FBI Apostille, background checks & Authentication
An FBI Background Check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary Check, provides a summary of an individual's criminal history or activity. This report is crucial for various purposes, such as adopting a child out of state or in foreign countries, court-related matters, sealing or expunging inaccurate criminal history information, or meeting requirements to live, work, study, or travel in a foreign country.
Obtaining an FBI Background Check
You can request an FBI Background Check in three ways: electronically submit your request directly to the FBI, mail your request directly to the FBI, or use an FBI-Approved Channeler. The check can be issued in a digital copy (PDF format) or a hard copy, both of which are valid and can be apostilled
Please note that FBI background checks are typically valid for only six months or less from their issue date.
Apostille or Authentication Process for FBI Background Check
Apostille, authentication, and legalization certificates validate the seal and signature of a notary or a public official on a document for acceptance in a foreign country. The process varies based on the destination country:
- Hague Apostille Country: Requires an Apostille certificate issued by the 50 states & DC Secretary of State for local and state documents.
- Non-Hague Apostille Country: Requires a multi-step authentication process for local and state documents, involving the Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State (if required), and the foreign country’s Embassy in DC. Federally-issued documents require authentication from the U.S. Department of State and the foreign country’s Embassy in DC.
- Federal Courts Documents: Documents from federal courts (district courts) must be certified by the U.S. Department of Justice before presenting them to the U.S. Department of State for apostille or authentication.
All foreign language documents must include a certified or notarized English translation.
The FBI Apostille and authentication process ensures your document is recognized and accepted in the destination country, meeting all legal requirements.
