1. Introduction
Whether you’re teaching English in South Korea, applying for permanent residency in Spain, or adopting a child from Colombia, you’ll likely need an apostille for your FBI background check.
Unfortunately, many people get overwhelmed by the process — between navigating the FBI portal, working with the U.S. Department of State, and verifying if their destination country even requires an apostille, it’s easy to make costly mistakes.
At PDX Fingerprinting, we streamline the process so your documents are accepted the first time, with no stress on your end.
2. What Is an FBI Apostille?
An FBI Apostille is an official certification added to your FBI background check, validating it for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Only the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., is authorized to issue apostilles on federal documents like FBI background reports.
3. When You Need an Apostille for an FBI Background Check
You’ll need this apostille if you’re submitting your background check to a foreign country that:
- Is a member of the Hague Convention
- Requires authenticated documents for immigration or employment
- Is asking for a visa, residency permit, or student registration
- Requires criminal history checks for marriage, adoption, or legal status
Examples: Spain, Mexico, Germany, South Korea, Italy, Japan, Argentina, and France — all require apostilled FBI background checks.
4. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your FBI Apostille in 2025
Let’s break down the process clearly:
✅ Step 1: Obtain Your FBI Background Check
You have two options:
- Online via the FBI eDO system (most common)
- Through an FBI-approved channeler like PDX Fingerprinting
Note: Most apostille services will require a PDF copy of your background check, or a physical one printed on secure paper.
Step 2: Confirm You’re Submitting a Federal (Not State) Background Check
Only FBI-issued background checks are eligible for apostille from the U.S. Department of State. A state-issued report needs to go through your state’s Secretary of State instead.
Step 3: Submit Your Report to the U.S. Department of State
Here’s where many people get confused.
- The Department of State in Washington, D.C., handles all apostilles for federal documents.
- You must complete a form (DS-4194) and pay the applicable fee.
- Send your documents by mail or through a professional service.
Step 4: Receive Your Apostilled Report
Processing usually takes:
- 10 to 15 business days (standard)
- 3–5 business days (expedited, via a service like ours)
5. What Makes the Apostille Process Complex?
- Wrong document submission: Submitting a state report instead of FBI.
- Incorrect formats: Sending a printed copy when a digital PDF was required — or vice versa.
- Form errors: Mistakes on the DS-4194 form can delay everything.
- Postal delays or lost mail: Many government offices are backlogged or limited in service hours.
- Unclear country requirements: Some nations require notarization in addition to an apostille.
6. Why You Shouldn’t DIY (Unless You Love Delays)
Doing this yourself sounds cheaper, but delays, rejections, and confusion are common. You risk:
- Missed deadlines for visa or work permits
- Paying double due to errors
- Months-long wait for corrections
- Sending your documents to the wrong federal agency
7. How PDX Fingerprinting Makes It Easy
Here’s how we simplify the entire process:
✅ We capture your FBI fingerprints
✅ We request the FBI report for you (via eDO or channeling)
✅ We submit your documents to the U.S. Department of State
✅ We handle tracking, updates, and delivery
✅ We offer expedited options if you’re in a rush
No guesswork. No backlogs. No wasted time.
Serving clients in Oregon and nationwide.
Schedule online or request apostille help today
8. FAQs
Q: Can I get an apostille on my state background check?
A: No. You need a federal FBI background check for U.S. Department of State apostille.
Q: Can I use a digital FBI report?
A: Yes, many countries now accept the official PDF version. We recommend confirming with your destination country.
Q: How long does it take to get an apostille?
A: Standard processing is 10–15 business days. We offer rush options.
Q: Do I have to visit your office?
A: No. We support remote, mail-in, and nationwide services.
9. Final Thoughts
Navigating how to get an apostille for an FBI background check can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
At PDX Fingerprinting, we’ve helped thousands of clients handle everything from fingerprinting to apostille certification — accurately, quickly, and affordably.
Ready to get started? Contact us here or schedule an appointment online. We’ll make sure your documents are accepted anywhere in the world.
