Access Delaware County Background Check

Delaware County Sheriff Background Services

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services and background check processing for the county. They handle fingerprinting, WebCheck submissions, and records requests. The office uses Ohio's electronic WebCheck system to send prints to BCI and the FBI. This is the same system used in every county across the state.

You need to bring a valid photo ID when you come in for fingerprinting. Ask about payment options when you call to schedule or confirm availability. BCI checks search the Ohio criminal database. FBI checks search nationwide. Getting both done at once is the most thorough option and what most employers and licensing boards require.

Results from BCI through WebCheck usually arrive in one to three business days. FBI results can take up to two weeks. The Sheriff's Office staff can give you a better estimate based on current processing times. Delaware County is a busy county, so plan for possible wait times during peak hours.

Delaware County Records and Courts

The Delaware County Clerk of Courts maintains records for the Common Pleas Court and other courts in the county. Felony cases, civil matters, and domestic relations cases all flow through the Common Pleas Court. Misdemeanors and traffic offenses are handled by the Municipal Court. Each court keeps its own files. You can request copies from the Clerk's office in person or by mail. There is a per-page fee for copies.

The Delaware County government website is a good starting point for finding department contact information, office locations, and links to online services. DELCOMM, the Delaware County Emergency Communications center, handles 911 calls and emergency dispatch, but is not involved in background checks or records requests.

Note: Delaware County's rapid growth means offices can be busy, so calling ahead to confirm wait times is a smart move.

Background Check Laws for Delaware County

ORC 109.572 governs criminal records checks across Ohio, including Delaware County. It outlines who can request a check, when fingerprinting is needed, and which offenses appear on reports. This law applies to every WebCheck processed through the Delaware County Sheriff's Office. It is also the basis for checks done by other approved providers in the area.

Ohio's public records act is found at ORC 149.43. It gives any person the right to request records from any public office. This covers court records, police reports, and government documents in Delaware County. Some records are exempt from disclosure, including sealed cases, expunged files, and certain juvenile records. The Ohio Attorney General's Sunshine Laws page provides details on exemptions and how to handle denied requests.

WebCheck in Delaware County

WebCheck is Ohio's electronic fingerprint system for civilian background checks. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is a WebCheck provider. Because Delaware County is large and growing, there may be other approved providers in the area as well. Check the Ohio Attorney General's WebCheck page for a complete list of locations by county or zip code.

Electronic fingerprinting through WebCheck is much faster than submitting ink cards by mail. BCI results come back in days rather than weeks. The FBI portion still takes longer, but even that is faster with electronic submission. Fees vary by provider. The Sheriff's Office is typically the most straightforward option, but private providers may offer evening or weekend hours that the Sheriff's Office does not.

The screenshot below shows the Delaware County government website, which provides access to county departments and services.

Use this site to find office hours, phone numbers, and links to Delaware County departments that handle records and background check requests.

Delaware County Criminal Record Search

A criminal record search in Delaware County can be done in several ways. The simplest is to go to the Clerk of Courts office and request records for a specific case or individual. This gives you local court records only. For a statewide search, a BCI check through WebCheck is the way to go. For a national search, add the FBI check. Each level adds cost but also adds coverage.

If you are checking your own record, you can submit your fingerprints and get a copy of what BCI has on file. This is useful if you want to see what an employer will find before they run their own check. You can also call BCI at 877-224-0043 with questions about your results or to report errors on your record. Corrections can take time, so start the process early if you know there is an issue.

Cities in Delaware County

Delaware County includes parts of several cities. The city of Dublin falls partly within Delaware County and has its own set of local resources. The city of Delaware is the county seat and the main location for county-level background check services. Residents of all cities in Delaware County can use the Sheriff's Office for fingerprinting and WebCheck.

Nearby Counties

Franklin County borders Delaware County to the south. Union County is to the west. Marion County sits to the north. Morrow County is to the northeast. Each county has its own Sheriff's Office that processes background checks through the WebCheck system.