How to Run a Background Check in Ohio

Michelle Wilson - September 12, 2023

Whether you’re trying to find a new job or simply curious about the results of a background check, now it’s easier to find out everything you need to know. While years ago, a background check required extensive research, paperwork, and visiting government buildings and law enforcement. Anyone can run a screening from the comfort of home. Many different online resources allow individuals to order a copy of a background report with basic information. Fill out the name, address, and other essential details to receive an in-depth screening.

Why Do Individuals Need a Background Check?

Many employers use background checks to assist in hiring decisions by identifying potential applicants who would fit the company well. In Ohio, an employer may perform a screening or employ third-party companies to complete the screening services. The screening also benefits anyone wanting to source potential roommates or romantic partners before allowing them access to their personal life.

Completing a Background Check on Yourself

To perform your background check, you have two options. The first includes completing an online background check through a reputable company. Avoid any website offering a free background screening, as most platforms will offer incomplete details or could pose phishing attempts for your personal information. Enter your first and last name into the platform and answer the basic questions about your data. The automated process will confirm your information and compile the details into a PDF report.

Alternatively, users can perform the individual confirmations individually, breaking down the background screening by section. These details will require time and effort, as the process isn’t automatic for several areas.

Confirm Your Social Security Information

Always confirm a Social Security verification using the administration’s website and create an account. You’ll want to ensure the name reporting on the SSN is identical to your name, along with any legal name changes.

Review Your Criminal Record

Anyone holding a criminal record should always confirm the details included in your report. You can obtain a copy from the applicable courts or corrections departments. Depending on where you request the information, there may be a fee attached to this process.

Get Your Driving Record

The driving record may appear on a pre-employment background check, although many employers don’t consider this information. Typically, positions requiring transportation or machinery will assume the driver’s abstract before hiring to reduce liability concerns.

Obtain a Credit Report

The credit report is found through credit reporting agencies. You’ll want to complete a free credit report online through the national credit bureaus. Confirm all accounts are accurate, including the balances and dates opened. Always immediately report any charges you don’t recognize, including delinquent accounts and collection activity.

What is Included in an Ohio Background Check?

The contents of a background check will largely depend on the report ordered. Most commonly, background checks include the criminal history of an individual. An employer will want to determine whether the potential applicant has a criminal record that makes them a company liability before hiring them. Credit history, personal verification, and drug tests are also common for employer pre-employment screening.

Ohio background checks for employment may include the following details:

Identity and Social Security Verification

Online background check companies will scan through extensive databases, such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, to confirm whether a Social Security number is valid, the owner of the number, and whether someone previously used the information. Screening may also verify previous addresses and contact details to determine inaccuracies.

Criminal History

County, state, federal, and national criminal background checks will review databases for felony and misdemeanor convictions. The screening is essential for a company looking to hire an applicant. Companies face potential negligence claims without due diligence should an employee commit wrongdoing. Your criminal history will include current pending charges, misdemeanor convictions, felony, dismissed, and acquitted charges. Additionally, most background reports will include any incarceration records on the file.

Depending on the type of job, employers may require additional information before pursuing employment.

Credit Reporting

All credit reports are prepared by credit bureaus, which collect detailed information from a variety of sources. These reporting companies include credit card companies, financial institutions, and lending agencies. While credit reporting agencies may not hold identical information, general categories are standard for a background report. These details include credit inquiries, accounts, and tradeline show accounts, including when the account opened, the type of account, and the credit limit.

A credit report can reveal potential warning signs to employers, particularly if you’re a new hire handling money. High levels of debt or extensive spending may indicate financial irresponsibility.

Employment and Education History

This section of a pre-employment screening will compile a comprehensive list of previous employment. The details within this section often include the start and end dates of your job, the role within the company, and the reason for termination. A prospective employer won’t receive the salary attached to the position, as this is protected by law.

Likewise, the education screening will confirm an applicant’s post-secondary education, complete with the degree or certificate received, dates of attendance, and any honors attached.

How Far Back Does the Background Check Go in Ohio?

The length of your background check will depend on the screening you’re performing and whether the report complies with the Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). Background checks conducted through the CRA are mandated by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which dictates a maximum seven-year lookback period for liens, collections, civil judgments, and bankruptcies—all motor vehicle records in Ohio report for three years for commercial and non-commercial purposes.

These time limits do not apply to any position with an expected salary over $75,000. Under the FCRA, criminal convictions may be reported indefinitely, regardless of the age of the record.

Understanding FBI and BCI Background Checks in Ohio

The FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) offer fingerprint-based criminal background checks in Ohio but have few differences in the screening process. Both FBI and BCI fingerprint-based checks run through the Ohio BCI. Both screenings will also screen the prints with county and state arrest records. The BCI screening will limit all results to the state of Ohio, while the FBI search includes nationwide results.

Conclusion

Reviewing your background report, especially if you’re trying to find a new job or residence, is always a good idea. Staying aware of the reported information allows you to scan the report for inaccuracies or discrepancies. Individuals should continuously monitor their details for fraudulent activity and identity theft, which can become overwhelming and damaging to the victim if left unnoticed. By performing regular background checks, you’ll reduce the likelihood of surprises showing up on the report that could cost you gainful employment.