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What This Document Is
An FBI Identity History Summary, commonly referred to as an FBI background check, is an official federal record issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It reflects an individual’s criminal history at the national level, or formally confirms that no criminal record exists.
This document is considered a federal law enforcement record and is treated differently from state or local background checks. Only the FBI has authority to issue this record, and only federal authentication is valid for international use.
Official FBI resource:
https://www.edo.cjis.gov
https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
What It Is Used For
The FBI Identity History Summary is one of the most frequently authenticated federal documents and is commonly required for:
- Immigration and permanent residency applications
- Long-term visas and work permits
- Dual citizenship and nationality recognition
- Foreign adoption and international family court proceedings
- Employment and professional licensing abroad
- Teaching, government, and public service roles overseas
- Residency permits and background screening by foreign authorities
Foreign governments rely on this document because it represents a nationwide criminal history search, not a local or state-limited record.
Where It Comes From
This document is issued directly by the FBI through one of the following approved methods:
Electronic Issuance (Most Common)
- PDF issued via the FBI’s eDO (Electronic Departmental Order) system
- PDF issued through an FBI-approved channeler
Physical Issuance
- Mailed paper copy issued by the FBI following fingerprint submission
Only documents issued by the FBI itself are valid.
State police reports, local background checks, or third-party summaries are not acceptable substitutes.
Why Federal Authentication Is Required
Because the FBI is a federal agency, the Identity History Summary cannot be apostilled or authenticated at the state level.
Authentication must be completed through the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications, which is the only authority authorized to authenticate FBI records for international use.
State apostilles are invalid for FBI documents and will be rejected by both the Department of State and foreign governments.
Official U.S. Department of State reference:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document.html
Certified Copy & Preparation Requirements
To be eligible for federal authentication, the FBI background check must meet all federal submission standards.
Acceptable Formats
- Original FBI-issued PDF file (preferred)
- Original FBI-issued paper copy mailed by the FBI
Strict Preparation Rules
- The document must be submitted exactly as issued
- No notarization is allowed or required
- No certification wording may be added
- No signatures, stamps, or seals may be altered
- No reformatting, resizing, or editing is permitted
- Printed copies of PDFs must match the original exactly, including margins and pagination
How to Visually Confirm the Document Is Ready
A properly prepared FBI Identity History Summary will display the following:
- FBI letterhead or official FBI digital formatting
- Clear reference to the Identity History Summary
- Unique FBI transaction or control number
- Issue date clearly visible
- No handwriting, highlights, annotations, or stamps
- For PDFs: original metadata intact and no compression artifacts
- For paper copies: clean print, no folds obscuring text, no lamination
If any of these elements are missing or altered, the document is not ready for federal authentication.
Common Reasons FBI Background Checks Are Rejected
Federal authentication rejections typically occur for the following reasons:
1. Altered or Edited PDFs
- Cropped pages
- Re-saved or flattened files
- Screenshots instead of original PDFs
How to avoid:
Always submit the original FBI-issued file, untouched.
2. Notarized FBI Background Checks
- Any notarization automatically invalidates the document
How to avoid:
Do not notarize under any circumstances.
3. State-Level Apostille Attempt
- Submission routed to a Secretary of State instead of the U.S. Department of State
How to avoid:
Ensure the document is routed federally, not through any state office.
4. Channeler Cover Pages Submitted Instead of FBI Record
- Some applicants submit channeler receipts or summaries
How to avoid:
Confirm the document explicitly states Federal Bureau of Investigation and Identity History Summary.
5. Poor Print Quality or Damaged Originals
- Blurred text
- Cut-off margins
- Fold damage obscuring content
How to avoid:
Use high-quality printing and protective handling.
Hague vs. Non-Hague Country Use
The final authentication format depends on the destination country:
- Hague Convention countries: Apostille issued by the U.S. Department of State
- Non-Hague countries: Authentication certificate issued by the U.S. Department of State, often followed by embassy or consulate legalization
Incorrect country routing is a common cause of international rejection.
Important Federal Compliance Notes
The final authentication format depends on the destination country:
- FBI Identity History Summaries expire for foreign use, often within 3–6 months (country-specific)
- Foreign authorities may impose additional translation requirements
- The Department of State does not verify content—only authenticity
- Any deviation from issuance format can result in rejection without refund
Summary
The FBI Identity History Summary is a high-sensitivity federal document.
Proper preparation, correct routing, and strict adherence to federal standards are essential for successful authentication.
When issued correctly, left unaltered, and submitted through the appropriate federal process, this document is universally recognized by foreign governments.
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400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
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