to review, dispute, or correct any information that appears incomplete or inaccurate within their background check report. Read our Applicant Rights Notice for more details.
Industry-Specific Requirements
Each industry and licensing body sets its own requirements, including how recent a fingerprint check must be. Confirm the details with your employer or licensing agency. Common reasons for a fingerprint-based background check include:
1. Licenses and Permits:
Fingerprint checks are commonly needed for licenses and permits in fields such as financial services, liquor sales, security, automotive sales, insurance, nursing, and real estate appraisal.
2. Working With or Around Children:
Roles in education, adoption, foster care, childcare, and school transportation commonly require a fingerprint-based background check.
3. Working With or Around the Elderly:
Roles in healthcare facilities, nursing homes, home care, and transportation commonly require a fingerprint-based background check.
Turnaround Time for Fingerprint Background Checks
Turnaround time depends on the requesting agency. Electronic WebCheck submissions are often processed within 7 to 10 business days. Some results return sooner, while others may take up to 30 days depending on agency volume or manual review requirements.
1. Fingerprint Collection and Submission:
Fingerprints are captured electronically and submitted through Ohio WebCheck, or captured on fingerprint cards (FD-258) when a card is needed. You can read about our fingerprint cards on their own page.
2. Agency Processing:
After your fingerprints are submitted, the requesting agency's processing determines how soon results come back. To check the status of an Ohio background check, reach out to the Ohio Attorney General at 877-224-0043.
Reasons for Delays
Some common reasons a fingerprint background check can take longer include:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Information:
Missing personal details, inaccuracies in identification documents, or incomplete forms can slow processing. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the complete address where your results should be sent. See our what to bring checklist.
2. Poor Fingerprint Quality:
If the collected fingerprints are smudged, unclear, or incomplete, they may need to be resubmitted, which causes delays in processing.
3. High Volume of Requests:
Results can take longer when agencies are handling a high volume of requests.
4. Manual Review:
Some results take longer because of manual review requirements.
Getting Fingerprinted in Ohio
1st Choice Fingerprinting is an authorized vendor of the Ohio Attorney General through the National WebCheck, offering FBI and BCI checks. We have two offices:
- Reynoldsburg: 6480 E Main St Suite C, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
- Westerville: 670 Meridian Way, Suite 112, Westerville, OH 43082
Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly recommended for fast service and minimal wait times. Most appointments take only 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the service you need. You can book your appointment online.
Conclusion
How long a fingerprint background check is accepted depends on the organization that requested it, and there is no single answer that fits every check. Before your appointment, ask the employer, agency, or licensing board how recent your check must be and which type of check it requires.
If you need a new check, 1st Choice Fingerprinting offers BCI and FBI checks at our Reynoldsburg and Westerville offices. You can find more answers on our FAQ page.
Related reading: How often do you need a background check and how far back does an FBI background check go.
FAQs
How long is a fingerprint background check valid?
There is no single answer. The agency, employer, or licensing board that requested your check decides how recent it must be. Ask them before your appointment.
How long does it take to get BCI or FBI results back?
Turnaround time depends on the requesting agency. Electronic WebCheck submissions are often processed within 7 to 10 business days. While some results return sooner, others may take up to 30 days depending on agency volume or manual review requirements.
Do volunteer background checks follow the same rules as employment checks?
The rules depend on the organization that asks for the check. Ask the organization you plan to volunteer with what it requires. BCI checks are commonly required for employment, professional licensing, volunteer roles, and other official state-related purposes.
Which jobs require a fingerprint background check?
Many jobs, especially in education, healthcare, and childcare, require fingerprint-based background checks. Licenses and permits in fields such as financial services, security, insurance, and nursing can also require them. Confirm the requirements with your employer or licensing agency.
Do security guard licenses require a fingerprint check?
Security licensing is one of the common reasons for a fingerprint-based background check. Confirm the exact requirements with the licensing agency.
Where can I get fingerprinted in Ohio?
1st Choice Fingerprinting has offices at 6480 E Main St Suite C, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 and 670 Meridian Way, Suite 112, Westerville, OH 43082. You can book online.
