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Frequently Asked Questions
You may have questions about how to get your FBI report and how to get an apostille.
That’s why we’ve provided you with this list of questions and answers. If you cannot find the answer to your question or doubt, feel free to contact us at hello@fbiapostilleservices.com
Questions about obtaining the FBI report
First of all, you should know that you will need to obtain your criminal background check from the FBI before we can process your apostille.
The FBI report or FBI criminal background check is technically called “Identity History Summary Check“.
Can you obtain the FBI report for me?
No, we can not obtain the FBI criminal background check on your behalf, because you need to get fingerprinted.
Where can I get electronic fingerprints done?
We recommend that you visit a LiveScan center to have your fingerprints electronically taken.
How to order an FBI report?
In order for you to obtain your FBI report, contact an FBI Approved Channeler. They will take your fingerprints and send them to the CJIS Division for a National Identity History Summary check. Your channeler will send you the results, i.e., your FBI criminal background check report, in PDF format, by email.
What is a Channeler?
The FBI has named a select few private companies to help expedite the otherwise lengthy background check getting process. These companies are called "Approved Channelers".
An FBI-Approved Channeler assists clients to expedite the delivery of Identity History Summary information on behalf of the FBI. FBI-Approved Channelers obtain the fingerprints from the client and submit them electronically with the necessary information to the National Identity History Summary report FBI CJIS Division. Then the results are received electronically with a summary check to the individual. Each FBI-Approved Channeler has different ways to process orders; additional fees may apply on top of the FBI fee for requests. Contact each Channeler for processing times and fees.
What information is included in the FBI report?
An FBI Criminal Report contains a listing of information saved by the FBI, including military service, federal employment, and arrest history, whether you served time or charges were dismissed.
How long does an FBI background check take?
Usually, the FBI background checks are ready in 3-5 business days, depending on your Channeller.
Can I check on the status of my FBI background check?
Yes, sure, you can contact your Channeller.
Questions about obtaining the FBI apostille
Once you have obtained the FBI report, we are ready to process your apostille.
What is an apostille for an FBI background check?
An apostille is a French word that means 'official certification'. The apostille is simply the name of a specialized certificate issued by the United States Department of State in Washington, DC., to authenticate the legitimacy of a report, in this case, the FBI background check.
The apostille is attached to the FBI report to verify that it is real and authentic so that it is acceptable in any Member Country of The Hague Apostille Convention.
We recommend that you read this article about what an apostille is.
How to apostille my FBI background check?
You have three options to apostille your FBI report:
1. Hire our apostille service
Hire FBI Apostille Services. We will process the FBI apostille for you.
2. Request the apostille in person
(*)COVID-19 update: This counter-service is not available right now, suspended in-person effective March 20, 2020.
U.S. Department of State
Office of Authentications
600 19th St NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
Open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
3. Request the apostille by mail
(*)COVID-19 update: This way could take up to 3 months.
U.S. Department of State
Office of Authentications
44132 Mercure Cir,
PO Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166
Why do I need to apostille my FBI background check?
If you’re planning to obtain new or dual citizenship, live or work in a foreign country that is a Member of The Hague Apostille Convention, you will need to present an FBI background check with an apostille.
Moreover, in this article, we explain in more detail why you need to apostille your FBI background check.
How long does an FBI background check apostille take?
Apostilles are ready in 5 business days*.
*COVID-19 update: for our company, the turnaround time is 3 weeks. If you do it yourself, it could take 3-4 months.
Who issues the FBI apostille?
The U.S. Department of State issues apostilles for FBI reports. The apostille refers to the name and signature of a division official listed on the results.
Can you apostille a PDF version of the report?
Yes, your Channeler service provider will email you the background report in PDF form. The U.S. Department of State accepts PDF versions.
You do not have to send us the physical report, unless you do not have the original PDF file: in that case, yes, we will need the hard copy of your FBI report.
Scanned copies of FBI reports won't be accepted by the US State Department. Please, do not scan your FBI background check. Contact us if you have any doubts, we will be happy to help you!
Can I obtain the apostille myself?
Yes, we have prepared a FREE detailed do-it-yourself guide. Great solution if you are not in a rush and want to learn the process.
Nevertheless, if you need it, we will be very happy to assist you.
Hire FBI Apostille Services. We will process the FBI apostille for you.
How old can my FBI report be to be accepted and apostilled?
Many countries will reject your report if it’s three or more months old.
To avoid any potential problems, we recommend that you have your document apostilled with us as soon as you receive the PDF file by email. Once completed, forward the FBI apostille to the requesting country as soon as possible.
Do I need an apostille or embassy legalization?
If the destination country requesting your FBI background report is not a Member of the Hague Apostille Convention, then you need legalization at the Embassy. Documents going to a Non-Hague Apostille Member country will receive a certification (not an apostille).
Here we provide a list of the Member Countries for the Hague Apostille Convention.
Which countries are Members of the Apostille Hague Convention?
Here we provide a list of the Member Countries for the Hague Apostille Convention.
Can I check on the status of my FBI background check apostille?
Of course! Please contact us and we will be very happy to answer all your questions regarding your order 🙂
Can you tell me more about your company before I place my order?
Sure! Please, visit the About section of our website and you will learn more about us. In addition, please, do not hesitate to send us an email (hello@fbiapostilleservices.com) and we will be very happy to assist you 🙂
How much do you charge?
Our fee is $150 per apostille. It includes the fees paid to the government agency and our service fee.
Domestic shipping is free for you.
International shipping is $45 extra.
Forms of payment?
We accept PayPal, all major credit, and debit cards when placing the apostille order through our website. On the other hand, we can send you an electronic invoice by email, for your convenience.
I have a question not answered above, can you help me?
Yes, of course! You can contact us in three ways:
- Call us: 212 495-9323
- WhatsApp us
- Email us
