How to Apostille an FBI Background Check: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using your FBI background check abroad? Here is exactly how the apostille process works, how long it takes, and how to avoid the most common delays.
If you are moving abroad for work, study, or residency, you may be asked for an apostilled FBI background check. An apostille proves your document is genuine so it can be accepted in another country under the Hague Convention.
Step 1: Get your FBI Identity History Summary
First you need the FBI background check itself, also called an Identity History Summary. This is based on a fingerprint search of the FBI's records. Quality fingerprint capture is essential to avoid rejection.
Step 2: Submit to the US Department of State
FBI documents are federal, so the apostille is issued by the US Department of State, not by an individual state. We submit on your behalf and track the request.
Common delays to avoid
- Poor-quality fingerprints causing rejection
- Submitting to the wrong authority (state vs federal)
- Missing translation when the destination country requires one
Printwise can manage the fingerprinting, FBI check, and apostille together, so you only deal with one team from start to finish.
The Printwise Team
Identity Verification Specialists
Printwise is a global identity-verification company providing certified fingerprinting, background checks, apostille, and translation across the USA, Canada, India, South Africa, and the UK.
