If you are sending an FBI background check abroad, the destination country decides whether you need an apostille or an authentication. Both come from the U.S. Department of State, but they work differently. Getting the wrong one is a common reason documents are refused.
Need this done in the Portland area? PDX Fingerprinting offers FBI apostille and authentication service at our Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego offices, plus mobile service across the Portland metro. Book an appointment online.
The short version
| Apostille | Authentication | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Countries in the Hague Apostille Convention (e.g. Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy) | Countries not in the Convention (e.g. China, UAE, Qatar, Vietnam) |
| Issued by (for FBI checks) | U.S. Department of State | U.S. Department of State |
| Extra step after | None. Ready to use | Legalization by that country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. |
| Typical total time | Shorter | Longer, because of the embassy step |
Check the current list of Hague Convention members before you start; countries join over time.
Why FBI checks are different from Oregon documents
An FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can apostille or authenticate it. Oregon documents, like birth and marriage certificates, go to the Oregon Secretary of State instead. See our Oregon apostille service.
Timelines and fees in 2026
The Department of State charges $20 per document and processes mailed requests within about 5 weeks, or within 7 business days for in-person drop-off when you travel in 2–3 weeks (see its authentication services page). Authentications then need embassy legalization, which adds time and fees set by each embassy. See how long an FBI apostille takes.
Step by step
- Ask the receiving authority which certificate it needs and how recent the FBI check must be.
- Get fingerprinted and request your FBI Identity History Summary.
- Submit it to the Department of State with form DS-4194, naming the destination country.
- For authentications only: take or send it to the destination country’s embassy for legalization.
- Translate it if required.
Countries that need authentication instead of an apostille
Countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt and Kuwait, usually require authentication by the U.S. Department of State followed by legalization at the country’s embassy or consulate. The process has more steps and takes longer, so start early. Check our apostille by country page if you are unsure which applies.
Don’t forget translation
Many countries also need the FBI report and the apostille or authentication translated into their language. Ask whether the translation must be certified, sworn or done in that country. We provide certified translations from $65.
Let us handle the whole process
Our FBI apostille service ($295) covers fingerprints, the FBI request and the federal apostille, so you only make one visit. Call 503-212-0678 if your country needs authentication instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apostille the same as notarization?
No. A notary verifies a signature locally; an apostille certifies a public official’s signature for use abroad.
Can you do both for me?
Yes. We handle the fingerprints, FBI submission and Department of State step. FBI check with apostille is $295 (see pricing).
