Applying for a work visa, residency, a teaching job overseas or an international adoption? You'll often be asked for your FBI background check, and many countries want it apostilled.
Step 1: get your FBI Identity History Summary
Your FBI record is called an Identity History Summary. We take your fingerprints electronically and submit them through our partner Fulcrum Biometrics, an FBI-Approved Channeler. Results usually arrive in 3–7 business days, much faster than mailing an application to the FBI yourself. See FBI background checks ($105).
Tell us up front that you'll need an apostille. The U.S. Department of State only apostilles FBI reports that meet its requirements, so we'll make sure your check is requested the right way from the start.
Step 2: the apostille
An apostille is an official certificate that confirms a document is authentic so another country will accept it. Because an FBI report is a federal document, it's apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not by the State of Florida.
Our apostille service ($150) prepares and submits your request, so you don't have to work through the process alone.
How long to allow
- FBI check: usually 3–7 business days
- Apostille: the Department of State currently takes 5 weeks or more
- Your destination: check whether the country wants the document issued within a certain time before you apply
Processing times are set by the Department of State, not by us, so start as early as you can.
Does my country accept apostilles?
Countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilles. Others may require a different authentication process. Call us and we'll point you in the right direction.
What about a Florida record?
Florida (FDLE) documents are authenticated by the Florida Department of State, not the U.S. Department of State. If your destination asks for a state record instead of, or as well as, an FBI record, call us to discuss it.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, and the agency requesting your background check has the final say. Results and decisions come from FDLE, the FBI and the requesting agency.