How to Get an FBI Background Check Apostilled

The short answer

An FBI background check, officially called an Identity History Summary, is a federal document. That means it can only be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications, not by Massachusetts or any other state. You order the check from the FBI, using your fingerprints, then send the FBI-issued result for a federal apostille. For countries outside the Hague Convention, the document goes on to embassy legalization.

Step 1: Request your Identity History Summary

You can request your check directly from the FBI, online through its electronic Departmental Order system or by mail with a fingerprint card, or through an FBI-approved channeler, a private company the FBI authorizes to submit requests, often faster.

• Fingerprints. You'll need a set taken electronically or on a fingerprint card. Many police departments and private fingerprinting locations offer this.
• Your details. Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport.
• The right result format. For an apostille, you'll need the version the FBI authenticates with its official signature and watermark. If you order online, check the options carefully, and ask us before ordering if you're unsure which one to choose.

Step 2: Keep the original intact

When your result arrives, don't write on it, staple it, laminate it or separate the pages. The Department of State authenticates the FBI official's signature on the document itself, so a photocopy, scan or printout of a screenshot won't work. If you're applying for more than one country or program, consider ordering two copies at the start.

Step 3: Get the federal apostille

The Department of State issues apostilles for federal documents. You can mail your request with the required form and fee, but mailed requests can take many weeks. Our DC Satellite Office hand-carries federal documents to the Department of State, and you should plan for around 10 business days. We return the apostilled check to you, or ship it straight to a consulate or employer abroad.

Step 4: Legalization or translation, if required

For non-Hague countries, the apostille step is replaced by Department of State authentication and embassy legalization. Some countries also want the FBI check translated, sometimes after the apostille so the apostille is translated too. Check your instructions, and see Apostille vs. Legalization if you're unsure which route applies.

How recent does it need to be?

Many countries only accept an FBI check issued within a set period, often three or six months before you apply. Time your request so it's recent enough when you submit it, but early enough to allow for the apostille, translation and shipping. If your appointment is several months away, tell us the date and we'll help you pick the right moment to order.

Mistakes that delay FBI apostilles

• Sending it to a state. State offices can't apostille FBI checks.
• A state background check instead of an FBI check. A Massachusetts CORI is a different document, apostilled by the state. Some countries want one, some want the other, some want both. See CORI Apostille.
• A name that doesn't match your passport. The names on your FBI check, passport and application should line up.
• An expired result. If your check is too old by the time you submit, you'll have to start over.
• Starting late. Fingerprinting, FBI processing and the federal apostille all take time.

Who usually needs one

• Long-stay visas and residency, including Spain's digital nomad and non-lucrative visas, Portugal's D7 and Italy's elective residency. See Spain, Portugal and Italy.
• Teaching abroad in Korea, Japan, China and the Gulf. See Teach Abroad Packets.
• International adoption dossiers. See International Adoption.
• Professional licensing for doctors, nurses and engineers moving abroad.