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Ohio State Board of Cosmetology

Cosmetology License Fingerprinting Near University District, OH

New cosmetology license applicants in Ohio all need a criminal background check, whether you are applying as a cosmetologist, esthetician, hair braider, nail technician, or salon manager. ORC 4713.21 requires fingerprints submitted under the Board's designated ORI. Applicants from University District and the surrounding area are welcome to walk in any day for this submission.

Serving University District, Franklin County · 4 miles from our Morse Rd office (~9 min drive)

Before you visit

Employment fingerprinting: bring your reason and code.

  • Valid government-issued photo ID.
  • The specific reason for the check and the required BCI/FBI reason code (Ohio Revised Code section).
  • Confirmation of whether you need BCI, FBI, or both.
  • The results recipient’s name, address, and any agency or routing information provided.
  • Your employer’s or licensing agency’s request form or written instructions.

Missing the reason or code? Ask the requesting organization before coming in. An ORI or routing number does not replace the reason code.

University District · Columbus Metro

Why this Biometrics Services page is written for University District

University District sits in Columbus Metro, supported by a broad base of state-government jobs, major hospital systems, and the research economy that radiates out from Ohio State. Franklin County, where University District is located, is a large community with a well-staffed county clerk's office and nearby passport acceptance for everyday document needs.

Columbus Metro residents typically need fingerprinting for USCIS biometrics, FBI background checks, BCI Ohio background checks, employment screening, and professional license applications. Our Franklin County clients get a clean Live Scan capture and an accurate WebCheck submission to BCI, the FBI, or both, with the right ORI and reason code for licensing, employment, or volunteer use.

a mix of long-settled immigrant families and recent arrivals, supported by a wide network of mosques, churches, and cultural centers — and University District, with a population near 30,000, reflects that mix in its schools, workplaces, and houses of worship.

whether you come from the west side or the south side, the I-270 outerbelt loops you to our Morse Rd exit without surface-street detours. From University District (ZIP 43210), the trip is roughly 4 miles each way.

The 4-mile drive from University District (~9 min) is short enough that most clients walk in, get scanned, and are on their way the same day. We also serve families across the rest of Columbus Metro, where many of our University District clients have relatives, coworkers, and shared community ties.

Our University District clients commonly include families served by Columbus City Schools.

Walk-Ins Welcome

No appointment needed

15–20 Minutes

Quick professional service

3185 Morse Rd, Ste 15

Columbus, OH 43231

Cosmetology License Fingerprinting for University District Residents

Cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technician license applicants from University District must clear an Ohio State Board of Cosmetology BCI check under ORC 4713.21 before practicing in Franklin County salons and spas. BCI-only — no FBI required — and we process the submission electronically.

Who Needs Cosmetology License Fingerprinting?

✓

Cosmetologist license applicants

✓

Esthetician license applicants

✓

Nail technician applicants

✓

Hair braider applicants

✓

Salon manager license applicants

✓

Barber applicants (Board of Barbers has separate requirements)

Legal Requirements

ORC 4713.21 requires the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology to request a criminal records check for any individual applying for a license under ORC Chapter 4713. Results must be submitted using the Board ORI. The Board considers each application individually, but crimes involving theft, drug trafficking, fraud, or assault within the preceding 5 years can affect licensure.

What to Expect

Bring a valid photo ID and your Board of Cosmetology ORI. Fingerprint capture is electronic, with no ink cards needed unless the Board specifically requests paper. The whole process takes under 15 minutes.

Turnaround

BCI: 2–5 business days. Results go to the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology.

Cost

Live Scan WebCheck — BCI only: $40, FBI only: $40, or BCI + FBI together: $80. Cash or card accepted.

Getting to Our Office from University District

Distance

4 miles

Drive Time

~9 minutes

From

Columbus Metro

From University District, head toward Columbus and exit onto Morse Rd. Our office is at 3185 Morse Rd, Suite 15 — between Cleveland Ave and I-71, on the north side of Columbus. Free parking on-site, walk-ins welcome Mon–Sat 10am–6pm and Sun 10am–4pm.

Get turn-by-turn directions on Google Maps →

What to Bring

✓Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
✓Specific reason and required BCI/FBI reason code from the requesting organization
✓Required check type: BCI, FBI, or both
✓Results recipient and routing instructions; bring any agency or ORI information supplied
✓Employer authorization letter (if applicable)
✓Payment — cash or card accepted
✓Any agency-specific instructions or forms

How Cosmetology License Fingerprinting Works in University District

Three simple steps — most visits are finished in 15 to 20 minutes.

1

Come In Prepared

For employment or licensing fingerprinting, bring valid government-issued photo ID and the requesting organization’s written instructions: the specific reason for the check, required BCI/FBI reason code (Ohio Revised Code section), whether BCI, FBI, or both are required, and where results must be sent. If the reason or code is missing, obtain it from your employer or licensing agency before visiting. An ORI or routing number does not replace the reason code.

2

We Capture Your Prints

We capture all ten fingers electronically on a certified Ohio BCI WebCheck Live Scan device. Because the scanner grades each impression for quality in real time, any low-quality finger is re-scanned on the spot. There are no inkpads, no smudges, and nothing to mail back and forth.

3

Results Are Delivered

Same-day service means fingerprint capture and submission. Ohio BCI and the FBI process the background checks separately; result timing varies and is not guaranteed.

Accepted Forms of ID

Ohio BCI and the FBI require at least one current, unexpired, government-issued photo ID that shows your name, date of birth, and a clear photograph. The name on your ID must match the name on your application exactly. Expired IDs, photocopies, and digital photos of an ID are not accepted. If your legal name has changed, bring documentation (marriage certificate or court order) connecting the two names.

Primary Photo ID (bring one)

  • ✓Valid U.S. state driver's license or state ID card
  • ✓U.S. or foreign passport (or passport card)
  • ✓U.S. Permanent Resident Card (green card)
  • ✓U.S. military ID (CAC) or dependent ID
  • ✓Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766)

Secondary Documents (if asked)

  • ✓Social Security card
  • ✓Certified birth certificate
  • ✓Voter registration card
  • ✓U.S. visa or I-94 arrival record
  • ✓School or employer photo ID

Why Fingerprints Get Rejected — and How We Prevent It

Electronic Live Scan grades each finger for quality the moment it is captured, so a weak print is caught and redone during your visit rather than weeks later by mail. In the rare case Ohio BCI or the FBI sends a submission back, we re-capture your prints at no additional service charge. We also condition dry or worn fingertips beforehand to give you the best chance of an accepted scan the first time.

Most common rejection causes

  • •Worn, dry, or faint ridge detail, which is common with manual labor, age, or certain medications
  • •Too much finger pressure or movement during the scan, something our real-time quality check flags on the spot
  • •An incorrect or mistyped ORI that routes results to the wrong agency
  • •A name or date of birth that does not match the application
  • •Cuts, bandages, or temporary skin conditions on the fingertips

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FBI fingerprinting required for cosmetology?

The Ohio Board of Cosmetology currently only requires BCI (not FBI) for licensure. BCI alone is sufficient for most cosmetology applicants.

I graduated from cosmetology school in another state. Do I still need Ohio fingerprints?

Yes. Even if you passed a background check in another state, Ohio requires its own BCI check for any new Ohio license applicant.

How far is your office from University District?

Our office at 3185 Morse Rd, Columbus is approximately 4 miles from University District — typically a 9-minute drive depending on traffic. Most Columbus Metro clients combine the trip with errands in Columbus. Walk in Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm, or Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Can University District residents walk in without an appointment?

Yes. We accept walk-ins every day: Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm. University District clients regularly drop in on lunch breaks, after work, or on weekends. The fingerprinting itself takes 15–20 minutes.

What is the difference between an Ohio BCI check and an FBI check?

An Ohio BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) check searches Ohio criminal records only. An FBI check searches the national database, which covers all 50 states and federal records. Many Ohio employers and licensing boards ask for both, the combined "BCI and FBI" check, to get complete coverage. We can submit one or both in a single visit, according to the required reason code and requesting agency instructions.

How much does fingerprinting cost, and is the state check priced separately from the federal check?

Our pricing is flat and easy to follow. A BCI-only Live Scan WebCheck is $40, an FBI-only check is $40, and a combined BCI and FBI submission is $80. We tell you the exact total before we capture your prints, with no hidden charges and no surcharge for paying by card.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

You are welcome to walk in. Stop by our University District-area office at 3185 Morse Rd, Suite 15, Columbus any day we are open: Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Most visits wrap up in 15 to 20 minutes. If you are bringing a group of employees, a quick call ahead lets us keep your wait short.

Can my results be sent to more than one employer or agency?

Bring each organization’s written instructions. Available direct-copy and mailing options depend on the type and purpose of the check. Do not assume an existing result can be reused for another employer; confirm the requirements before requesting another submission.

Can I get a copy of my own fingerprints or background-check results?

Results are delivered according to the instructions for the authorized check. Personal FBI records use the separate FBI Identity History Summary process; Ohio BCI cannot process an FBI WebCheck request for personal use or immigration. Contact the FBI for those instructions and call us before visiting to confirm service availability.

What if my fingerprints get rejected?

Electronic Live Scan flags a low-quality print in real time, so we re-capture it during your visit. In the rare case Ohio BCI or the FBI still returns a submission, we re-capture your prints again at no additional service charge.

How long are my results valid?

That depends on the requirement. Many Ohio licensing boards and employers treat a background check as valid for a set window, often one year and sometimes longer, and ask for a fresh check after that or when you change employers. Your board or HR department sets the validity period. The fingerprints themselves do not expire, but the check tied to them does.

Cosmetology Board Fingerprinting Near University District

Walk in today at 3185 Morse Rd, Columbus — serving University District cosmetology applicants with same-day fingerprint capture. Open 7 days a week.

3185 Morse Rd, Ste 15, Columbus, OH 43231 — Open Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–4pm