Ohio Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Request an Ohio BCI background check through the Ohio Attorney General's WebCheck system. BCI background checks require fingerprint submission.
   • Locate a WebCheck provider near you using the community listing at ohioattorneygeneral.gov/backgroundcheck. Providers include local law enforcement agencies, sheriff's offices, universities, and independent fingerprinting agencies throughout Ohio.
   • The BCI state fee is $22.00. However, WebCheck providers charge their own service fees on top of BCI's fee, so the total cost is typically $30.00-$40.00 depending on the provider.
   • Bring a valid photo ID to your WebCheck appointment. Your fingerprints will be captured electronically (live-scan) and submitted directly to BCI.
   • You can also submit fingerprints by mail using an FD-258 fingerprint card with the required forms and payment. Download the forms from the Ohio Attorney General's website.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Electronic (WebCheck) submissions are typically processed within 3-5 business days.
   • Mail-in fingerprint card submissions can take 7-10 business days, and sometimes up to 30 days during high-volume periods.
   • Results cover Ohio criminal history only — arrests, convictions, pending charges, and dismissed cases reported to BCI by Ohio law enforcement and judicial agencies.
   • To request a copy of a completed background check, use the 'Request for Copy of Ohio Background Check' form available on the Attorney General's website.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit your BCI background check to the Ohio Secretary of State for apostille.
   • The apostille fee is $5.00 per document — one of the lowest in the country.
   • Mailed documents are processed within 2-3 business days. For faster service, visit the Client Service Center in Columbus for in-person processing.
   • Ohio Secretary of State Client Service Center: 22 N. 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43215. Phone: (614) 728-9200. Email: Records@OhioSecretaryofState.gov.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • After your background check is apostilled, submit it to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation and notarization.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 per document when submitting 3 or more). Price includes notarization.
   • Turnaround: 3 business days.
   • Upload a clear, color scan (300 DPI minimum) of the full apostilled document — including the apostille certificate itself.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• Ohio uses the WebCheck system for electronic fingerprint submissions. This is faster than mailing a fingerprint card — plan for 3-5 business days vs. up to 30 days by mail.
• The BCI base fee is $22.00, but WebCheck providers add their own service fees. Total out-of-pocket cost is typically $30.00-$40.00.
• Ohio has one of the lowest apostille fees at $5.00 per document.
• In-person apostille service is available at the Columbus Client Service Center for same-day turnaround.
• BCI processes approximately one million background checks per year, so electronic submission via WebCheck is strongly recommended over mail-in for faster results.

Sources and verification