FBI Background Check Apostille Services
- Nationwide Coverage: We process fbi background check apostille requests across all 50 U.S. states.
- Federal & State Support: We verify your fbi background check meets requirements before submission to prevent delays.
FBI Background Check Apostille
An FBI Identity History Summary (commonly called an FBI background check or FBI criminal record check) is required by many countries for immigration, work visas, residency permits, and international adoption. Because the FBI is a federal agency, the apostille process is different from state-issued documents - FBI background checks must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not a state Secretary of State. Additionally, many destination countries have strict expiration timelines, making fast processing essential.
What We Check Before Processing
- Whether the FBI report was obtained through an approved FBI channeler or directly from the FBI
- Whether the results require notarization before federal authentication (some channelers do, FBI direct does not)
- Federal routing requirement - U.S. Department of State, not a state Secretary of State
- Destination country expiration timeline - some countries require the report be less than 3 or 6 months old
- Document format - paper vs electronic results and what the Department of State accepts
- Whether a state background check is also needed in addition to the FBI check
If you have a immigration, visa, residency permit, or international adoption deadline, submit as early as possible. Processing and shipping times vary by state.
Processing Timelines
Priority Express
As fast as 24 hours (business-day turnaround)
Standard Priority
2–3 business days
Economy Standard
4–6 business days
State processing can be as fast as 24 hours for eligible requests. Shipping time is separate from processing time. If you need your apostilled fbi background check for international use, submit your request as early as possible to allow for both processing and delivery.
View full processing time detailsTrue Copy vs. Original Protocol
We default to True Copy Apostilles – faster, more affordable, and no need to mail your originals.
True Copy
Recommended- No mailing required
- Faster processing
- Lower cost
- Widely accepted
Original
By request- Must mail your original
- Longer processing
- Higher cost
- Required by some authorities
Common Issues with FBI Background Check Apostilles
- Federal Routing Is Required - Not State: The most common mistake is sending an FBI background check to a state Secretary of State for apostille. Because the FBI is a federal agency, its documents must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. State offices will reject FBI documents.
- FBI Online Results May Need Special Handling: The FBI now offers electronic Identity History Summary results that are delivered digitally. The U.S. Department of State has specific requirements for how these electronic results must be presented for authentication. In some cases, the digital results must be printed and notarized before submission. The requirements change periodically, and we stay current with the latest procedures.
- Strict Expiration Timelines: Many destination countries require the FBI background check to be less than 3 months old at the time of submission to their authorities - and some require it to be less than 6 months from the date of issuance, not from the apostille date. Combined with Department of State processing times (7-9 business days), timing is critical. Plan ahead to ensure your documents meet destination country deadlines.
- Channeler vs. Direct FBI Submission: FBI background checks can be obtained directly from the FBI or through approved FBI channelers (like Fieldprint or National Background Investigations). The format and handling requirements differ. Channeler results are typically faster but may require notarization before the Department of State will authenticate them.
Nationwide Coverage Across All 50 States
We handle fbi background check apostille requests from every U.S. state and coordinate directly with the appropriate Secretary of State office for correct routing and processing.
We Ship Directly to You with Tracking
Once processing is complete, we ship your apostilled fbi background check directly to you with full tracking. Domestic and international shipping options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Access guidance addressing the most common questions regarding apostille eligibility, document requirements, jurisdictional differences, and processing timelines.
Related Resources
Apostille Resources
Review detailed guidance on document eligibility, processing standards, jurisdictional requirements, and common submission errors to ensure your documents are accepted internationally.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary by state and destination country. For formal legal advice, consult a qualified professional.