UPDATED October 2024: How to Obtain an FBI Background Check and Apostille: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of contents

1. How to obtain FBI Background check.
2. How to obtain Apostille certificate for FBI background check.
3. New Apostille Processing Rules: Faster Solutions Effective October 1, 2024.
4. What is an Apostille, and Why Do You Need It for an FBI Background Check?

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If you need to use an FBI background check in a foreign country, obtaining an Apostille is a critical step. This guide explains what an Apostille is, why you need it, and provides step-by-step instructions to help you obtain  for your FBI background check and Apostille for it quickly and efficiently.

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An Apostille is a certification provided by the U.S. Department of State that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in a foreign country. To obtain an Apostille for an FBI background check, you can follow these steps:

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1. Obtain a copy of your FBI Background check from the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. You can request a copy of your Background check through the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division's website or by mail.

a. Complete the Applicant Information Form

b. Get Your Fingerprints

c. Pay

An Identity History Summary Check (Rap Sheet) costs $18 per person. You cannot pay extra for faster service.

You can pay by:

• Credit Card using the Credit Card Payment Form. Don’t forget to include the expiration date of the credit card that you are using.
• Money Order or Certified Check for $18 U.S. dollars made payable to the Treasury of the United States. Sign where required.

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d. Mail Your Required Materials

• Signed Applicant Information Form
• Fingerprint Card
• Payment of $18 U.S. dollars per person (use the Credit Card Payment Form if you are paying by credit card) to

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

Alternative option: Use an FBI-Approved Channeler for Faster Processing

If you need faster processing, consider using an FBI-approved Channeler. Channelers are private entities authorized by the FBI to collect and submit fingerprints electronically, often delivering results within a few days.

• Visit the official list of approved Channelers:
  FBI-Approved Channelers

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2. Submit your background check and the required fee to the U.S. Department of State's Authentications Office.

a. Complete Form DS-4194. Include your full name, phone number, address, and document's country of use in Section 4 of Form DS-4194.

b. Be sure to include a trackable self-address envelope such as UPS or USPS. Do not include FedEx.

c. The fee to authenticate documents has increased to $20 per document for all services. The check or money order must be payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”

Form DS-4194 has expired and includes the previous fee. Please use the expired form and include the new price of $20 for all services.

The processing of your request is 10 to 11 weeks from the date State Department receives it. They offer mail-in service, but State Department does not currently provide in-person appointment service.

d. Mail your packet to the following address:

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

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3. New Rule Effective October 1, 2024: DC Mobile Notary Offers Faster Apostille Processing for FBI Background Checks

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Starting October 1, 2024, DC Mobile Notary provides the fastest apostille processing for FBI background checks—completed in just 7-8 business days!

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Our DC-based team submits documents directly to the U.S. Department of State, ensuring swift and reliable processing. For those outside of DC, VA, and MD, we offer express delivery nationwide—simply send us a PDF copy of your FBI background check.

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For those needing expedited solutions, our state-level apostille services can be completed within 1 business day.

Click here to learn more and start the process.

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4. What is an Apostille, and Why Do You Need It for an FBI Background Check?

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An Apostille is an internationally recognized certification that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Established in 1961, the Hague Convention simplifies the process of legalizing documents for international use, replacing the need for more complex legalization processes like embassy authentication.

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If you're planning to work, study, marry, or immigrate abroad, many foreign countries will require official U.S. documents, such as an FBI Background Check, to be Apostilled. This ensures that the document is legitimate and issued by the proper authority. Without an Apostille, your FBI Background Check may not be accepted in the country where you intend to use it, potentially delaying your plans.

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