Orange County Apostille is a trusted leader in processing apostilles for FBI background checks, offering full federal-level authentication through our Washington D.C. office. Because FBI background checks are federal documents, the apostille must be issued solely through the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications, not through any U.S. state government.

This comprehensive guide explains:

• How the FBI background check is issued
• How our Washington D.C. office completes the federal apostille
• How livescan & fingerprinting work inside and outside the United States
• How to request an FBI background check from anywhere in the world
• Documents accepted for federal authentication
• Common mistakes applicants make
• What to expect during the apostille process

This 3500-word guide includes 25 official backlinks and 25 FAQs to help clients understand every part of the process.

1. What Is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI Identity History Summary (also known as an FBI background check) is a federal criminal record search compiled from:

• Arrest data reported by states
• Federal court records
• Immigration and national security databases
• Local law-enforcement fingerprint submissions

It is commonly required for:

• Immigration abroad
• Work visas
• Dual citizenship
• International marriage
• Long-term study programs
• Foreign residence permits
• Teacher and medical licensing abroad
• International adoption
• Real estate purchases in certain countries
• Foreign employer onboarding

Official source:

2. Why an Apostille Is Required for FBI Background Checks

When a U.S. federal document is used internationally, foreign authorities require official verification of authenticity. For countries that accept apostilles, the process follows the guidance of the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications.

Federal Apostille Source:

Because an FBI background check is a federal document, it can only receive a federal apostille—NOT a state apostille.

That is why Orange County Apostille processes FBI apostilles exclusively through our Washington D.C. office, which provides hand-delivery and completion through the federal agency responsible for issuing the certification.

3. How Orange County Apostille Processes FBI Apostilles (Through Our D.C. Office)

Our Los Angeles and Orange County offices coordinate directly with our Washington D.C. federal processing location, which completes:

1. Federal document verification
2. Submission to the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications
3. Retrieval after completion
4. Return shipping with tracking

Federal Processing Source:

The process applies to:

• FBI background checks obtained electronically (PDF with QR code)
• FBI background checks obtained by mail
• FBI background checks printed by authorized channelers

Our D.C. office handles all in-person federal submissions to streamline processing for California clients.

4. How to Obtain an FBI Background Check (Inside or Outside the U.S.)

The FBI allows you to request your report from anywhere in the world. There are three primary methods:

Method 1 — Electronic Submission (Fastest)

You can apply online through the FBI’s approved portal:

Steps:

1. Submit your online application
2. Pay the FBI fee
3. Upload or mail fingerprints
4. Receive your PDF report

This PDF is eligible for an apostille.

Method 2 — Apply Through an FBI-Approved Channeler

Channelers are authorized third-party vendors who submit fingerprints electronically to the FBI on your behalf.

List of channelers:

Channelers can provide:

• Faster processing
• Digital PDF results
• Optional fingerprint card assistance

All digital results are eligible for apostille.

Method 3 — Mail-In Application From Anywhere in the World

If you are overseas, you can download the fingerprint card, get fingerprinted abroad, and mail your submission to the FBI.

Fingerprint card (FD-258) download:

Mail-in application instructions:

5. International Livescan and Fingerprinting: How It Works

Many clients applying from abroad need fingerprinting. Fortunately, the FBI allows fingerprints to be taken anywhere in the world using:

• Local police departments
• U.S. embassies and consulates
• Private fingerprinting agencies
• Certified fingerprint technicians
• Mobile fingerprinting providers
• Embassy-approved security contractors

Below is a detailed explanation of how fingerprinting works internationally.

A. U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad

Many U.S. embassies/consulates offer fingerprinting assistance.

Find a U.S. embassy:

Embassies provide:

• Ink fingerprinting
• FD-258 card stamping
• Identity verification

These fingerprints can be mailed directly to the FBI or uploaded through an approved channeler that accepts scanned fingerprint cards.

B. International Police Departments

Foreign police stations frequently offer fingerprinting services for:

• Immigration
• Work visa applications
• Criminal background checks

Fingerprints taken abroad must:

1. Use the FBI FD-258 card
2. Include officer stamp, signature, and date
3. Be clear, dark, and correctly rolled

These are accepted by the FBI for background check submissions.

C. Private Fingerprint Agencies Worldwide

Private biometric companies exist across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

These agencies often assist U.S. citizens, expats, and digital nomads.

Search for “ink fingerprinting near me” and ensure they follow:

• FBI ink-roll standards
• FD-258 formatting requirements

D. Livescan Fingerprinting Abroad

Contrary to common belief, livescan is available in many countries through:

• U.S. military bases (SOFA status)
• Large biometric centers
• Visa application facilities
• Outsourced consular service providers

Some international biometric centers can generate a digital file, which is then converted into an FBI-approved printout.

6. Apostilling an FBI Background Check: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is the complete, federal-level apostille workflow handled by our Washington D.C. office:

Step 1 — Obtain the FBI Background Check

Use any method:

• Online EDO submission
• Channeler
• Mail-in with fingerprint card

This must be the official FBI report.

Backlink: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks

Step 2 — Submit to Orange County Apostille

We review your document electronically or in person to ensure that:

• The document is official
• The report displays the FBI seal and signature
• The QR code or digital authentication is valid

Step 3 — Federal Apostille in Washington D.C.

Our Washington D.C. office completes:

• In-person submission
• Tracking
• Retrieval

U.S. Department of State source:

Step 4 — Return With Tracking

Your apostilled FBI background check is returned via tracked shipping, with:

• Document protection
• Certification page
• Federal ribbon or staple
• Tamper-proof fasteners

7. Countries That Commonly Require Apostilled FBI Background Checks

Many governments require apostilled criminal background reports. Common destinations include:

For Work Visas

• South Korea (E-2 visa)
• Spain
• Portugal
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan

For Residency or Citizenship

• Mexico
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Panama
• Argentina

For International Marriage

• Philippines
• Dominican Republic
• Brazil

For Immigration Programs

• Canada (Express Entry / Permanent Residence) Canadian immigration: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

8. 25 Official Backlinks (Included Throughout the Post)

Below are the 25 backlinks used inside this article:

1. https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
2. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document.html
3. https://www.state.gov/authentication-of-american-documents-apostille/
4. https://www.edo.cjis.gov
5. https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/approved-channelers
6. https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/standard-fingerprint-form-fd-258-1.pdf/view
7. https://www.usembassy.gov/
8. https://travel.state.gov
9. https://www.fbi.gov
10. https://www.canada.ca
11. https://www.uscis.gov
12. https://oag.ca.gov
13. https://www.cbp.gov
14. https://www.state.gov
15. https://www.dhs.gov
16. https://www.cdc.gov
17. https://www.nolo.com
18. https://www.eeoc.gov
19. https://www.federalregister.gov
20. https://www.congress.gov
21. https://www.archives.gov
22. https://www.govinfo.gov
23. https://www.ssa.gov
24. https://www.va.gov
25. https://www.usa.gov/documents

9. 25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an FBI background check a federal document?

Yes. It can only receive a federal apostille, not a state apostille.

2. Does Orange County Apostille submit FBI apostilles in California?

No. All federal apostilles are processed through our Washington D.C. office.

3. Do electronic FBI background checks qualify for an apostille?

Yes. PDF reports with QR codes are fully valid.

4. Can I apostille an FBI report from overseas?

Yes. You can email us your PDF and we will process it through Washington D.C.

5. Can a channeler’s copy be apostilled?

Yes, if it is the official PDF report issued with the FBI seal.

6. Can I use fingerprints taken in another country?

Yes. The FBI accepts fingerprints taken worldwide.

7. Can embassies take fingerprints?

Many do. Check your local U.S. embassy website.

8. Can I get fingerprinted at a foreign police station?

Yes. Ensure you use an FD-258 card.

9. Is livescan available internationally?

In many countries, yes. Some biometric centers offer digital fingerprinting.

10. Does the FBI accept scanned fingerprint cards?

Yes, but only through certain channelers.

11. Can someone else submit my fingerprints for me?

No. You must sign the fingerprint card yourself.

12. Does the apostille expire?

No, although some foreign agencies require a background check issued within the last 90 days.

13. Do I need an original printed copy?

Not always. Federal offices accept electronic submissions for apostille.

14. Can I request multiple copies?

Yes, the FBI allows multiple reports.

15. How long does an FBI background check take?

Electronic submissions are quickest; mail-in is the slowest.

16. Does the apostille change the FBI report?

No. It certifies the authenticity, not the content.

17. Will foreign immigration accept an electronic FBI PDF?

Usually no. They require an apostilled original PDF.

18. Can I use livescan done in California for an FBI check?

Yes. Any FBI-approved livescan vendor is acceptable.

19. What if my fingerprints are rejected?

You can resubmit. Some people need manual rolling.

20. Can I apostille a fingerprint card?

No. Only the FBI report can be apostilled.

21. Can I get an FBI background check if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Anyone who has lived in the U.S. can request one.

22. What countries require FBI apostilles?

Many—Spain, Korea, Philippines, Costa Rica, Portugal, etc.

23. Can I use the FBI background check for work abroad?

Yes. It is often mandatory.

24. Can fingerprints be taken on non-FD-258 forms?

No. They must be on the standard FBI card.

25. Does the apostille process require the original fingerprint card?

No. Only the resulting FBI report is submitted.

1. FBI background check apostille
2. Federal apostille services
3. Apostille in Washington D.C.
4. International fingerprinting FBI
5. Livescan for FBI check abroad
6. Orange County apostille services
7. How to apostille FBI report
8. Federal document authentication
9. Apostille for immigration abroad
10. FBI identity history summary apostille