Getting an FBI background check apostilled is usually the slowest part of moving, working or marrying abroad. In 2026 the total time depends mostly on two things: how fast your FBI check comes back, and how you submit it to the U.S. Department of State.
Need this done in the Portland area? PDX Fingerprinting offers FBI apostille service at our Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego offices, plus mobile service across the Portland metro. Book an appointment online.
FBI apostille timeline in 2026
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Fingerprinting | Same day (appointment) |
| FBI Identity History Summary, electronic submission | Usually a few days |
| FBI check by mailed ink card | Up to about 2 weeks plus mail time |
| Department of State apostille by mail | Processed within 5 weeks of receipt |
| Department of State in-person drop-off (trip in 2–3 weeks) | Within 7 business days |
| Emergency appointment (urgent family travel only) | Same day |
Department of State times and the $20-per-document fee come from its authentication services page. They change, so check before you plan.
Why an FBI apostille comes from Washington, not Salem
An FBI check is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications can apostille it. The Oregon Secretary of State apostilles Oregon documents (like birth or marriage certificates), not FBI checks. Sending it to the wrong office is one of the most common delays.
How to speed it up
- Use electronic fingerprints so the FBI result comes back in days, not weeks.
- Ask the FBI for the apostille-ready version (signed and sealed) when you request your check.
- Submit a complete DS-4194 form naming the country where you will use it.
- Plan for the 5-week mail window, or use a provider who handles the State Department step for you.
- Check validity rules: many countries want a check issued within the last 3–6 months, so don’t start too early either.
Let us handle it
PDX Fingerprinting takes your prints, submits them to the FBI and manages the Department of State apostille. An FBI background check with apostille is $295 (see pricing). Need it faster? Ask about our expedited FBI background check.
Common causes of delay
- Fingerprints rejected for quality, which restarts the FBI request
- A report that is not eligible for an apostille, such as results from an FBI-approved channeler
- Missing payment or forms in the State Department submission
- Name on the report not matching your passport
- Waiting to order the apostille until just before your deadline
Planning around your deadline
- Find out how recent the receiving country needs the FBI report to be, often 3 to 6 months.
- Get fingerprinted as soon as you are inside that window.
- Order the apostille right away once you have the report.
- Add time for translation and mailing to the embassy or overseas office.
See which documents need an FBI apostille and apostille vs. authentication.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an FBI apostille in Oregon?
No office in Oregon can issue it. Only the U.S. Department of State can. You can start everything in Portland and send it from here.
Do I need a translation too?
Some countries, like Spain, also need a certified translation. See certified translation and FBI apostille for a Spain visa.
