Search Allen County Background Check
Allen County background check services are run through the Sheriff's Office in Lima. The Records Bureau there handles local criminal arrest record checks, and the Fingerprint Office processes WebCheck submissions for BCI and FBI checks. Allen County has detailed fee schedules, set hours, and clear rules for what you need to bring. Whether you need a local arrest history or a full national criminal record search, the Allen County Sheriff's Office is the primary place to go in this part of Ohio.
Allen County Background Check Overview
Allen County Background Check Services
The Allen County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau conducts local background record checks for civilians, government agencies, and military personnel. A local record check lists the number of times a person has been arrested and booked into the Allen County Jail. It will not show how the case turned out. Only computerized arrest records going back to 1986 are available. If you need the final disposition of any arrest, you have to contact the court that heard the case.
When you request a criminal arrest record check, you must provide a signed waiver from the subject of the search. You also need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Reports and records can be picked up in person at the Records Bureau between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
WebCheck Fingerprinting in Allen County
The Allen County Sheriff's Office Fingerprint Office runs electronic WebCheck fingerprint checks Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is needed. Walk-in only. The office closes from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Allen County WebCheck fees break down like this:
- BCI Ohio check only: $37.00
- FBI national check only: $30.00
- BCI and FBI combined: $67.00
Business checks are accepted. Credit and debit cards work too, but there is a 2% convenience fee. No cash or personal checks. This is different from many Ohio counties that only take cash. Inked and rolled fingerprint cards are available only if an electronic impression cannot be made, and that requires a waiver form with the Identification Bureau.
Note: A reprint at the Allen County Sheriff's Office counts as a new transaction and must be paid for again if the wrong reason code was selected.
Allen County Criminal Record Check Rules
The person being fingerprinted is responsible for knowing the required reason codes. The Allen County Sheriff's Office will not choose reason codes for you. Under ORC 109.572, each type of background check has a specific code that must be entered at the WebCheck station. If you pick the wrong code, you will have to pay for a new check. There are no refunds for incorrect submissions.
Results from BCI take about 4 to 5 business days when no criminal record is found. Cases with a record can take 4 to 6 weeks. The Ohio Attorney General's BCI office processes roughly a million checks a year. Results are mailed from BCI in London, Ohio, directly to the requesting party or agency. For questions, call BCI at 877-224-0043.
Public Records in Allen County
Ohio law is clear about public records. Under ORC 149.43, any record kept by a public office is available for inspection unless specifically exempt. You do not need to say who you are. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Allen County offices must make records available promptly during regular business hours.
The Allen County Clerk of Courts keeps Common Pleas Court records. These include criminal, civil, and domestic relations filings. Court records can be useful if a background check turns up an arrest and you need to see how the case was resolved. The Ohio Sunshine Laws page from the Attorney General has more details on how public records requests work statewide.
Allen County Check Process Steps
Start by deciding which check you need. Local checks are the cheapest and fastest option. They only cover Allen County Jail records. State BCI checks pull from the full Ohio criminal fingerprint database. FBI checks extend the search to all 50 states. Many licensing boards and state agencies require both BCI and FBI under ORC 109.572.
If you have lived in Ohio for fewer than five years, you probably need both checks. Same goes if you have any out-of-state convictions. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities outlines this rule clearly for its applicants, and the same logic applies to most Allen County background check situations. Bring your state photo ID and know your reason code before you show up at the office.
The Allen County Sheriff's Office CCW and fingerprinting page gives details on hours, fees, and accepted forms of payment for background checks.
Visit the Allen County Sheriff's Office fingerprinting page for current hours and fee schedules.
This page covers WebCheck hours, fee amounts, and payment rules for Allen County background checks.
Note: Allen County residents needing CCW permits must have lived in Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, or Van Wert County for at least 30 days.
Cities in Allen County
Allen County's largest city is Lima, which serves as the county seat and the main hub for background check services. Lima has a dedicated city page with more local details.