Where to Get Fingerprinted
Option A: Fast Fingerprints (statewide and national locations)
This is the simplest option for employees, volunteers, and most clergy.
Website: www.fastfingerprints.com
You will be asked if you have a direct billing code — enter: IGHWKX
Provide your zip code to find the closest location and schedule your appointment.
Results are sent electronically to:
Diocese of Columbus – Safe Environment Office
(OID: 7296 / Safe Environment Program)
Option B: Local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department
If not using Fast Fingerprints, please request fingerprinting under ORC 2151.86.
This option is often best in rural areas.
Most sheriff’s offices offer BCI and/or FBI fingerprinting.
Please request that results be mailed directly from the agency to:
Diocese of Columbus – Safe Environment Office
197 E. Gay Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Attn: Safe Environment
Per Ohio law, individuals may not hand-carry results; they must come directly from the fingerprinting agency.
Option C: Regional Educational Service Centers (ESCs)
Some ESCs (e.g., Muskingum Valley ESC, South Central ESC) offer fingerprinting to the public.
If using an ESC or any non–Fast Fingerprints agency, please ensure they fingerprint under ORC 2151.86.
Please confirm whether they can perform both BCI and FBI checks.
Important Notes
- Do not send fingerprinting results to the parish office or to the priest. Results must be transmitted from the fingerprinting agency to the Diocese.
- Processing times vary:
- Fast Fingerprints: typically 3–7 business days
- Sheriff/Police Departments: typically 2–4 weeks
- FBI results are always mailed, which can take up to 30 days to receive.
- Clergy should complete fingerprinting as soon as possible to avoid delays in compliance.