Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an FBI Background Check and Apostille for International Use

 

If you are preparing to use your FBI background check in a foreign country, obtaining an Apostille is a necessary step. An Apostille authenticates the document for international use and ensures it is accepted by foreign authorities. This guide will walk you through the steps to obtain your FBI background check and Apostille, making sure you’re fully prepared to use your document abroad. Learn How to obtain an apostille for FBI background check with this step-by-step process.

Step 1: How to Get Your FBI Background Check

To begin the process, you need to request an Identity History Summary (commonly referred to as a rap sheet) from the FBI. Follow these steps to complete the process:

1. Fill Out the Application Form:
   Complete the Applicant Information Form, which includes personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and address. The form can be found on the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) website.

2. Get Fingerprinted:
   You must submit your fingerprints to the FBI, which can be taken at an authorized fingerprinting service or local police department. Ensure your fingerprints meet the necessary standards.

3. Submit Payment:
   The fee for an FBI background check is $18. Payment can be made via credit card through the FBI’s payment system or by submitting a money order or certified check.

4. Send Your Materials:
   After completing the application, fingerprinting, and payment, mail your documents to the FBI’s CJIS Division. You can find the address and further instructions on the FBI’s official website.

If you need faster processing, consider using an FBI-approved Channeler. These are private entities authorized by the FBI that can process background checks more quickly, often in just a few days.

Step 2: Submitting Your FBI Background Check for Apostille

Once you’ve received your FBI background check, the next step is to submit it to the U.S. Department of State for Apostille. Here’s how to do that:

1. Complete Form DS-4194:
   Fill out the DS-4194 form with your personal information and details about the country where the document will be used.

2. Provide a Trackable Self-Addressed Envelope:
   Include a self-addressed envelope (UPS or USPS) for the return of your Apostilled document. Avoid using FedEx.

3. Submit Payment:
   The processing fee is $20 per document. Payment should be made via check or money order, payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”

Step 3: Fast-Track Apostille Processing Starting October 2024

Starting on October 1, 2024, DC Mobile Notary will offer faster Apostille processing for FBI background checks, reducing the processing time to just 7-8 business days. This is a significant improvement for those who need their Apostille quickly.

If you live outside the Washington, D.C., Virginia, or Maryland areas, you can still use this fast service by emailing a PDF copy of your FBI background check. Additionally, if you need an expedited solution, express services are available at the state level and can be completed within one business day.

What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need It?

An Apostille is an internationally recognized certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It simplifies the process of legalizing documents for international use, replacing the need for more complicated embassy legalization procedures.

Many foreign countries require U.S. documents, such as an FBI background check, to be Apostilled before they will accept them. This certification ensures the document’s authenticity, proving it was issued by the appropriate U.S. authorities. Without an Apostille, your FBI background check may not be recognized in the country where you intend to use it.