What is an FBI Background Check Apostille?
An FBI background check apostille is the official certification that authenticates your FBI Identity History Summary (commonly called an FBI background check) for use in foreign countries. This is one of the most commonly requested federal apostilles, especially for:
- Employment abroad (teaching, healthcare, corporate positions)
- International adoptions
- Immigration and visa applications
- Professional licensing in foreign countries
- Study abroad programs
- Citizenship applications
Key Fact: Federal Documents Require Federal Apostille
Because the FBI is a federal agency, FBI background checks cannot be apostilled by your state's Secretary of State. They must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. This is a common source of confusion and delays.
The Complete FBI Apostille Process
1
Obtain Your FBI Identity History Summary
Before you can get an apostille, you need an original FBI background check report. There are three ways to request one:
- FBI-Approved Channeler (Fastest): Private companies approved by the FBI to process requests (1-3 days). Popular options include:
- Fieldprint/IDEMIA
- IntelliCorp
- CriminalBackgroundRecords.com
- Direct FBI Request (Electronic): Submit electronically at fbi.gov (3-5 days)
- Direct FBI Request (Mail): Mail fingerprint cards to FBI (8-12 weeks - NOT recommended for apostilles)
Cost: $18 (FBI fee) + channeler fees ($30-$50)
Note: For apostille purposes, you need the original paper document with an original signature, not an electronic PDF.
2
Verify Document Requirements
Before sending for apostille, confirm your FBI report has:
- An original signature from an FBI official (not a stamped signature)
- The FBI seal clearly visible
- No alterations or damage
- Recent issuance date (most countries require reports less than 6 months old)
3
Submit to U.S. Department of State for Apostille
The FBI report must be sent to:
U.S. Department of State
Authentications Office
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166-1206
Required items to include:
- Original FBI background check
- Completed DS-4194 form (request for authentication)
- Payment ($20 per document - check or money order only)
- Self-addressed prepaid return envelope (FedEx, UPS, or USPS)
- Cover letter with contact information
4
Wait for Processing
Standard Processing: 2-3 weeks after receipt
Expedited Processing: 2-3 business days (available for additional $75 fee - requires delivery via approved courier)
In-Person Processing: Same day (if you go to the State Department office in D.C. with appointment)
5
Receive Your Apostilled FBI Report
The State Department will attach an apostille certificate to your original FBI report and return it via your prepaid envelope. The apostilled document is now valid for use in all Hague Convention countries.
Timeline & Cost Breakdown
Total Timeline
DIY Process: 4-8 weeks total
- FBI Background Check: 1-5 days (channeler) or 3-5 days (direct electronic)
- Mail to State Department: 2-3 days
- State Department Processing: 2-3 weeks (standard) or 2-3 days (expedited)
- Return shipping: 2-3 days
Professional Service (Burney Management Group): 7-14 business days total with expedited processing
Cost Breakdown (DIY)
FBI Identity History Summary
$18 - $68
U.S. Department of State Apostille Fee
$20
Expedited Processing (optional)
$75
Shipping (to and from State Department)
$30 - $50
Total Cost (Standard)
$68 - $138
Total Cost (Expedited)
$143 - $213
Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them
Top 5 Mistakes That Delay FBI Apostilles
- Sending FBI report to state Secretary of State instead of U.S. State Department - This is the #1 most common mistake. States cannot apostille federal documents.
- Requesting an electronic FBI report - Electronic PDFs cannot be apostilled. You need the original paper document with a physical signature.
- Not including prepaid return envelope - The State Department will not return your document without one.
- Sending personal checks or credit card information - Only money orders or cashier's checks are accepted.
- Waiting too long to apostille - Many countries require FBI reports to be less than 6 months old, sometimes even 3 months. Get your apostille done immediately after receiving your FBI report.
FBI Apostille vs. State Criminal Background Check Apostille
| Feature |
FBI Background Check |
State Background Check |
| Scope |
Nationwide criminal history |
State-level only |
| Apostille Authority |
U.S. Department of State |
State Secretary of State |
| Processing Time |
2-3 weeks (standard) |
1-5 days |
| Cost |
$68-$213 |
$30-$75 |
| Accepted Internationally |
Nearly always required |
Sometimes sufficient |
| Includes Federal Crimes |
Yes |
No |
Which One Do You Need?
Always check with the receiving organization in the foreign country. In most cases, international employers, immigration authorities, and adoption agencies specifically require an FBI background check, not a state-level check, because it provides a comprehensive national criminal history.
Special Considerations for Different Purposes
For International Employment (Teaching, Healthcare, Corporate)
- Most countries require FBI reports less than 6 months old
- Teaching positions in Asia (especially China, South Korea, UAE) often require both FBI and state background checks
- Healthcare professionals may need additional professional license apostilles
- Some countries require apostilles on both the FBI report AND your degree/diploma
For International Adoptions
- Hague Convention adoptions require apostilled FBI reports for all adults in the household
- Reports must typically be less than 12 months old at time of adoption finalization
- Some countries require state-level background checks in addition to FBI
- You may need multiple copies of apostilled FBI reports (one for adoption agency, one for foreign government, one for U.S. immigration)
For Immigration & Visas
- Student visas often require apostilled FBI reports for students over 18
- Work permits typically require reports less than 3-6 months old
- Some countries require fingerprint cards to be sent directly from an approved location
- Citizenship applications may require reports from every state you've lived in, plus FBI
FBI Apostille Checklist
Order FBI Identity History Summary
Use approved channeler for fastest results. Ensure you request original paper document with signature.
Verify document has original signature and FBI seal
Electronic PDFs and copies cannot be apostilled.
Obtain money order or cashier's check for $20
Make payable to "U.S. Department of State"
Prepare prepaid return envelope
Use FedEx, UPS, or USPS with tracking
Mail all materials to State Department
Keep copies of everything for your records
Why Use a Professional FBI Apostille Service?
While it's possible to handle FBI apostilles yourself, many people choose professional services because:
- Time Savings: We handle all steps, including obtaining the FBI report if needed
- Error Prevention: We ensure all documentation is correct before submission, avoiding costly delays
- Faster Processing: We use expedited processing and have established relationships with the State Department
- Peace of Mind: Track your document through every step, with dedicated support
- Multiple Documents: If you need additional apostilles (diplomas, birth certificates, etc.), we can process everything together
Burney Management Group FBI Apostille Service
FBI Report Acquisition (if needed)
$75
U.S. State Department Expedited Processing
$95
Shipping & Handling
Included
Document Verification & Preparation
Included
Status Updates & Support
Included
Total Service (with FBI report acquisition)
$170
Total Service (client provides FBI report)
$95
Timeline: 7-14 business days total
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apostille an electronic FBI background check?
No. Only original paper documents with physical signatures can be apostilled. If you already have an electronic PDF, you'll need to request a new paper copy from the FBI or an approved channeler.
How long is an apostilled FBI report valid?
The apostille itself doesn't expire, but most foreign countries require FBI reports to be less than 6 months old (sometimes 3 months). Check with your specific receiving organization.
Can I apostille my FBI report if I have a criminal record?
Yes. The apostille only certifies that the document is authentic; it doesn't change or judge the content. Your FBI report will be apostilled regardless of what it shows.
Do I need multiple copies of my apostilled FBI report?
It depends. For most purposes, one apostilled original is sufficient. However, for international adoptions or complex visa processes, you may need multiple apostilled originals. You cannot photocopy an apostilled document—each must be an original.
What if my FBI report has a stamped signature instead of an original signature?
The U.S. State Department will reject stamped signatures. You'll need to request a new FBI report with an original signature. When ordering, specify that you need an original signature for apostille purposes.
Can I track my FBI apostille at the State Department?
Yes. The State Department provides a tracking system at travel.state.gov. You'll need your application number.
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