Washington County Background Check
Washington County background check records are available through the Sheriff's Office in Marietta. The county provides WebCheck fingerprinting, CCW permit processing, and public records access. If you need a criminal history search in Washington County, you can get a local check, a BCI state check, or an FBI national check. The Clerk of Courts maintains Common Pleas Court records that include civil, criminal, domestic relations, and appellate cases. Marietta is the county seat, and most record services are based there.
Washington County Background Check Overview
Washington County Criminal Records
The Washington County Sheriff's Office is the main location for background checks and fingerprinting in the county. They offer CCW permits, background check services, and community engagement programs. The office runs K-9 units on each patrol shift and hosts a Citizens Academy for residents who want to learn about law enforcement operations.
For a background check, the Sheriff's Office provides local record searches that cover the county jail database. These show arrests and bookings but not court outcomes. BCI state checks pull from the full Ohio criminal database. FBI checks add a national scope. Most people who need a thorough Washington County background check will get both state and federal.
You need a valid photo ID and your reason code under ORC 109.572. The Sheriff's Office will not select one for you.
Background Check Fees in Washington County
A BCI state check costs $22 through ePayment or $27 to $37 at a local office. FBI checks range from $24 to $50. Both together run between $46 and $91 total. The Sheriff's Office typically accepts cash. Local record checks cost less but are limited to the county database. Fees are paid at the time of fingerprinting and are not refundable.
Keep your receipt as proof of payment. You will not get a replacement if you lose it.
Note: Washington County background check fees are non-refundable whether or not a criminal record is found.
Washington County Public Records
Under ORC 149.43, anyone can request public records from Washington County offices. You do not have to say who you are or explain the purpose of your request. The office must respond within a reasonable time. If they say no, they must cite the legal basis for the denial. The Ohio Sunshine Laws page explains your rights in full.
The Washington County Clerk of Courts maintains Common Pleas Court records. Criminal cases, civil filings, domestic relations matters, and appellate records are all available during business hours. These records are public and can be requested in person at the courthouse in Marietta. They are critical for understanding the full outcome of any arrest that shows up on a background check.
WebCheck Services in Washington County
The Ohio Attorney General's WebCheck system handles electronic fingerprinting for Washington County. Prints get scanned at the Sheriff's Office and sent to BCI right away. If you also need an FBI check, the same prints go to the federal database. Clean results come back in about 4 to 5 business days. When a record exists, the full report takes 4 to 6 weeks.
BCI processes more than a million background checks each year statewide. For questions about your Washington County check, contact BCI's Civilian Unit at 877-224-0043. They are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Washington County Check Process
The process is simple once you know what you need. Local checks are fast and cheap. BCI covers Ohio. FBI covers the nation. Many licensing boards and volunteer organizations require both BCI and FBI checks under ORC 109.572. Visit the Sheriff's Office in Marietta with the right documents.
Here is what to bring:
- State-issued photo ID
- ORC reason code for the check
- Cash or money order
- Address where results should be sent
- Social Security number and date of birth
Residents who have lived in Ohio for fewer than five years should expect to need both checks. Results go directly to the requesting agency in most cases. You can ask for results to be sent elsewhere, though FBI results may come with mailing restrictions based on the reason code. The process at the Sheriff's Office usually takes about 30 minutes when you come prepared.
Court Records in Washington County
Court records add the full story to any Washington County background check. A BCI check may show an arrest, but the Clerk of Courts has the complete case file. That means charges, plea deals, verdicts, sentences, and dismissals. If someone was arrested but the case was thrown out, the court record tells you that. Criminal, civil, and traffic cases are all on file at the Washington County courthouse in Marietta.
Below is a screenshot of the Washington County Sheriff's Office website, which outlines background check services and other community programs.
Washington County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office page provides details on fingerprinting, CCW permits, and other services available to Washington County residents.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County includes Marietta, Belpre, and several smaller communities. None of the cities in Washington County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. All residents use the same county-level background check services through the Sheriff's Office in Marietta.