How to Apostille an FBI Background Check: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using your FBI background check abroad? This step-by-step guide explains exactly how the apostille process works, who issues it, 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 Apostille Convention — without any further embassy legalisation.
Step 1: Get Your FBI Identity History Summary
First you need the FBI background check itself, officially called an Identity History Summary. It is based on a fingerprint search of the FBI's records, so quality fingerprint capture is essential — poor prints are a leading cause of rejection and rework.
- Fingerprints can be captured via Live Scan (digital) or on an ink card such as the FD-258
- The prints are submitted to the FBI, which returns your Identity History Summary
- Electronic submission is typically faster than mailing ink cards
Step 2: Submit to the U.S. Department of State
FBI documents are federal, so the apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State — not by an individual state's Secretary of State. This is one of the most common points of confusion, and sending a federal document to a state office guarantees a rejection.
| Document type | Issuing level | Apostille authority |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary | Federal | U.S. Department of State |
| State-issued background check | State | That state's Secretary of State |
| Birth / marriage certificate | State | That state's Secretary of State |
Step 3: Add Translation If Required
If your destination country does not use English, it may require a certified translation of your apostilled document. The order matters here — getting it wrong can mean repeating the whole process.
- Obtain the original FBI Identity History Summary
- Have it apostilled by the U.S. Department of State
- If required, add a certified translation of the apostilled document
Common Delays to Avoid
Almost every avoidable delay traces back to one of these:
- Poor-quality fingerprints causing an FBI rejection before you even reach the apostille stage
- Submitting to the wrong authority — state versus federal
- Sending a copy instead of the original FBI-issued document
- Missing translation when the destination country requires one
- A check that has expired for the destination country's acceptance window
Let One Team Handle the Whole Process
Printwise can manage the fingerprinting, FBI check, apostille, and translation together, so you only deal with one team from start to finish — and you never have to guess which office wants what.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the apostille for an FBI background check?
The U.S. Department of State, because the FBI is a federal agency. Individual state offices can only apostille state-issued documents, not federal ones.
How do I get my FBI Identity History Summary?
It is produced from a fingerprint search of the FBI's records. You provide fingerprints via Live Scan or an ink card, they are submitted to the FBI, and your Identity History Summary is returned.
Does the translation come before or after the apostille?
Usually you apostille the original document first, then add a certified translation of the apostilled document if the destination country requires one. Always confirm the specific order your receiving authority expects.
How long does the whole process take?
Roughly 6 to 8 weeks by standard mail, or 1 to 2 weeks expedited for the apostille step, plus the time to obtain the FBI check itself. Electronic fingerprint submission speeds up the front end.
What is the most common reason for rejection?
Sending a copy instead of the original document, or routing a federal FBI document to a state office. Both are easily avoided with a pre-submission check.
The Printwise Team
Identity Verification Specialists
Printwise Global is an international identity-verification company providing certified fingerprinting, FBI and RCMP background checks, apostille, and certified translation. Our specialists manage cross-border document requirements end to end for clients across the USA, Canada, the UK, India, and beyond.
