Documents
If you’re applying for long-term visas or residencies abroad, you’ll likely need an FBI criminal background check that has been apostilled. You have the option of completing the apostille process yourself or using an apostille service. In this guide, we’ll walk you through both options to get your FBI background check apostilled.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication that certifies a document as a true original, similar to notarization. It’s required by the Hague Convention for documents presented to governments of countries other than the country of origin. For U.S. documents, only the U.S. Department of State and authorized state-level organizations can provide apostilles.
Option 1: Getting Your FBI Background Check Apostilled Yourself
Follow these steps to have your FBI background check apostilled by the U.S. Department of State:
1. Obtain Your FBI Criminal Background Check
There are four ways to get your FBI background check, all of which are quick, easy, and cost only $18. Learn more about the process here: FBI Identity History Summary Checks.
2. Fill Out the Apostille Request Form
Print and complete Form DS-4194: Request for Authentications Service, available from the U.S. Department of State website: Form DS-4194.
3. Include Payment
Enclose a payment of $20 per document via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or certified check payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” Do not send cash.
4. Print Your FBI Background Check
Print a high-quality color copy of your FBI background check or the original document you received from the FBI.
5. Prepare Envelopes for Shipping
You’ll need two envelopes:
- A larger envelope addressed to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications with prepaid postage
- A smaller, self-addressed envelope with prepaid postage for the return of your apostilled documents
6. Mail Your Documents
Package the following items in the larger envelope and mail them to the address below:
- Completed Form DS-4194
- Payment for $20
- Printed FBI background check
- Self-addressed, prepaid return envelope
Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT 44132 Mercure Cir. PO Box 1206 Sterling, VA 20166-1206
Option 2: Using an Apostille Service
If you prefer not to handle the apostille process yourself, you can use an apostille service like US Authentication Services. They charge a flat rate of $65 per document (which includes the U.S. Department of State fee) and will submit your FBI background check for apostille on your behalf.
To use their service, you have two options:
1. Email Your Order
Email the following to info@usauthentication.com with the subject line “EMAILED ORDER — APOSTILLE — YOUR NAME”:
- PDF file of FBI background check you obtained via online portal
- US Authentication Services completed order form
- Payment (credit card or PayPal)
- Payment for return mailing or prepaid FEDEX, UPS or USPS return label (Do not list US Authentication Services or their address as the sender, you must list your own information)
2. Mail Your Order
Mail the following to the address on the US Authentication Services order form:
- The original FBI background check results (with the seal and signature of the official)
- US Authentication Services completed order form
- Payment (check, money order, credit card information, or PayPal)
- Payment for return mailing or prepaid FEDEX, UPS or USPS return label (Do not list US Authentication Services or their address as the sender, you must list your own information)
Processing times vary and cannot be guaranteed. For an additional $65, they can also arrange for your diploma to be apostilled.
My Experience: Quick, Cheap, and Simple
Despite warnings from third-party apostille services about long waits and lost documents, I found the process of doing it myself to be efficient and problem-free. I received my apostilled FBI background check in just under 10 days after submitting it myself for only $20.
FBI Background Checks Do Not Require Notarization
While most documents must be notarized before the U.S. Department of State will apostille them, FBI background checks are an exception. They are already considered legal and official documents since they are signed by the FBI Biometrics Services Section Chief.
Confidently Navigate the Apostille Process for Your International Adventures
Whether you choose to handle the apostille process yourself or use an apostille service, you can ensure your FBI background check is ready for your visa or residency applications abroad. Start your journey today!
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