The FBI apostille process can seem intimidating at first — it involves federal agencies, fingerprints, and authentication certificates most people have never heard of. But the process is actually straightforward once you understand each stage.
This guide walks you through exactly how to get an FBI background check apostille, from the moment you decide you need one to the day your authenticated document arrives at your door.
Know your destination country before you begin. Different countries have different requirements for FBI apostilles — some require certified translations, some need specific formatting, and some are not Hague Convention members and require a different process altogether. We'll advise you on your country's specific requirements when you submit your order.
Fill out our intake form with your full name, destination country, intended use (immigration, employment, adoption, etc.), and preferred submission method. We review your details and confirm your country-specific requirements within 24 hours. This is also where you pay — all fees are all-inclusive, with no surprises later.
Typically Day 1You have two options: submit existing FBI documents digitally as a PDF, or receive a fingerprint card by mail to get printed at a local police station, UPS Store, or authorized fingerprinting location near you. We send detailed instructions for whichever method you choose. If your fingerprints are rejected by the FBI, we resend a card at no extra charge.
Days 2–7We submit your materials to the FBI's Identity History Summary division. The FBI searches their fingerprint and criminal records databases and generates your official Identity History Summary. This is the longest stage of the process — standard submissions take 6–8 weeks, while expedited priority positioning can reduce this to 3–4 weeks. We track your application and notify you when results are received.
Weeks 2–8 (standard) / Weeks 2–4 (expedited)Once we receive your FBI results, we immediately submit them to the U.S. Department of State. The Department affixes the official apostille certificate — a separate document attached to your FBI results that certifies it as a genuine U.S. government record, recognized under the Hague Convention. This stage typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Weeks 9–10 (standard) / Weeks 5 (expedited)Your completed, authenticated FBI apostille document is shipped directly to you. Standard orders ship via USPS with tracking. Expedited orders ship via FedEx Priority for faster delivery. You receive tracking information so you can monitor delivery in real time.
2–5 business days after apostille is issuedThe documents required depend on your submission method:
Many foreign governments require that your FBI background check be issued within a specific timeframe — commonly 3, 6, or 12 months before your application. If your existing FBI results are older than this, you will need to request a new one via fingerprint submission. We'll advise you on your destination country's specific requirements.
Technically, yes. You can submit directly to the FBI and then to the Department of State yourself. Here's why most people choose to use a professional service instead:
| Factor | DIY | Using FBI Apostille Group |
|---|---|---|
| Correct forms | Research required | We handle all forms |
| Submission errors | Common — causes delays | Minimized by our expertise |
| Tracking | Manual, confusing | We track and update you |
| Fingerprint rejection | Start over at your cost | Free resubmission |
| Country requirements | Research required | We know each country's rules |
| Total time investment | Many hours | 30 minutes for you |
Fill out our intake form and we'll confirm your requirements within one business day. Mail-in or digital PDF submission accepted. All fees all-inclusive.
Start Your Order TodayWe mail you an FBI-compliant fingerprint card with detailed instructions. You take the card to a local police station, sheriff's office, or in many areas a UPS Store or authorized fingerprinting service. They print your fingers onto the card, and you mail it back to us. The process usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Yes, if your existing FBI results are recent enough to meet your destination country's requirements. Many countries require the document to be issued within 6–12 months. We'll advise you on whether your existing document qualifies or whether you need a new one.
You submit your apostilled FBI background check as part of your visa, immigration, citizenship, adoption, or employment application to the relevant foreign authority. Some countries also require a certified translation of the document — we can coordinate translation services as an add-on if needed.