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 everything you need to know to get it apostilled correctly.
Why You Need an Apostilled FBI Background Check
Foreign governments, employers, and institutions in Hague Convention member countries (about 129 countries as of 2026) require an apostille to recognize U.S. documents as authentic. Common situations include:
- Teaching abroad (Spain, South Korea, Japan, and other countries require background checks for foreign teachers)
- Work visas and employment abroad that require 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
- 1
Get Fingerprinted
Visit an FBI-approved channeler (fastest, results in days) or a participating USPS location. FBI-approved channelers submit your fingerprints electronically and return results much faster than direct mail.
- 2
Receive Your FBI Identity History Summary
You will receive an official FBI Identity History Summary, either as a PDF download or a physical document. This is the document that will be apostilled.
- 3
Submit to the U.S. Department of State
Submit your FBI document to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. This is the recommended authority for federal documents. We handle the submission paperwork on your behalf.
- 4
Receive the Apostilled Document
Walk-in drop-offs (8-9 AM, Monday through Friday) are processed in 1-3 business days. Mail-in processing takes 3-8 weeks or more. Federal processing cannot be expedited.
- 5
Obtain Certified Translation if Required
Many destination countries require a certified translation of the apostilled document into the local language. Check with your receiving authority before submitting.
The #1 Mistake: Sending to the Wrong Authority
Many people send their FBI background check to their state Secretary of State, assuming that is where all apostilles are processed. State offices will reject FBI documents because they have no jurisdiction over federal records.
FBI Identity History Summaries are federal documents. The recommended path is through the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. This applies regardless of which state you live in.
Expiration Timelines by Country
Most countries require your FBI background check to be recent at the time of submission, not just at the time it was apostilled. Plan your timeline carefully.
| Country | Freshness Requirement |
|---|---|
| Spain | Within 3 months of visa application date |
| South Korea | Within 6 months |
| Italy | Within 6 months |
| Germany | Within 6 months |
| Other countries | Typically 3-6 months; verify with your specific receiving authority |
Always verify the exact requirement with your embassy, consulate, or receiving institution before ordering.
How We Help
We handle federal routing, paperwork, and timing coordination so you do not have to navigate the Department of State process on your own. Service starts at $149 per document (Economy Standard), plus a $19 Government Processing and Handling fee per document.
- Correct federal routing to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications
- All submission paperwork prepared and handled on your behalf
- Timing coordination to help you stay within your country's freshness window
- Certified translation bundling if your destination country requires it
- Domestic overnight shipping ($49) and international shipping ($87) available
Federal processing takes 7-9 business days and cannot be expedited. Our service tiers reflect our handling and coordination time, not the Department of State's processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
We are an independent service provider and not affiliated with any government authority, including the U.S. Department of State, the FBI, or any state Secretary of State office.