JUNE 10, 2021

U.S. citizens may be asked to present a background check, also called "lack of criminal record" or "certificate of good conduct" for a variety of reasons for use abroad including emplyment, college or university attendance, adoption, etc.  There are a few options available to U.S. citizens seeking to obtain proof of their lack of a criminal record including (a) local police background check, (b) statewide background check, (c) FBI record check (nationwide)

Apostilles for local police background checks:

You can go to your local police department where you reside or last resided in the U.S., and request that the police conduct a local or state criminal records search and provide you with a document reflecting that there is no history of a criminal record. Depending on the state, this search can be based on fingerprints or on your name and date of birth. 

If you need the document authenticated for foreign use (apostilled or legalized by a foreign embassy) you should ask for a notarized document, in other words the signature on your background check should be notarized by a notary public. In some cases, e.g. in New York City, the document is signed by an official whose signature can be authenticated directly, without notarization. But in most cases, the document has to be notarized.

Please note that some foreign countries do not accept locally issued background checks, even if the document has been apostilled or legalized by the embassy. Please inquire in the country of intended use what kind of background check you need to present.

Authentication of statewide background checks:

Some state, e.g. the State of New York, issue state wide background checks. These background checks can be based on fingerprints, or on exact name and date of birth. Some states also require social security number. Please inquire in the country of intended use what kind of background check you need to present.

FBI background checks and FBI apostilles:

• Who may request an FBI criminal background check?
• How to get your criminal background check from the FBI?
• FBI apostille guidelines
• How long will it take to get an FBI apostille?
• FBI apostille: price, processing time, order form

Who may request an FBI criminal background check?

Only you can request a copy of your own Criminal Background Check. However, if you are overseas, you can request that the Criminal Background Check is sent straight to us for a U.S. State Department apostille.

How to get your criminal background check from the FBI?

The FBI offers two methods for requesting your Criminal Background Check.

Option 1: Submit your request directly to the FBI (external link).

Option 2: Submit to an FBI-approved Channeler (external link) which is a private business that has contracted with the FBI to receive the fingerprint submission and relevant data, collect the associated fee(s), electronically forward the fingerprint submission with the necessary information to the FBI CJIS Division for a national Identity History Summary check, and receive the electronic summary check result for dissemination to the individual.  If an authentication (apostille) is needed, please contact the Channeler to determine if this service is provided.

An FBI-approved Channeler may only process requests for a U.S. person (an individual who is a citizen of the U.S. or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.). A lawful permanent resident is any person not a citizen of the U.S. who is residing in the U.S. under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence as an immigrant (also known “Permanent Resident Alien,” “Resident Alien Permit Holder,” and “Green Card Holder”).

FBI apostille guidelines

FBI background check is a federal document, this is why it needs to be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC.  This document can be apostilled as an original or as a scanned copy.

- original FBI background checks are acceptable for FBI apostilles

- scanned copies (sent by email) of FBI background checks are acceptable for FBI apostilles

You can call us at (646) 267-1140 with any questions about FBI apostille process and federal apostille requirements. We are available Monday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to answer your questions.

How long will it take get an FBI apostille (federal apostille)?

As all federal apostilles issued by the U.S. Department of State, this apostille will take 4-5 business days.

Read more about federal apostille guidelines and tips.

Not sure if your FBI background check qualifies for an apostille? Email a copy of your document for a free evaluation

FBI apostille: price, processing time, order form

Apostille Order Form (PDF file)

We process documents for ALL foreign countries. Please call us!