FBI Background Check Apostille and Authentication Service
Need an FBI background check apostille? SF Notary + Apostille explains how the process works.
What is an FBI background check?
A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check is a summary of “certain information taken from fingerprint submissions kept by the FBI and related to arrests and, in some instances, federal employment, naturalization, or military service,” according to the FBI.
Additionally, FBI background checks are also called Identity History Summaries, criminal history records, rap sheets, or federal background checks.
What is an FBI background check apostille?
An FBI background check apostille is a certification process that validates your FBI-reported criminal record so that it can be legally recognized by foreign governments and entities. Overseas parties may require an apostilled copy of your background check for matters that include your application to live, work, or study abroad.
At the present time, it is taking about three weeks to obtain a US State Department apostille on an FBI background check.
How do I get my FBI background check apostilled or authenticated?
Step 1: Place an order with the FBI
In order to obtain your Identity History Summary, you will need to submit an electronic request with Live Scan fingerprints. Alternatively, you can mail in FBI Form FD-258 with an inked fingerprint card, which is the only practical solution if you are overseas or otherwise unable to access a Livescan operator.
To start the application process, visit the FBI Electronic Departmental Order website. Enter your personal email address at the bottom of the page.
The FBI will send you an email with a link to the application and a PIN to access it. Fill in all sections of the application. When you get to Fingerprint Card, we highly recommend choosing Electronic Submission via Third-Party if you are located in the United States. Fingerprint cards received via mail can take up to 40 days to process. If you are not currently in the United States, you may have to submit a physical fingerprint card. Check with your local US Embassy or Consulate for fingerprint options.
At the end of the application, you will be redirected to pay the fee. Then you will receive a confirmation email. Bring this email with you to a Livescan location, along with a valid US ID such as a driver license, passport, military ID, or state-issued ID card.
NOTE: The FBI website only mentions US Post Office locations as the place to go for Livescan fingerprinting. It may or may not properly direct you to a list of post offices that offer Livescan services. However, clients have reported to us that Fieldprint USA has a more comprehensive list of authorized Livescan locations, and it also allows you to schedule in advance.
At the Livescan location you will submit all ten of your fingerprints, and the information will be shared electronically with the FBI. Usually, within a couple of days of being fingerprinted, you will be able to retrieve an electronic PDF copy of your FBI background check. The link and PIN will arrive to you by email from [email protected], and the email looks like this:
Shown above: FBI Background Check email message from DOJ with link and PIN you can use to download a PDF of your background check.
Step 2: Email us for a price quote
Pricing varies depending on which country it’s going to be presented in, your location, and the shipping destination. For a quick price quote, send an email to [email protected] with the following information:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- The name, address, phone number, and email address of the recipient (if you’d like us to ship it to a third party)
- The destination country
We will respond without delay with a price quote and payment instructions. Once we receive payment, we will start the apostille/
Step 3: Get the background check to us
A few days after you are fingerprints are processed, an electronic PDF of your background check will be ready to download using the link and password you will receive from [email protected]. We can print the downloaded PDF and submit it to the US State Department for apostille processing within one business day. All you have to do is email it to us at [email protected] to get started.
If you only have the paper background check the FBI sent you by mail, we can provide a FedEx Priority Overnight shipping label that you can use to send it to us. If you are paying by check, please make it out to “SF Notary + Apostille.” Otherwise, we will send you an invoice by email with a payment link that allows you to pay by credit card.
Step 4: We do the rest
We will obtain an apostille from the US Secretary of State in Washington, DC. Some countries require apostilles plus additional certifications, details of which we will provide in the price quote. Once the document is apostilled (or apostilled and authenticated/legalized), we’ll ship it via FedEx Priority Overnight Service (USA destinations) or FedEx International Priority Service (overseas destinations).
Contact us
For more information or to place your order, please email [email protected] or call +1 (415) 655-9455.
Disclaimer: Information on this website is for informational purposes only. These instructions are based on our knowledge and experience and are meant to be helpful; however, they might contain errors. Please let us know if you encounter mistakes so that we can promptly correct them. SF Notary + Apostille is not a law firm, and its agents are not attorneys. Please contact a licensed attorney or your local bar association for counsel on legal matters.