Oklahoma Background Checks
A background search in Oklahoma can be performed by any individual as this is an open records state. When getting a background check in OK, requestors may review the subject’s criminal history, as well as his or her financial and professional records. OK background investigation requests are usually name-based, though a fingerprint card may be submitted for a more thorough screening.
The criminal history check details are provided in the form of a Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) sheet. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has established the Open Records Act to ensure the public’s right to obtain and review any government records.
How to Get an Oklahoma Background Check
Currently, requestors can obtain an Oklahoma background report in person, via mail, fax or online. To conduct a background screening, individuals have the option to complete a Criminal History Request Form and either present it in person or submit the application by mail or fax to an OSBI location.
The OK background verification may be name-based or fingerprint-based. A name-based background check is typically faster and it requires the subject’s full name and date of birth, as well as additional identifiers such as a maiden name or a nickname, race, gender and a Social Security Number.
The fingerprint background screening in Oklahoma involves a name-based search and a fingerprint card to be attached to the application. Requestors will receive the detailed RAP sheet of the person in question after paying a certain fee.
Note that conducting an online background screening is a more convenient option to complete the procedure.
Ordering an Oklahoma Background Check Online
For an online criminal record search in OK to be performed, the OSBI has developed the Automated Criminal History System.
Note that the system can be used by established billing customers only. Individuals may also order OK background checks via third parties. To conduct a background check online, requestors will need to provide personal details about the subject of search, including the following:
- The individual’s first and last name.
- The individual’s date of birth.
- The individual’s gender and race.
- The individual’s Social Security Number (optional).
Who needs an Oklahoma Background Check?
Most commonly, background checks in Oklahoma are conducted when a government agency or a company is hiring an employee. You may be subject of an extensive background investigation in case you want to rent a residential property.
An OK DMV location may also perform a background verification when an individual is applying for or renewing a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on his or her commercial driver’s license.
Renters
An Oklahoma renter background screening is a standard procedure when applying to rent a property. Landlords may first need to perform a criminal history check and review the credit scores of the future tenant before signing the rental agreement.
The OK rental background report will show whether the candidate has acted responsibly in the past, and it may predict his or her behavior in the future.
Employees
An employer background check in Oklahoma is usually requested when the hiring personnel in a company needs to decide whether to employ a candidate or not.
Companies may require a full background check on an applicant, including his or her criminal, financial and professional history. Note that they must comply with state laws when completing the process.
Should the employer ask for an OK background screening of the subject’s credit records, he or she must notify the person of the investigation that such details may be used.
EMS/First Responders
Performing an Oklahoma medical background screening on first responders is an imperative during the employment procedure. Hospitals must conduct an extensive EMS background search on each applicant, to check his or her past actions.
A clean background report will only prove the candidate’s seriousness to work in an environment where the public safety is of crucial importance.
Care Givers
Families may also request an OK complete background check in case they are looking for a babysitter or a caregiver for the elderly. In addition to the criminal history check, they may also need to review their professional activities.
Note that you may order your Oklahoma background report and revise the information included before the interview, in case you are offering such services.
Managers
An employer background verification in OK is also typical for candidates who want to be employed as corporate managers.
A complete background check for job positions is a standard procedure to uncover potential criminal or financial problems of the applicant which may harm the company. The future executive officer is surely expected to show an exemplary Oklahoma background report.
When You Will Need a Background Check
When getting a background check in Oklahoma, a variety of different situations may lead the requestor to initiate the process. As a purpose of the background investigation request, public and private entities may list the following:
- To review the record holder criminal or credit history.
- To hire an employee.
- To rent a residential property.
- To legally transfer the possession of a firearm.
- To add a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on an OK commercial driver’s license.
The Difference Between Standard and Criminal Background Checks
Requestors may perform an Oklahoma criminal record search if they need to check the criminal history or other legal issues of an individual.
However, the RAP sheet will not include unreported arrests or out-of-state criminal records. A standard background verification in OK is usually done when the public needs information about the subject’s credit, educational or professional past.
Note that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation does not provide driving records. Individuals may need to visit a local DMV branch for information of that type.