Getting an FBI Background Check and Apostille (2025 Guide)

If you need to live, work, or study abroad—or even for certain types of employment in the US—you may be asked for a USA FBI Background Check with an apostille. This guide walks you step-by-step through both processes, covering current procedures, timelines, tips, and common pitfalls.

Part 1: Getting a USA FBI Background Check

What Is It?

An FBI Background Check, officially known as an Identity History Summary Check, is a report of your criminal history (or lack thereof) based on fingerprint submissions and federal records. This document is commonly required for visas, jobs, or residence permits abroad, as well as some domestic positions.

Steps to Get Your FBI Background Check

1. Submit Your Application Online or by Mail

• Online (fastest): Visit the official FBI website's Identity History Summary portal and fill out the application. You'll pay a fee (currently $18), receive a confirmation with a link and PIN, and then follow instructions for fingerprints.

• By Mail: Download and complete the cover letter, provide your personal info, and mail it with your fingerprint card and fee to the FBI CJIS Division. This can take longer—upwards of 13+ weeks for processing by mail in 2025.

2. Provide Fingerprints

• Electronic submission: Many participating US Post Offices offer the ability to capture and transmit digital fingerprints for an additional fee (about $50).

• Ink-and-paper submission: Print the FBI's fingerprint card (FD-258). Have your fingerprints professionally taken by a police station, live scan center, or a certified technician. Fill in all required info, and send the original card—no copies allowed—to the FBI.

3. Receive Your Report

• Online applicants: Receive the PDF version by email (valid for apostille if it comes from the FBI or an approved channeler).

• Mail applicants: Receive a paper report by mail.

Tip: Make sure your information is accurate and check the report as soon as you receive it. Any errors should be addressed immediately following FBI procedures.

Part 2: Getting an Apostille for Your FBI Background Check

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate that authenticates your document for use in countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Most foreign employers, schools, and governments will require your FBI background check to be apostilled by the US Department of State.

Steps to Obtain an Apostille

1. Ensure You Have the Correct Background Check

• You must use an official FBI-issued or FBI-channeler-issued background check.

• Printed PDF versions are acceptable if they are unaltered and come directly from the FBI or a channeler. Scanned or copied versions WILL BE REJECTED.

2. Complete Form DS-4194

• Download and fill out the DS-4194 form (Request for Authentication Services) from the US Department of State website. Errors or omissions can delay or deny your apostille request.

3. Submit Your Documents

Choose your method:

• Direct Mail to Department of State: Mail your completed DS-4194, FBI background check, and fee ($20 per document in 2025) to the Department of State Office of Authentications. Processing times can be long (up to 10–12 weeks in summer 2025).

• Walk-in Submission: If available, walk-in submissions offer faster processing (often 7–10 business days) but may only be possible through authorized agents or by using expedited service providers.

• Use a Third-Party Service: Several companies offer apostille services for FBI background checks, usually charging $100–$250. They handle all paperwork and mailing; this is the fastest and least error-prone route for tight timelines.

Mailing Address (as of 2025):

text

U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT 44132 Mercure Cir. P.O. Box 1206 Sterling, VA 20166-1206

4. Wait for Processing and Return Delivery

• By mail: Allow several weeks for processing plus shipping time.

• By expediting: Turnaround can be under 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notarize my FBI background check before apostille?
No. Notarization is NOT required for an apostille on official FBI background checks (as of early 2025).

Can I use a digital copy?
You may use a digital PDF emailed directly from the FBI or approved channeler. Do not scan, alter, or re-print the file yourself.

How much does the process cost?

• FBI Report: $18 (FBI fee) + about $50 if using USPS for fingerprints.

• Apostille: $20 if done directly with the State Department, or $100–$250+ through third-party apostille services (plus shipping).

Tips & Pitfalls

• Check requirements from the foreign government; some require newly-issued background checks and apostilles obtained no more than 3–6 months prior to submission.

• Start early: Mail-in processes can be slow. Expedited and walk-in options are recommended if you’re on a deadline.

• Use reputable services: For third-party services, choose well-established agencies with transparent fees and reviews.

• Do not tamper: Any alteration (scans, copies, markings) to FBI documents will result in rejection by the Department of State.