1. Introduction
When preparing to live, work, or study abroad, one essential document often requested is your FBI background check. But providing this report alone is not always enough. Many countries require that it be validated for international use through an apostille.
This blog breaks down which documents need an FBI apostille, why it’s important, and how PDX Fingerprinting can help streamline the process for you.
2. What Is an FBI Apostille?
An FBI apostille is a certificate issued by the U.S. Department of State that verifies the authenticity of an FBI background check for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
It assures foreign authorities that your document is official and valid under U.S. law. Without an apostille, many international institutions will not accept your FBI background check, delaying or even denying your application.
3. When Is an Apostille Required?
An apostille is required when:
- You’re moving to or working in a Hague Convention country.
- A foreign embassy or consulate asks for “authenticated” or “certified” documents.
- You’re applying for dual citizenship, foreign employment, student visas, or international adoptions.
If your FBI background check will be used abroad, it most likely needs to be apostilled unless otherwise specified.
4. Documents That Require an FBI Apostille
While the apostille is applied only to federal documents, these are the most common that need one for international use:
FBI Criminal Background Check
This is by far the most frequent document requiring an apostille. It’s often requested for:
- Immigration or visa processing
- Work permits and teaching positions
- International adoption
- Study abroad or university applications
- Residency or citizenship applications
- Marriage or spousal visas
Additional Federal Documents (when required)
While the FBI background check is the primary focus, other federal documents may also require apostilles, including:
- U.S. federal court documents
- Naturalization certificates (certified copies)
- Social Security Administration letters
- IRS documents for tax/legal purposes abroad
However, these documents must be federal in nature—not issued by states—and signed or certified by an appropriate U.S. federal official to qualify for a Department of State apostille.
Note: State-issued background checks are not apostilled at the federal level. They go through the Secretary of State in the state where they were issued.
5. Apostille vs. Authentication
Sometimes people confuse apostille with authentication, but they serve similar purposes for different countries.
| Feature | Apostille | Authentication |
| For which countries | Hague Apostille Convention members | Non-Hague countries |
| Issued by | U.S. Department of State | U.S. Department of State + foreign embassy |
| Need for consular steps | No | Yes |
If your document is going to China, UAE, or Saudi Arabia, it needs authentication instead.
6. Common Countries That Require FBI Apostille
Here are examples of countries that commonly require apostilled FBI reports:
- Spain – Residency or teaching
- South Korea – ESL and government teaching positions
- Italy – Dual citizenship or marriage abroad
- France – Work permits
- Mexico – Legal residency applications
- Argentina – Immigration or university enrollment
- Germany – Job permits or permanent residency
Want to know if your destination country requires an apostille? Contact our team at PDX Fingerprinting and we’ll confirm for you.
7. Mistakes to Avoid During the Apostille Process
Many people experience delays because of small but costly errors. Avoid these mistakes:
Submitting a state background check instead of FBI version
Using a non-official PDF or copy not recognized by the FBI
Sending to the wrong agency (e.g., local instead of federal)
Missing required forms like DS-4194
Skipping apostille when the receiving country absolutely requires it
We help review and double-check all documents before submission, saving you time and stress.
8. How PDX Fingerprinting Makes It Easy
We provide an all-in-one solution to handle your:
- ✅ Live Scan or ink fingerprinting
- ✅ Fast FBI background check (via eDO or authorized channelers)
- ✅ Apostille processing via the U.S. Department of State
- ✅ Document preparation and form handling
- ✅ Nationwide and international shipping
Whether you’re applying for a visa, international job, or immigration, we’ll make sure your documents are legally prepared for international use—without delays or confusion.
Based in Portland, Oregon, and serving clients across the U.S.
9. FAQs
Q: Can I apostille a PDF version of my FBI report?
A: Yes, the official PDF issued via the FBI eDO system is accepted for apostille.
Q: How long does it take to get an FBI apostille?
A: 5–15 business days on average. Expedited service available through PDX Fingerprinting.
Q: Can I get my background check and apostille done in one place?
A: Yes. We offer end-to-end service, from fingerprinting to apostille delivery.
Q: Do all countries require apostilles?
A: No. Countries not in the Hague Convention will require authentication instead of apostille.
10. Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to use your FBI background check outside the U.S., knowing whether you need an apostille is critical. Countries won’t accept uncertified documents, and one mistake could delay your immigration, job, or travel plans.
At PDX Fingerprinting, we make the entire process easy and secure—handling everything from fingerprinting to FBI report to apostille certification.
Don’t risk delays. Contact us today to get your FBI apostille started the right way.
