Overview: The Two-Phase Process

Getting an apostilled FBI background check involves two distinct phases. Understanding this upfront will help you plan your timeline and avoid delays:

The FBI background check is a federal document, which means it must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. — not by a state Secretary of State. This is a critical distinction. For more on the difference between federal and state apostilles, see our guide on what is a federal apostille.

Who Needs an FBI Background Check Apostille?

An apostilled FBI background check is one of the most commonly requested documents for international purposes. You typically need one if you are:

• Applying for a visa or residency permit — Countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and many others require a police clearance from your country of citizenship or recent residence
• Immigrating abroad — Most immigration applications require an apostilled FBI check as proof of a clean criminal record
• Working abroad — Employers and government labor offices in foreign countries often require this document for work visa and work permit applications
• Getting married abroad — Some countries require a criminal background check as part of the marriage abroad documentation
• International adoption — Both U.S. and foreign governments require FBI checks for all household members as part of the international adoption process
• Applying for citizenship abroad — If you are seeking citizenship in another country (such as Italian citizenship by descent), an apostilled FBI report is typically required
• Studying abroad — Some universities and student visa programs require a police clearance
• Establishing a business abroad — Some jurisdictions require company founders and directors to provide criminal background clearances

The FBI background check apostille is required for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. For non-Hague countries (such as the UAE), you will need embassy legalization instead of or in addition to an apostille.

Phase 1: Obtaining Your FBI Background Check

Before you can get an apostille, you need the FBI document itself. The official name is the FBI Identity History Summary, issued by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Here is how to obtain it:

Step 1: Get Fingerprinted on an FD-258 Card

The FBI requires fingerprints to be submitted on a standard FD-258 fingerprint card. This is a specific card used by law enforcement agencies nationwide. Here is what you need to know:

What Is an FD-258 Card?

The FD-258 is the standard fingerprint card used by the FBI and other federal agencies. It includes spaces for all ten rolled fingerprints, four flat (slap) impressions, your personal information (name, date of birth, Social Security number), and the reason for the fingerprinting. The card must be:

• An original FD-258 card (not a photocopy)
• Printed on the correct card stock (standard FD-258 paper)
• Filled out legibly with your full legal name, date of birth, and place of birth
• Rolled with clear, legible fingerprints — smudged or incomplete prints will be rejected by the FBI

Where to Get Fingerprinted

You have several options for getting fingerprinted on an FD-258 card:

• Local police departments — Many police stations offer fingerprinting services to the public, often for a small fee ($5–$25). Call ahead to confirm they use FD-258 cards and offer civilian fingerprinting
• UPS Store locations — Many UPS Store locations offer fingerprinting services using live scan or ink cards. Check with your local branch
• Private fingerprinting services — Companies that specialize in fingerprinting for background checks. Search for “fingerprinting services near me” and verify they use FD-258 cards
• Shipping and office supply stores — Some office supply chains and shipping centers offer fingerprinting services
• FBI-approved channelers — If you use a channeler (described below), they typically handle fingerprinting as part of their service

If You Are Outside the United States

If you are currently abroad, you can still get fingerprinted on an FD-258 card at:

• U.S. embassies and consulates — Many (but not all) U.S. embassies offer fingerprinting for FBI background check purposes. Contact your nearest embassy to confirm availability
• Local police stations abroad — Some countries’ police departments can fingerprint you on an FD-258 card if you bring the blank card with you
• Private fingerprinting services abroad — Available in many major cities worldwide

Blank FD-258 cards can be purchased online from various suppliers or requested from the FBI.

Step 2: Submit Your Fingerprints to the FBI

Once you have your completed FD-258 fingerprint card, you need to submit it to the FBI for processing. You have two options:

Option A: Direct Mail Submission to the FBI (12–16 Weeks)

You can mail your FD-258 card directly to the FBI CJIS Division. Here is what to include in your submission package:

• Your completed, original FD-258 fingerprint card
• A cover letter with your name, date of birth, and return mailing address
• Payment of $18.00 — by certified check or money order payable to the “Treasury of the United States” (personal checks and cash are not accepted)

Mail your submission to:

Direct submission details:

Detail	Information
Fee	$18.00 (certified check or money order)
Processing Time	12–16 weeks from receipt
Delivery Method	Results mailed back to you via U.S. mail
Payment Payable To	Treasury of the United States
Accepted Payment	Certified check or money order only

Option B: Use an FBI-Approved Channeler (3–5 Business Days)

For significantly faster processing, you can use an FBI-approved channeler. This is the option most people choose when they have a deadline.

FBI-Approved Channelers: The Faster Option

An FBI-approved channeler is a private company that has been authorized by the FBI to submit fingerprints electronically and receive results directly from the FBI’s databases. This dramatically reduces processing time from months to days.

How Channelers Work

1. You visit the channeler’s location (or mail in your FD-258 card, depending on the channeler)
2. The channeler captures your fingerprints electronically or digitizes your ink card
3. Your fingerprints are transmitted electronically to the FBI
4. The FBI processes the submission and returns results to the channeler
5. The channeler sends you the official FBI Identity History Summary

Channeler vs. Direct FBI Submission

Factor	Direct FBI (Mail)	FBI-Approved Channeler
Processing Time	12–16 weeks	3–5 business days
FBI Fee	$18.00	$18.00 (included in channeler fee)
Channeler Service Fee	N/A	Varies ($30–$60+)
Total Estimated Cost	$18.00	$50–$80+
Submission Method	Mail ink card + payment	Electronic or mail-in
Results Delivery	U.S. mail	Mail, email, or electronic
Valid for Apostille?	Yes	Yes

Examples of FBI-Approved Channelers

The FBI maintains an official list of approved channelers on their website. Some well-known channelers include:

• Fieldprint — Offers electronic fingerprinting with locations nationwide
• Idemia (formerly MorphoTrust) — One of the largest fingerprinting networks in the U.S.
• National Background Investigations (NBI) — Offers fingerprinting and background check services
• Accurate Biometrics — Provides both in-person and mail-in fingerprinting options

Note: Channeler availability, fees, and processing times vary. Contact them directly for current pricing and turnaround times. Federal Apostille and Notary Processing is not affiliated with any channeler and does not endorse specific providers.

Step 3: Receive Your FBI Identity History Summary

Once the FBI processes your fingerprints, they will issue one of two results:

• “No Record” response — If you have no criminal history on file with the FBI, you will receive a letter stating that no arrest record was found. This is still your official FBI Identity History Summary and is the document used for apostille
• Criminal history record — If you do have a record on file, the FBI will provide a summary of your criminal history. This document can also be apostilled

What Your FBI Report Must Include for Apostille

Before submitting your FBI report for apostille, verify it includes:

• The FBI Section Chief’s printed name and signature
• The FBI’s official seal (raised or printed)
• Your full legal name matching the name on your other documents
• A date of issuance (check your destination country’s freshness requirements)
• It is the original document — not a photocopy, scan, or reprint

Phase 2: Submitting Your FBI Report for Federal Apostille

Now that you have your original FBI Identity History Summary, you need to get it apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. The apostille is a certificate that authenticates the document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Federal Apostille and Notary Processing handles this entire process for $120 per document. We review your FBI report, prepare your submission, deliver it to the Department of State’s Office of Authentications here in Washington, D.C., and return your apostilled document to you.

How to Submit Through Our Online Portal

The fastest way to start is through our online application form. Here is how it works:

1. Go to Our Application Form Visit federalapostille.org/aplication-form on your computer or mobile device. The form is available 24/7.
2. Fill in Your Information Provide your full legal name, contact information (email and phone number), and the details of your request. Specify that you need an FBI background check apostille and indicate the destination country.
3. Upload Your Document Upload a clear scan or photo of your FBI Identity History Summary. This allows our team to begin reviewing your document immediately. You will also need to send the original physical document to our office (details below).
4. Specify Your Destination Country Let us know which country the document is for. This helps us verify whether additional services are needed, such as certified translation or embassy legalization.
5. Submit Your Application Review your information and submit the form. You will receive a confirmation with instructions on how to send your original document to our office.
6. Send Your Original Document Mail your original FBI Identity History Summary to our office at 400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 via a trackable carrier (FedEx, UPS, USPS Priority). Or, if you are in the D.C. area, bring it in person.

What Happens After You Submit

Once we receive your original FBI background check, here is exactly what happens:

1. Document Review (1–2 Business Days) Our team examines your FBI report to verify it meets all Department of State requirements: original document (not a copy), FBI Section Chief’s signature and seal present, no alterations or damage, and correct document format.
2. Preparation & Submission We prepare the complete submission package and deliver it to the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
3. Department of State Processing (10–12 Business Days) The Department of State processes apostille requests on a first-come, first-served basis. Current standard processing time is 10–12 business days. For more details, see our processing time and cost guide.
4. Return Shipping (2–5 Business Days) Once your apostilled FBI background check is ready, we ship it to you via a trackable carrier. We can ship domestically or internationally.

Complete Timeline & Cost Breakdown

Here is the full end-to-end timeline and cost for obtaining and apostilling your FBI background check:

Timeline: Using an FBI-Approved Channeler (Recommended)

Stage	Estimated Time	Cost
Get Fingerprinted	Same day	$5–$25 (varies by provider)
Channeler Processing	3–5 business days	$50–$80+ (includes $18 FBI fee)
Mail Original to Our Office	1–3 days	Shipping cost (varies)
Our Review & Preparation	1–2 business days	Included in our fee
Dept. of State Apostille Processing	10–12 business days	Included in our fee
Return Shipping to You	2–5 business days	Included in our fee
Total (Channeler Route)	Approximately 3–4 weeks	~$175–$225 total

Timeline: Direct FBI Submission by Mail

Stage	Estimated Time	Cost
Get Fingerprinted	Same day	$5–$25 (varies by provider)
Mail to FBI CJIS	3–5 days transit	Postage cost
FBI Processing	12–16 weeks	$18.00
Mail Original to Our Office	1–3 days	Shipping cost (varies)
Our Review & Preparation	1–2 business days	Included in our fee
Dept. of State Apostille Processing	10–12 business days	Included in our fee
Return Shipping to You	2–5 business days	Included in our fee
Total (Direct FBI Route)	Approximately 16–20 weeks	~$143–$163 total

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

Based on thousands of FBI apostille submissions, here are the most common mistakes we see — and how to avoid them:

Mistakes During the FBI Phase

• Poor fingerprint quality — Smudged, faint, or incomplete fingerprints are the #1 reason for FBI rejection. Use an experienced fingerprinting technician
• Using the wrong fingerprint card — The FBI requires the standard FD-258 card. Other fingerprint cards will be rejected
• Sending a personal check — The FBI only accepts certified checks or money orders for the $18 fee. Personal checks will delay your submission
• Not including a return address — Always include a clear, complete return mailing address with your FBI submission
• Forgetting to request the hard copy — If using a channeler, make sure you request the physical original document with the FBI seal, not just a digital copy

Mistakes During the Apostille Phase

• Submitting a photocopy instead of the original — The Department of State requires the original FBI document with the original seal and signature
• Sending to the wrong authority — FBI background checks are federal documents and must go to the U.S. Department of State — not your state Secretary of State. Learn more about the federal apostille process
• Damaged documents — Torn, stapled, hole-punched, or written-on documents will be rejected
• Waiting too long — Many countries require the FBI report to be recent (typically within 3–6 months). Start the process well before your deadline
• Not checking destination country requirements — Some countries need certified translation or embassy legalization in addition to the apostille

Country-Specific Requirements to Keep in Mind

While the apostille process is the same regardless of your destination, different countries have additional requirements you should be aware of:

Country / Region	Special Requirements	More Info
Italy	Certified Italian translation of the apostilled FBI report is often required. For jure sanguinis (citizenship by descent) applications, the report may need to be no older than 6 months.	Italy guide • Italian citizenship
Spain	Certified Spanish translation (traducción jurada) is required. The FBI report typically must be issued within 3–6 months of your application.	Spain guide
UAE	Not a member of the Hague Convention. Requires embassy legalization (apostille + State Department authentication + UAE Embassy attestation) rather than just an apostille.	UAE guide
Germany	Apostilled FBI report is typically sufficient. German translation may be required by local authorities.	Working abroad guide
Hague Convention Countries	An apostille is the only authentication needed. Over 120 countries accept the Hague apostille.	Full country list
Non-Hague Countries	Embassy legalization is required instead of or in addition to an apostille. Process and fees vary by country.	Apostille vs. legalization

Not sure what your destination country requires? Contact us and we can advise you on the specific requirements for your situation.

Additional Services You May Need

Depending on your destination country and purpose, you may need one or more of these services in addition to the FBI apostille:

Service	When You Need It	Provided By Us?
Certified / Sworn Translation	When your destination country requires the document in their official language (e.g., Spanish for Spain, Italian for Italy)	Yes — Contact us
Embassy Legalization	For non-Hague Convention countries that do not accept apostilles (e.g., UAE, China, Saudi Arabia)	Yes — Contact us
Notary Public	Not needed for FBI background checks (they are already federal documents). Needed for IRS tax returns and certain other documents	Yes — Contact us
Power of Attorney Apostille	If you also need a power of attorney apostilled for your foreign proceedings	Yes — $120 per document

Your Complete Checklist

Use this checklist to track your progress through the entire FBI background check apostille process:

• Confirmed destination country requires an apostilled FBI background check
• Checked country-specific freshness requirements (e.g., issued within 3 or 6 months)
• Obtained a blank FD-258 fingerprint card (if doing ink-based prints)
• Got fingerprinted at a local police station, UPS Store, or private service
• Submitted fingerprints to FBI CJIS Division or an FBI-approved channeler
• Received original FBI Identity History Summary with FBI seal and signature
• Verified the document is an original, undamaged, and unaltered
• Submitted application at federalapostille.org/aplication-form
• Mailed or delivered original FBI report to 400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
• Received apostilled FBI background check from Federal Apostille and Notary Processing
• Arranged certified translation (if required by destination country)
• Submitted apostilled document to destination country authority