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Federal Apostille Services

FBI Background Check Apostille

An FBI Identity History Summary Check is a federal criminal history record issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

FBI background checks are commonly apostilled for use abroad in matters involving residency, immigration, citizenship, employment, licensing, and other official proceedings.

Because FBI records are federal documents, the apostille is issued through the U.S. Department of State rather than a state Secretary of State.

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Federal Requirements

Apostille Requirements for an FBI Background Check

FBI Identity History Summary Checks are federal records and follow a different authentication process from state-issued documents. We review the record before submission to confirm that it is ready for federal apostille processing.

01

FBI-Issued Record

The document must be an official FBI Identity History Summary containing the FBI authentication elements issued with the record.

02

FBI Watermark & Signature

The background check should display the FBI watermark and the signature of the appropriate FBI division official. These elements allow the record to proceed through federal authentication.

03

Destination Review

Some foreign authorities impose their own document-age or issuance requirements. We recommend confirming any destination- specific validity period before submitting the record.

Have an electronic FBI result? Electronic FBI Identity History Summary results may be printed for apostille processing when they contain the required FBI authentication features.
Federal Apostille Services

Need an FBI Background Check Apostilled?

Tell us what FBI background check you have and the country where it will be used. We’ll review the federal apostille requirements and provide the appropriate next steps and pricing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FBI Background Check Apostille FAQs

Can an electronic FBI background check be apostilled? +
Yes. An electronic FBI Identity History Summary may be printed and submitted for apostille when the document contains the appropriate FBI authentication elements, including the watermark and official signature.
Do I need to notarize my FBI background check? +
Generally, no. An FBI Identity History Summary is a federal record issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and does not normally require notarization before federal apostille processing.
Who issues the apostille for an FBI background check? +
FBI background checks are federal documents. Apostilles for eligible FBI records are issued through the U.S. Department of State rather than through a state Secretary of State.
How recent does my FBI background check need to be? +
There is no single universal validity period for every destination. Some foreign authorities require FBI background checks to have been issued within a specific timeframe, so destination requirements should be confirmed before processing.
Can you obtain the FBI background check for me? +
Global Apostille Group primarily assists with apostille processing after the FBI Identity History Summary has been issued. FBI background checks may be requested directly through the FBI or through an FBI-approved Channeler.
Can you apostille state or local police background checks? +
Yes. State and local background checks may also be eligible for apostille, but they follow a different authentication process from federal FBI records. Requirements depend on the issuing state and document type.