How Do I Get an Apostille for an FBI Background Check?

If you need to use your FBI background check outside the United States, you may be required to obtain an apostille. This process verifies that your FBI Identity History Summary is authentic and accepted by foreign authorities in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Below is a clear explanation of how to get an apostille for an FBI background check and what to expect at each step.

Step 1: Obtain Your FBI Background Check

Before you can request an apostille, you must have an official FBI Identity History Summary. This can be obtained directly from the FBI or through an FBI approved channeler. The report is usually issued as a secure PDF or mailed hard copy.

The document must be official, complete, and unaltered. Informal copies or edited files may be rejected.

Step 2: Confirm Where FBI Apostilles Are Issued

FBI background checks are federal documents. This means they cannot be apostilled by a state office, notary, or Secretary of State.

All FBI background check apostilles are issued by the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, DC.

This is one of the most common points of confusion and a frequent cause of delays.

Step 3: Prepare the Apostille Request

To request the apostille, the FBI background check must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State along with the required request information. The submission must clearly indicate that the document is intended for international use and identify the destination country.

Some countries require only an apostille, while others may require additional embassy legalization if they are not part of the Hague Convention.

Step 4: Submit the Document for Federal Apostille

The FBI background check can be submitted by mail or through in person federal submission. Mail requests often take longer due to government processing volume and shipping delays.

In person submission may reduce processing time and helps avoid common filing errors. Processing timelines vary and are controlled by the U.S. Department of State.

Step 5: Receive the Apostilled FBI Background Check

Once processed, the Department of State issues an apostille certificate attached to your FBI background check. This apostilled document can then be used abroad for purposes such as visas, residency, employment, or immigration.

Acceptance is always determined by the receiving authority in the destination country.

Common Questions

• Does an FBI background check need to be notarized?
  No. FBI background checks do not require notarization for a federal apostille.

• Can a PDF FBI background check be apostilled?
  Yes, official PDFs are generally accepted if unaltered.

• How long does it take?
  Timelines vary. In person submissions may complete faster than mail requests, depending on government workload.

Final Thoughts

Getting an apostille for an FBI background check is a federal process that must be handled correctly to avoid delays or rejection. Understanding where to submit the document and what is required can save time and frustration.