When you plan to use your FBI background check for official purposes abroad, obtaining an Apostille is an essential step. The Apostille authenticates your document, ensuring its acceptance in foreign countries. This guide provides clear instructions on how to obtain your FBI background check and how to obtain an apostille for FBI background check to make the process seamless.

Step 1: Getting Your FBI Background Check

The first step to obtaining an FBI background check is to request a copy from the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete the Application Form
   Go to the FBI’s official website and fill out the Applicant Information Form. Ensure that all the details are correct and up to date.

2. Fingerprinting
   You will need to get your fingerprints taken on an official fingerprint card. You can visit a local police station or an approved fingerprinting agency to complete this step.

3. Make the Payment
   The cost for the FBI background check is $18. You can pay using a credit card, certified check, or money order. Make sure you include the correct payment when submitting your materials.

4. Mail the Documents
   Once you have completed the form and obtained your fingerprints, mail everything to the FBI’s CJIS Division. Expect to wait several weeks for the results unless you choose to use an FBI-approved Channeler, which can expedite the process.

Step 2: Submitting for an Apostille

After receiving your FBI background check, you can submit it for an Apostille certification to ensure its international acceptance. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Fill Out Form DS-4194
   Complete this form, providing details about your background check and the country in which the document will be used. This form is crucial for the Apostille process.

2. Include a Return Envelope
   For the safe return of your Apostilled document, make sure to include a self-addressed, trackable envelope (like UPS or USPS) in your submission package.

3. Pay the Apostille Fee
   The fee for processing the Apostille is $20 per document. Payments should be made via check or money order, payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”

Step 3: Expedited Apostille Services Starting October 2024

As of October 1, 2024, DC Mobile Notary will be offering expedited Apostille services for FBI background checks, ensuring that processing time is reduced to just 7-8 business days. For residents in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, the Apostille process can be completed in as little as one business day. This offers a much faster alternative to traditional processing times, which often take several weeks.

Why an Apostille Is Necessary for Your FBI Background Check

An Apostille is an international certification that verifies the legitimacy of documents issued in one country for use in another. It’s required for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies the document authentication process. Without an Apostille, many countries may not accept your FBI background check, potentially delaying your relocation or other international plans.

To avoid these complications, it’s important to understand how to obtain an apostille for FBI background check and complete the steps accordingly. This ensures that your background check is officially recognized abroad and ready for use in foreign legal matters.

Conclusion

Whether you’re moving abroad for work, study, or personal reasons, obtaining your FBI background check and Apostille is a critical step in ensuring that your documentation is recognized internationally. By following the instructions provided in this guide, you’ll be able to complete the process smoothly and efficiently. If you need quicker service, expedited Apostille options are available starting in October 2024, so you can get your Apostille in a fraction of the time.

To begin the process and for more detailed information on how to obtain an apostille for FBI background check, visit the link and get started today!