FBI Background Check Apostille
The FBI background check is one of the most frequently requested documents for international use. Whether you are moving abroad for work, applying for residency, or completing an international adoption, here is how the federal apostille works and how to submit your FBI file correctly.
Federal processing: 6–14 business days · shipping time is separate
A Federal Document, Authenticated Federally
- Federal routing: FBI Identity History Summaries are federal records. Their apostille comes from the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C., not from a state Secretary of State.
- Processing time: Estimated federal processing is 6–14 business days. There is no expedited federal tier, and shipping time is separate.
- Accepted intake: The original downloadable FBI PDF obtained from the FBI website, or the original physical FBI document. A scan or photocopy of a printed FBI report is not used for federal processing.
Can I apostille a PDF of my FBI background check?
Yes. The FBI issues the Identity History Summary as a downloadable PDF, and that original file is what federal processing uses. Upload the PDF exactly as you received it from the FBI. A scan or photocopy of a printed report is not accepted for federal processing. If you were issued a physical FBI document instead, send the original through the physical-document intake.
See all submission instructionsWhy You Need an Apostilled FBI Background Check
Foreign governments, employers, and institutions in Hague Apostille Convention member countries require an apostille before they will treat a U.S. document as authentic. An FBI background check is commonly requested for:
Teaching abroad, where schools and education ministries often require a criminal record check for foreign teachers
Work visas and employment abroad that require proof of a clean criminal record
Immigration and residency applications
Citizenship applications in countries where you have ancestry or residency
International adoption processes
The Full Process: Step by Step
Obtain Your FBI Identity History Summary
Request your Identity History Summary from the FBI. You will receive it as a downloadable PDF or, in some cases, as a physical document. This is the record that gets apostilled.
Provide the Original FBI File or Document
Upload the original downloadable FBI PDF through our secure portal, or arrange shipment of the original physical FBI document. We confirm the file is the correct version before anything is filed.
We Prepare the Federal Submission
We prepare the submission paperwork and route your record to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. You do not deal with the federal office yourself.
Federal Processing
Estimated federal processing is 6–14 business days. There is no expedited federal tier; our service covers preparation, coordination, and return handling.
Tracked Return, Plus Translation if Required
The apostilled document is returned with the tracked shipping selected in your order. Many destination countries also require a certified translation of the apostilled document; check with your receiving authority, and we can add certified translation to the same order.
Timing: Freshness Windows and How to Plan
Most countries require your FBI background check to be recent at the time you submit it to them, not just at the time it was apostilled. The window is measured from the date the FBI issued the report, and it varies by country and by the receiving authority, so confirm the exact requirement with your embassy, consulate, or institution before ordering.
Confirm your destination's freshness requirement first, then request your FBI Identity History Summary so the clock starts as late as possible.
Submit the original FBI PDF or physical document to us as soon as you receive it. Federal processing is estimated at 6–14 business days and cannot be expedited.
Add shipping time in both directions and, if your destination requires it, certified translation. Plan the whole chain against the freshness window.
Estimated federal processing is 6–14 business days. Apostilles.us does not offer an expedited federal tier. Inbound and return shipping time is separate. Always verify the freshness requirement with your receiving authority before you order.
Last verified: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Department of State
How We Help
We handle the federal submission, paperwork, and timing coordination so you do not have to navigate the U.S. Department of State process on your own.
Digital intake for the original downloadable FBI PDF, or physical intake for the original FBI document
Verification that you have the correct version of the FBI record before anything is filed
All federal submission paperwork prepared and handled on your behalf
Timing coordination to help you stay within your destination's freshness window
Certified translation bundling if your destination country requires it
Domestic and international tracked return shipping, selected in the order
Federal processing is estimated at 6–14 business days and cannot be expedited. Our service covers preparation, coordination, and return handling, not the federal office's processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to Get Started?
Provide the original downloadable FBI PDF or arrange intake of the original physical FBI document, and we handle the federal submission, timing, and tracked return.
Apostilles.us is an independent private service provider and is not affiliated with any government authority, including the U.S. Department of State, the FBI, or any state Secretary of State office.