Federal Apostille
FBI Background Check Apostille
Work visas, residency permits, teaching jobs and adoptions abroad often require an FBI background check with an apostille from the U.S. Department of State. Most of the time you can simply upload it.
- Government fee included
- Upload, drop off or we come to you
- Open every day 8am–10pm
At a glance
Why California Cannot Apostille It
The FBI is a federal agency, so its records are authenticated by the federal government, specifically the Office of Authentications at the U.S. Department of State. The California Secretary of State will return an FBI check unprocessed. Getting this right first saves weeks.
Getting the Background Check
You request an Identity History Summary from the FBI directly online or through an FBI-approved channeler, and submit your fingerprints. Results are usually delivered as a digitally signed PDF. Do not print and re-scan it, and do not have it notarized: either one can make it unusable for the apostille.
Note that California Live Scan run for the California DOJ produces a state record, not an FBI one. Some countries want the state record instead of, or as well as, the FBI check; the California DOJ record gets a California state apostille, which we also handle.
Timing Is the Hard Part
Many countries want the check issued within the last three to six months, and a few want 90 days or less. The apostille does not restart that clock. Work backwards from your appointment or visa date: fingerprinting and FBI results, then 7–12 business days for the federal apostille, then shipping.
Federal processing has no rush or expedited tier. Anyone selling a “rush federal apostille” cannot speed up the State Department.
What You Need
- The FBI PDF as you received it, or the printed original
- The destination country
- Your return address if shipping
Not sure this is the right document or the right apostille? Call (805) 866-4199, any day 8am–10pm. We will tell you exactly what your destination needs before you pay for anything.
How It Works
Done for You, Start to Finish
01
Book Online
Pick the service and a time, and pay securely. Or call and we will set it up with you.
02
Send or Upload
Upload the document if it was issued digitally, drop it off at 1117 State St, or book a mobile pickup.
03
We Submit to D.C.
We check it against the destination country’s rules and submit it to the U.S. Department of State.
04
You Get It Back
Pick it up at the office or choose tracked return shipping anywhere in the world.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to mail the FBI check?
Usually not. If you received the digitally signed PDF, upload it when you book and we prepare it from there. A few countries want a physically signed copy, and we will tell you if yours does.
My FBI results have no seal. Is that a problem?
No. FBI results are now authenticated with a division official's signature and watermark rather than an embossed seal, and that is what the State Department checks.
How long does it take?
The U.S. Department of State takes 7–12 business days, not including shipping. There is no rush option for federal apostilles.
Can I get a California background check apostilled instead?
Yes, if your destination accepts a state check. A California DOJ record gets a state apostille ($110) and can be rushed.
Ready to Get Started?
Book online in a few minutes, or call and talk to a person. Open every day, 8am to 10pm.