FBI Background Check apostille

What is an FBI background check apostille?

The FBI Identity History Summary is issued by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division and reflects criminal history data reported by federal, state, and local agencies across the country. As a federal document, it bypasses state-level authentication entirely. The U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications issues the apostille directly from the FBI's signature, making it valid in all Hague Convention member countries.

When you need one

An apostilled FBI background check is typically required for: long-term residency visas and permanent residency applications in foreign countries, citizenship or naturalization applications abroad, international adoption proceedings where the adoptive parents' backgrounds are vetted, teaching and professional license applications in countries that require federal-level clearance, and some investor or entrepreneur visa programs.

How Laurela handles it

We guide you through requesting your FBI Identity History Summary via the FBI's channeler program using fingerprints, then receive the result and route it to the U.S. Department of State for apostille. This federal path is separate from state Secretary of State offices — we ensure your document goes to the correct authority and is not incorrectly routed to a state office.

Apostille vs. embassy legalization

For Hague member countries, the U.S. Department of State apostille on the FBI document is the complete authentication. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication through the U.S. Department of State's legalization channel and the destination consulate is required — a longer process, but we manage it end to end.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my FBI Identity History Summary?

The FBI accepts requests via fingerprint card submitted through an approved channeler. We walk you through the fingerprinting requirement and can coordinate with a fingerprinting provider in your area.

How long does it take?

FBI processing times vary depending on demand at the CJIS Division, and Department of State apostille processing adds additional time. We provide a current combined estimate when you order.

Why can't a state Secretary of State apostille an FBI document?

The apostille must be issued by the authority competent over the document's issuing office. Federal agencies are under federal jurisdiction; only the U.S. Department of State is authorized to apostille federal documents. A state apostille on a federal document would be invalid.

Do I need both an FBI check and a state criminal record?

Many destination countries require both. The FBI check covers records from across the country; the state record covers your specific state of residence. We confirm what your destination requires and can order both.