Electronic & Ink Fingerprinting

Electronic Fingerprinting

The Columbus Division of Police can assist in the process of documenting electronic fingerprints as part of a background check (National Webcheck) through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

What do I need to bring with me?

Your need to bring a photo ID that includes your date of birth, current address, and the name and address of the employer to whom the results will be sent. The agency or business requesting that you have your fingerprints taken should provide you with a fingerprint card if one is needed.

FBI/BCI Reason Code Requirement

FBI and BCI WebChecks have a specific reason code, a series of numbers and/or letters that define the reason you are being fingerprinted. Separate reason codes for the FBI and BCI are required for all WebCheck fingerprinting. Please refer to the person or organization requesting the fingerprints for the code you need. Police personnel cannot assist you in finding the correct code.

WebCheck Background Check Request Form(PDF, 210KB)

BCI Specifications(PDF, 6MB)

FBI Reason Codes(PDF, 4MB)

How much does it cost?

$42.00 for electronic fingerprint transmission to the State of Ohio

$45.25 for electronic fingerprint transmission to the FBI

$67.25 for electronic fingerprint transmission to both the State of Ohio and the FBI

 *Fees are payable by cash, money order or certified check made payable to “City of Columbus Treasurer Police”. Note; personal checks are NOT accepted.  

 

Ink Fingerprinting

 

In some unique cases, inked fingerprinting is needed. We provide this service, however the submission of the fingerprint card(s) to the State and/or FBI will be the responsibility of the customer or employer.

Why would I want to have my fingerprints taken?

Many employers require you to have your fingerprints taken during the employment application process. The fingerprints are submitted to the State of Ohio and/or FBI for a criminal background check.

Where do I get my fingerprints taken?

Historically, you could have your fingerprints taken at 120 Marconi Blvd (Police Headquarters) in the Identification Unit Public Service Office. However, due to recent restrictions, we are no longer serving the public for fingerprinting services. For further questions, please call (614) 645-4696.

Electronic Fingerprinting Services

Electronic Fingerprinting is now required by the State of Ohio in most cases. The Columbus Division of Police utilizes the National WebCheck Service to achieve this requirement. This service results in a criminal background check that will be mailed to your employer from the State of Ohio and/or FBI.

Inked Fingerprinting Services

In some unique cases, inked fingerprinting is needed. We provide this service; however, the submission of the fingerprint card(s) to the State and/or FBI will be the responsibility of the customer or employer.

What do I need to bring with me?

Your need to bring a photo ID that includes your date of birth, current address, and the name and address of the employer to whom the results will be sent. The agency or business requesting that you have your fingerprints taken should provide you with a fingerprint card if one is needed

How much does it cost? 

$20.00 for each inked fingerprint card (does not include the State/Federal fees for submission for criminal background checks)

*Fees are payable by cash, money order or certified check made payable to “City of Columbus Treasurer Police”. Note; personal checks are NOT accepted.