The process to get an FBI background check apostille takes 10 to 11 weeks after the State Department receives your request. The good news is that starting October 1, 2024, DC-based services will complete this process in just 7-8 business days.
Your plans to work, study, or immigrate abroad need an apostille for FBI background checks. The apostille serves as an internationally recognized certification that validates public documents in countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention. This piece breaks down the complete process. The FBI background check costs $18 per person, and the apostille adds another $20 per document.
Our research combines official requirements with real-life experiences. Many people wait 4-6 weeks to get their FBI background check. The problems are systemic with post office staffing that affects fingerprint collection. We have discovered alternative methods and shortcuts that will make your international documentation process easier. For expert assistance, visit Oregon Apostille Hub.
How to request your FBI background check
Getting an FBI background check is your first crucial step before you can request an apostille. Let me walk you through several simple steps in this process.
Complete the applicant form online or by mail
You’ll need to fill out an application form to start your FBI background check. The FBI’s Electronic Departmental Order (EDO) website accepts online submissions, or you can ask for a paper application from the FBI. You must provide your full name, date of birth, and contact details on the form. Each person must sign their own application when applying as couples or families.
Get your fingerprints taken
Your FBI background check needs your fingerprints. A completed fingerprint card (FD-1164) should show all ten rolled fingerprint impressions and plain impressions of both thumbs. You can get your prints taken at local law enforcement agencies, post offices, or private fingerprinting services. Note that you cannot fingerprint yourself – an authorized person must take your prints.
Pay the $18 processing fee
The FBI charges $18 per person for a background check. You can pay through:
- Credit card (using the FBI Credit Card Form)
- Certified check
- Money order made payable to “Treasury of the United States”
The FBI won’t accept cash or personal/business checks.
Mail your documents to the FBI
Pack these items together and send them to the FBI:
- Signed application form
- Completed fingerprint card
- Payment
- Contact information (email or phone number)
Make sure everything is complete before sending your packet. The FBI returns incomplete applications without processing them.
Use an FBI-approved channeler to get faster results
FBI-approved channelers can help you get results faster. These authorized vendors submit your request straight to the FBI and usually deliver results within 24 hours. On top of that, channelers like IdentoGO provide fingerprinting services nationwide. Channelers add their own fees to the FBI fee, but the substantially faster turnaround time makes this a great option when you’re in a hurry.
After you get your FBI background check, you can move forward with the apostille process at the U.S. Department of State.
Steps to get an apostille on FBI background check
The next significant phase after receiving your FBI background check involves getting it apostilled through the U.S. Department of State. Your attention to detail will help prevent delays in this process.
Fill out Form DS-4194 correctly
Form DS-4194 serves as the official request form for authentication services. Applications often face rejection due to mistakes on this form. The State Department website provides this form, which you must complete using black ink only. Remember to:
- Specify the country where you plan to use the document
- Start fresh with a new form if you make any mistakes
- Submit separate forms for each individual or company
- Add your contact details
Include a self-addressed return envelope
Your apostilled documents will need a self-addressed, prepaid envelope for return shipping. The requirements state that:
- You should attach the postage or air bill
- The Department accepts only USPS or UPS (FedEx return envelopes are not accepted)
- Your return address must be complete and readable
Pay the $20 apostille fee
Each document (not page) requires a $20 authentication fee. Mail-in requests can be paid through:
- Checks (personal, corporate, certified, cashier’s, or traveler’s)
- Money orders
The U.S. Department of State should receive all payments. In-person submissions are the only way to pay with cash.
Mail your packet to the U.S. Department of State
Your complete packet should go to:
Office of Authentications
U.S. Department of State
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166-1206
Important: Your FBI background check should not be notarized before submission as this will make it invalid. The document must contain original seals, signatures, and an issuance date.
The standard process takes several weeks to complete. Third-party services near Washington D.C. offer options to speed up the process, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Faster apostille options available in 2025
Want to speed up your FBI background check apostille process? Several quick options in 2025 can cut your waiting time from months to just days.
New 7-8 day processing via DC-based services
Standard channels take 10-11 weeks, but specialized DC-based services now process documents much faster. These services hand-deliver documents to the Federal Authentications Office in Washington DC. Your apostilles will be ready in 7-9 business days (about two weeks) as of June 2025. The expedited federal service costs around $195 and includes all government fees and UPS Ground shipping.
These services work by:
- Taking your FBI background check in PDF format
- Managing all required government forms
- Delivering documents in person at the authentication office
- Sending the completed apostille straight to you
State-level apostille in 1 business day
State-level apostille services complete the process in just 1 business day for even faster results. The service costs about $250 with all government fees and shipping included. It’s worth mentioning that state apostilles don’t work for certain countries like Spain, Portugal, and South Korea. These nations need federal apostilles.
How to submit your FBI background check digitally
The digital submission process in 2025 saves time by:
- Sending the official electronic PDF version of your FBI background check to your chosen service
- Filling out a quick online order form that takes 5 minutes
- Making the payment online
- Getting your apostilled document delivered
Digital submission cuts out mail delays so services can start working on your document right away. Many service ships completed apostilles worldwide through FedEx or DHL. This makes the process convenient for applicants living abroad.
Why apostille is required for FBI background checks
Understanding why you need an FBI background check apostille becomes significant for anyone with international plans. This certification helps confirm your documents are valid for use in other countries.
Countries that require apostille certification
Several nations need apostille FBI background checks, especially for people planning extended stays. France, South Korea, Spain, and Portugal have strict requirements. Latin American countries like Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Mexico also ask for this documentation regularly. Requirements vary by country, so you should check with your destination country’s embassy or consulate. Some countries might need your apostille FBI background check translated into their language.
When you need an apostille for work, study, or immigration
You need an apostille FBI background check to study, work, or live long-term in another country. This document becomes vital if you plan to:
- Apply for work visas or residency permits
- Pursue international education opportunities
- Teach English abroad (especially in South Korea)
- Adopt a child internationally
- Get married in a foreign country
- Take part in legal proceedings overseas
Countries that follow the Hague Apostille Convention need authenticated documents to ensure legal compliance. Your properly apostille FBI background check shows foreign authorities they can trust your credentials.
Navigating the FBI Background Check Apostille Trip
Getting an FBI background check apostille takes careful attention to detail and patience. This piece walks you through the complete process – from requesting your original background check to receiving your final apostilled document that’s ready for international use.
Good preparation substantially reduces delays. A thorough review of all application forms, especially Form DS-4194, helps avoid common rejections. The process costs include an $18 FBI fee and a $20 State Department authentication fee – a small investment compared to the potential risks of rejected documents.
Processing times have improved in 2025, down from the previous 10-11 weeks. DC-based services complete the process in 7-8 business days at premium rates. State-level apostilles work even faster but might not meet requirements for countries like Spain or South Korea.
This knowledge lets you chase international opportunities with confidence. Properly authenticated documents are worth the effort as you begin your global trip. For more guidance, check out Oregon Apostille Hub.
Start your apostille process today — contact us now or request a quote online!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to get an FBI background check apostille?
Standard processing typically takes 10-11 weeks, but expedited options are now available. Some DC-based services can complete the process in 7-8 business days, while state-level apostilles may be available in as little as 1 business day.
Q2. What documents do I need to submit for an FBI background check apostille?
You’ll need to submit your original FBI background check, a completed Form DS-4194, a self-addressed return envelope, and payment for the $20 apostille fee. Make sure all documents are properly filled out to avoid delays.
Q3. Can I get an FBI background check apostille online?
While you can’t complete the entire process online, you can now submit your FBI background check digitally to some apostille services. This allows for faster processing and eliminates mail delays.
Q4. How much does it cost to get an FBI background check apostille?
The FBI background check itself costs $18, and the apostille fee is an additional $20. Expedited services through third-party providers may cost more, typically ranging from $195 to $250, which includes government fees and shipping.
Q5. Why do I need an apostille for my FBI background check?
An apostille is required to authenticate your FBI background check for use in foreign countries. It’s often necessary for international work, study, adoption, marriage, or immigration processes in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.