An FBI background check (officially, an Identity History Summary) is a federal document. When you use it in another country, the foreign office usually wants proof that it is genuine. That proof is an apostille, issued by the U.S. Department of State, not by a state Secretary of State.
Need an FBI report with an apostille? PDX Fingerprinting handles the fingerprints, the FBI request and the federal apostille through our FBI apostille service ($295). Book an appointment online.
When an FBI report needs an apostille
- Work visas and permits, such as teaching English abroad (for example, South Korea’s E-2 visa)
- Residency visas, such as retirement or long-stay visas in Spain, Portugal or Italy
- Permanent residency or citizenship applications in another country
- International adoption dossiers
- Marriage abroad, when the country requires proof of no criminal record
- Professional licensing overseas, such as nursing, medicine or teaching
Always confirm the requirement with the embassy, consulate or employer, since rules change and can differ by visa type.
Which countries accept an apostille?
Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention accept the apostille directly. This now includes most of Europe and Latin America, plus countries such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, India and China. Countries outside the Convention, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt, usually require a different process called authentication and embassy legalization. See apostille by country.
FBI apostille vs. state apostille
- FBI background check: a federal document, so it is apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
- Oregon birth, marriage or state police records: state documents, apostilled by the Oregon Secretary of State
- Notarized documents, such as a power of attorney signed in Oregon, are usually apostilled by the state where the notary is commissioned
Learn more in apostille vs. authentication and our Oregon apostille service.
How the FBI apostille process works
- Get fingerprinted and request your FBI Identity History Summary.
- Receive the report. Electronic results come back faster than mailed cards.
- Make sure the report was issued by the FBI itself, with the FBI official’s signature and seal. Results from FBI-approved channelers cannot be apostilled.
- Submit it to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications.
- Receive the report with the apostille attached, then add a certified translation if the country requires one.
See how to get an apostille for an FBI background check and how long an FBI apostille takes.
Tips to avoid delays
- Check how recent the report must be. Many countries want it issued within 3 to 6 months.
- Do not open or alter the report if it arrives sealed, and never remove an apostille.
- Make sure your name matches your passport.
- Ask whether the translation must also be certified or apostilled.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Can the Oregon Secretary of State apostille my FBI report?
No. The FBI report is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can apostille it.
Does my FBI report need to be notarized before the apostille?
No. The apostille certifies the FBI official’s signature on the report. A notarized copy is not accepted.
How much does an FBI check with apostille cost?
Our complete FBI background check with apostille is $295. See pricing.
