1. Introduction

If you’re preparing documents for international use—like a visa, job offer, adoption, or citizenship—you may need an FBI background check with an apostille. But how long does the process take, especially in 2025?

Processing times for FBI apostilles can vary depending on how you submit your documents, the method you choose, and whether you go it alone or work with a professional service.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about FBI apostille timelines in 2025, so you can plan ahead without surprises.

2. What Is an FBI Apostille?

An FBI apostille is a form of international document certification issued by the U.S. Department of State. It confirms that your federal background check, issued by the FBI, is genuine and can be legally accepted in Hague Convention countries.

Without an apostille, your FBI report may be rejected for legal or governmental processes abroad.

3. Why Apostille Processing Times Matter

Timing is everything when it comes to immigration, employment abroad, or academic applications. Missing a deadline could:

That’s why it’s important to understand current processing timelines—especially as requirements and systems evolve in 2025.

4. 2025 Estimated FBI Apostille Timeframes

Standard Apostille Processing (Self-Service)

If you’re submitting your FBI report directly to the U.S. Department of State, current timelines are:

Expedited Service via Agency (e.g., PDX Fingerprinting)

If you use a registered third-party apostille provider like PDX Fingerprinting, timelines are significantly faster:

These are realistic 2025 timeframes, based on updated service speeds and document volume at the Department of State.

5. Factors That Influence Processing Times

Several elements can impact how long your FBI apostille takes:

Even one minor error—like a missing signature—can set you back days or weeks.

6. Expedited Options in 2025

PDX Fingerprinting offers expedited apostille services in 2025 to meet tight international deadlines:

This allows you to get your FBI background apostilled in under a week, compared to 2–3 weeks on your own.

7. Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

Here are the most frequent causes of apostille delays—and how we help you steer clear:

DelayCauseSolution
RejectionWrong document submitted (e.g., state vs. FBI)We verify before submission
BacklogU.S. Department of State processing slowdownUse expedited service
Delivery IssuesLost or slow mailChoose trackable courier
Missing FormIncomplete DS-4194We complete and review all forms

8. How PDX Fingerprinting Speeds Things Up

We offer end-to-end apostille services that remove the guesswork and minimize turnaround time:

 ✅ FBI Background Check via Live Scan or eDO
Professional document prep and formatting
U.S. Department of State submissions
Optional embassy/legalization (for non-Hague countries)
Fast document return with tracking

Whether you’re submitting a background check for Spain, Italy, Korea, or Mexico, we’ll ensure it’s apostilled on time and correctly.

Serving Portland, Oregon and all 50 U.S. states.

9. FAQs

Q: Can I get an apostille in one day?
A: While the apostille itself takes a few days, same-day document prep and submission is possible through our expedited services.

Q: Does my background check need to be printed or digital?
A: The FBI’s official PDF via the eDO system is acceptable for apostille, but we recommend printing it for submission.

Q: Will the apostille expire?
A: The apostille itself does not expire, but your receiving authority may require a recent background check (usually within 90 days).

Q: Can I track my apostille request?
A: Yes. We provide tracking for outgoing and return shipping so you always know where your document is.

10. Final Thoughts

In 2025, getting an FBI apostille is faster than ever—if done right. But mistakes, delays, and mail mishaps still happen when people try to handle it alone.

That’s why PDX Fingerprinting is here—to streamline the process and save you weeks of uncertainty. Whether you’re moving abroad, applying for residency, or teaching overseas, we’ll get your FBI background apostilled correctly and on time.Ready to begin? Contact us now and get your apostille processed in as little as 3 days.