Putnam County Background Check Records
Putnam County background check services are provided through the Sheriff's Office in Ottawa, Ohio. The office runs WebCheck fingerprinting for both BCI state checks and FBI national checks. If you need a background check in Putnam County, appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Sheriff's Office is the primary local provider and handles the full range of criminal history search services. Ottawa is the county seat where most of these checks take place.
Putnam County Background Check Overview
Putnam County Criminal History Checks
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office is the main source for background checks in the county. WebCheck is the internet-based program they use. It was developed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to reduce the chances that dangerous individuals can harm vulnerable citizens. The Ohio General Assembly has passed several laws since 1993 requiring background checks for people who work with children, the elderly, and in certain licensed professions.
To get a WebCheck in Putnam County, call (419) 523-3208 to set up an appointment. Appointments are available on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A valid State ID is required. Payment must be made by personal check, cashier's check, business check, or money order only. No cash or credit cards are accepted at this location.
The BCI state check costs $37.00. The FBI check also costs $37.00. If you need both, the combined fee is $74.00.
Background Check Fees in Putnam County
Putnam County has clear and straightforward fees for background checks. The BCI state check is $37.00, which covers a search of the full Ohio criminal records database. The FBI national check is also $37.00 and searches the federal criminal fingerprint database. Most people who need a thorough background check in Putnam County will get both, bringing the total to $74.00. These fees are paid directly to the Sheriff's Office at the time of your appointment.
Remember that only personal checks, cashier's checks, business checks, and money orders are accepted. No cash. No credit cards. This is different from many other Ohio counties, so plan ahead before your visit. The fee is non-refundable once your prints are submitted to BCI.
Note: Putnam County only accepts checks and money orders for WebCheck fees, so bring the right form of payment.
Public Records Access in Putnam County
Ohio's Public Records Act under ORC 149.43 gives anyone the right to request records from Putnam County offices. You don't have to be a resident. You don't have to give your name or explain why you want the records. The law says public offices must respond to requests promptly. Court records from the Common Pleas Court in Ottawa are commonly requested for background check purposes. These include criminal case files, civil filings, and domestic relations records.
If a Putnam County office denies your request, they must cite a specific legal exemption. The Ohio Sunshine Laws page from the Attorney General's office explains your full rights. Public records are a key part of any background check because they fill in details that a fingerprint check might not cover, like case outcomes and sentencing information.
WebCheck Process in Putnam County
The Ohio Attorney General's WebCheck system is how all electronic fingerprint checks work in Putnam County. Your fingerprints are scanned and sent over the internet directly to BCI. This is much faster than the old method of mailing ink cards. Results typically come back in 4 to 5 business days when no record is found. If a record exists, expect 4 to 6 weeks while BCI verifies the information.
Under ORC 109.572, specific reason codes govern who must get a background check in Ohio. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office staff can help you figure out which code applies, but they will not choose one for you. You should check with the agency or board that requires your background check to get the right code before your appointment. BCI's Civilian Unit is also available at 877-224-0043 for questions.
Putnam County Record Check Steps
The process for getting a background check in Putnam County is easy to follow. Start by calling (419) 523-3208 to book your appointment for Tuesday or Thursday. Figure out if you need a BCI check, FBI check, or both. Get your ORC reason code from the agency that requires the check. Prepare your payment by check or money order.
Bring these items to your appointment:
- Valid state-issued photo ID
- Personal check, cashier's check, or money order
- ORC reason code
- Mailing address for results
- Date of birth and Social Security number
Appointments run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the available days. Get there early if you can. The whole fingerprinting process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Results are mailed to the address you provide or sent directly to the requesting agency. If you have questions after your check, reach out to BCI or the Putnam County Sheriff's Office directly.
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office WebCheck page shown below has appointment details and fee information for background checks.
Putnam County Sheriff's Office WebCheck page with full service details and appointment scheduling.
Check this page for the latest fee schedule and appointment times at the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
Cities in Putnam County
Putnam County includes Ottawa, Leipsic, Columbus Grove, Continental, and other small towns. None of the cities in Putnam County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. All residents use the county-level background check services through the Sheriff's Office in Ottawa.