ODE offers two background check options.
Option 1: Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) Check
Current LEDS check fees are $5 per applicant. (February 2022 and onward)
Please note that our system only checks criminal records within the state of Oregon.
Our process has transitioned to accommodate electronic submission of applications. This new process will be required starting September 1, 2023. We welcome you to start using this new process now.
Please submit form 581-2281-N page 1 and the corresponding form 581-2282-M documents via ODE
secure file transfer to
ODE.LedsCheck@ode.oregon.gov.
Please mail form 581-2281-N page 3 with a school check to:
Oregon Department of Education
Business Office
Public Service Building
255 Capitol Street NE
Salem, OR 97310
Submitted Volunteer Background Check forms will not be processed until we receive notification from our business office that the payment has been received.
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581-2281-N
Criminal History Verification of Applicants for Public School Employment. Must be submitted with 581-2282-M or 581-2282-M Spanish. Up to 5 names can be submitted on each sheet.
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581-2282-M or
581-2282-M Spanish Version
Criminal History Verification of Applicants. Must be completed for each applicant.
For more information on LEDS Checks, email
ODE LEDS Check or call 971-208-1974.
Option 2: Fingerprinting
Prior to submitting fingerprints for non-employment purposes, the district or school must have an approved policy on file with ODE.
Current non-employment fingerprinting fees are $66 per applicant. (February 2022 and onward)
This is nationwide check. Please review the
Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Checks for School Volunteers Memo for further instructions.
For more information on Fingerprinting,
email ODE Fingerprinting or call 503-508-8943.
Statutes & Rules
Background check policy for volunteers; authority of school districts and schools to obtain criminal records check of volunteers and applicants for employment.
Subject individuals who have been convicted of any of the crimes listed in ORS 342.143, or the substantial equivalent of any of those crimes if the conviction occurred in another jurisdiction or in Oregon under a different statutory name or number, shall not meet ODE's criteria.
Fingerprinting definitions used in OAR 581-021-0510 through 581-021-0512.
Non-employment criminal background checks for school districts.
Fingerprinting definitions used in OAR 581-045-0584 through 581-045-0587.
Non-employment criminal background checks for private schools.