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Criminal Background Check

Required Criminal Records Check - Commissions

All applicants must upload an Ohio criminal records check (BCI Report) with notary commission applications and renewals.

The BCI Report must be issued within 6 months of date of application or renewal.

Exceptions to the BCI:

  • Ohio attorneys are not required to upload a BCI.

  • Ohio Peace Officers are not required to upload a BCI.

    • Peace Officers are required to upload a copy of their Ohio Peace Officer Training (OPOTA) Certification in lieu of a BCI.

For BCI questions, go to: https://ohioattorneygeneral.gov/files/forms or contact the Attorney General’s Office.

Obtaining a BCI Report

  • Complete the required form and fingerprint impression sheet with an authorized agent of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.

  • The BCI must list 147.022 for the reason code.