State of Oklahoma
Oklahoma, the 20th largest state, is in the south-central region of the United States. It is thought of as a primarily rural state but most of its population actually resides in its major metropolitan area of Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma, with its relatively strong economy, is a frequent work-destination especially by those in nearby states. It is, therefore, better to look in other states for a more thorough background check.
Counties in Oklahoma
| Adair | Cotton | Jackson | McCurtain | Pottawatomie |
| Alfalfa | Craig | Jefferson | McIntosh | Pushmataha |
| Atoka | Creek | Johnston | Murray | Roger Mills |
| Beaver | Custer | Kay | Muskogee | Rogers |
| Beckham | Delaware | Kingfisher | Noble | Seminole |
| Blaine | Dewey | Kiowa | Nowata | Sequoyah |
| Bryan | Ellis | Latimer | Okfuskee | Stephens |
| Caddo | Garfield | Le Flore | Oklahoma | Texas |
| Canadian | Garvin | Lincoln | Okmulgee | Tillman |
| Carter | Grady | Logan | Osage | Tulsa |
| Cherokee | Grant | Love | Ottawa | Wagoner |
| Choctaw | Greer | Major | Pawnee | Washington |
| Cimarron | Harmon | Marshall | Payne | Washita |
| Cleveland | Harper | Mayes | Pittsburg | Woods |
| Coal | Haskell | McClain | Pontotoc | Woodward |
| Comanche | Hughes |
Where To Get Public Records In Oklahoma
Vital records such as birth and death records, and marriage and divorce records, are managed by the Oklahoma State Vital Records Division through the Oklahoma Department of Health.
Criminal records are handled by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). Such records include arrests, convictions, and incarceration within the state’s nine prisons. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) manages inmate information including personal data, mug shot, inmate location and registration number, jail transfer information, and custody status. All court records are available through the Oklahoma State Courts Network.
The Oklahoma Historical Society handles Oklahoma grant records including links on finding conveyances that began in 1902. Property Tax Records are handled by county assessors while deed records are found through the Office of the County Clerk in the county where the land is located.
Accessing and Acquiring Public Records in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Open Records Act grants review of all types of data created by, received by, under the authority of, or coming into the custody, control, or possession of public officials or their representatives. All government agencies must designate an officer for public records who would receive and process a record request by the general public. There are no mandatory response times, administrative appeals, or requirements of citizenship to request. Even the legislature and judiciary are subjected to public records requests, with some exceptions for executive records. Fees may apply for fulfilling requests which would not exceed 25 cents per page.
Anyone can submit the open records request form in Oklahoma; the form can be sent via mail, email, or phone to the concerned department. There are also online resources that provide 24/7 access. You may also opt to use a reliable third-party search engine.
Oklahoma Background Check Reports
Anyone from the general public can request background checks in the State of Oklahoma. Reasons for a request may include employment, tenancy, screening for adoption, screening for bank transactions or credit card applications, personal interests, and more.
Background checks including requests for a criminal history record are initiated with a Criminal History Request Form submitted to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Criminal Investigation (OSBI) in person, by mail, or by fax. Name-based searches cost $15 while fingerprint-based searches cost $19. There is an additional $2 fee for sex offender and violent offender searches.
A signed release by the subject being investigated is not necessary. Employers, however, must obtain the written consent of a prospective employee before initiating a background check. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines must be observed during the hiring process. The State of Oklahoma also enacted Executive Order 2016-03, which serves as the state’s version of the Ban-the-Box Law. This executive order prohibits public employers from inquiring about a prospective employee’s criminal record. Exemptions include private sector employers, as well as job applicants whose criminal history disqualifies them from the job in accordance with other laws and regulations.
The State of Oklahoma does not preclude employers from using non-FCRA compliant third-party services so you may utilize a reputable third-party search engine in obtaining a background check report.
Oklahoma Official Websites
- Oklahoma Department of Corrections
- Oklahoma Department of Education
- Oklahoma Department of Health
- Oklahoma Department of Libraries
- Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
- Oklahoma Historical Society
- Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General
- Oklahoma Office of the Governor
- Oklahoma Secretary of the State
- Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
- Oklahoma State Courts Network
- Oklahoma State Legislature
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Background Checks
How long does a background check take in Oklahoma?
Background checks in Oklahoma take 1-3 weeks to complete.
How far back does a background check go in Oklahoma?
In the state of Oklahoma, there is no time limit for how far back background checks can go. Typically, it is 7 or 10 years.
How do I look up criminal records in Oklahoma?
A request for Oklahoma criminal records can be done so through the online CHIRP portal or by sending the Criminal History Request Form to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Name-Based Searches are $15 and Fingerprint-Based Searches are $19.