California Department of Justice Background Check Apostille Services
If you need to send your California Department of Justice (DOJ) background check to another country, it must be apostilled to ensure international legal recognition. At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in the apostille process for California DOJ background checks, ensuring your document is authenticated and processed correctly for use abroad.
Whether you’re applying for immigration, employment, adoption, dual citizenship, or international legal matters, we handle the entire process from start to finish.
What Is a California DOJ Background Check?
A California DOJ background check is a criminal history record issued by the California Department of Justice. It contains a summary of an individual’s criminal records (if any) maintained by the California state government. This type of background check is often used for:
International adoption
Immigration and visa applications
Employment abroad
Dual citizenship processes
Residency abroad
Court or legal requirements in foreign jurisdictions
It is typically requested by submitting fingerprints to the DOJ through an approved Live Scan service provider.
Why Apostille a DOJ Background Check?
Foreign governments often require an apostille to validate the authenticity of a California-issued criminal background check. The apostille ensures the document is recognized under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, which standardizes the legalization of documents among participating countries.
Without an apostille, your California DOJ background check may be rejected by the receiving country, delaying your process and causing unnecessary complications.
Step-by-Step Apostille Process for a DOJ Background Check
At Orange County Apostille, we handle the entire authentication process, ensuring compliance with state and international regulations. Here is a breakdown of the process:
1.
Obtain Your DOJ Background Check
You must first request your DOJ criminal history record. Here’s how:
Visit a certified Live Scan location.
Complete Form BCIA 8016 (Request for Live Scan Service) indicating “Record Review”.
Submit your fingerprints electronically.
Mail the request for a copy of your background check to the DOJ, if required.
Once processed, the California Department of Justice will mail the results directly to you or to your designated address. You must request a hard copy on DOJ letterhead, as electronic versions cannot be apostilled.
2.
Check the Document for Validity
Before submission for apostille, ensure the background check is:
Issued on official DOJ letterhead
Signed by an authorized official
Dated and includes your personal identifying information
If the document is not signed by a qualifying official, it cannot be authenticated by the California Secretary of State.
3.
Submit the Document for Apostille
We will handle the submission to the California Secretary of State in Sacramento, which is the only office that can issue an apostille for California state documents.
Orange County Apostille provides two options:
In-person delivery and pickup to the Secretary of State’s office
Courier or priority mail service for mail-in clients
Once the apostille is affixed, your background check becomes internationally valid for any Hague member country.
Special Considerations
Countries not in the Hague Convention require embassy or consulate legalization, not an apostille. We handle this process as well—ask us for more details.
If your background check is over 90 days old, some countries may request a newly issued version. Always check with the receiving country or agency.
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10 FAQs
1.
What is a California DOJ background check, and when is it needed for apostille?
A California Department of Justice (DOJ) background check is an official record of an individual’s criminal history within the state. It’s often required for international purposes such as immigration, teaching abroad, adoption, or dual citizenship. To be recognized internationally, the background check must be apostilled by the California Secretary of State. You can request a background check by completing Form BCIA 8016 and submitting fingerprints through an authorized Live Scan provider.
2.
How do I request a DOJ background check for apostille purposes?
To request your DOJ background check, visit a certified Live Scan location, complete Form BCIA 8016, and submit your fingerprints. Make sure to request a hard copy of your criminal history record, as digital versions cannot be apostilled. For more information, visit the California Department of Justice Record Review page.
3.
Can I get an apostille on an electronic or emailed DOJ background check?
No, the California Secretary of State will only issue an apostille on a physical hard copy of the DOJ background check that is printed on official letterhead and signed by a qualified official. To ensure your document is valid for apostille, request a mailed version from the DOJ. Learn more about document eligibility at the California Secretary of State Apostille page.
4.
What does Orange County Apostille need to apostille my DOJ background check?
We need the original hard copy of your DOJ background check, which must include an authorized signature. You can mail or drop off your document at:
Orange County Apostille
17875 Von Karman Ave, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92614
To get started, visit our secure request page: https://orangecountyapostille.org
5.
How long does it take to apostille a DOJ background check?
Processing time varies depending on your selected service level. We offer:
Same-day or 24-hour rush services (based on availability)
2–3 business days for standard walk-in service
5–7 business days for mail-in requests
For current turnaround times, check our processing options or call us directly at (949) 409-6585.
6.
What if my DOJ background check is over 90 days old?
Some countries may not accept background checks that are more than 90 days old. It’s important to verify with the requesting agency or foreign consulate. If needed, you can request a new copy through the DOJ by submitting a new Live Scan application. For assistance with renewals or time-sensitive documentation, contact our team at Orange County Apostille.
7.
Which countries require an apostille for DOJ background checks?
Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention require an apostille for foreign documents, including California background checks. Common destinations include:
Spain
Italy
South Korea
Mexico
Portugal
Chile
For non-Hague countries, we offer full embassy legalization services.
8.
Can I apostille a DOJ background check if I live outside California?
Yes. We accept documents by mail from clients anywhere in the U.S. or internationally. Simply mail your original background check to:
Orange County Apostille
17875 Von Karman Ave, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92614
For detailed mail-in instructions, visit our remote apostille services page.
9.
Do I need a notarized DOJ background check before getting an apostille?
No. DOJ background checks issued directly by the California Department of Justice on official letterhead do not require notarization before apostille. They are considered public documents and are directly eligible for apostille through the California Secretary of State.
10.
Does Orange County Apostille provide translations for apostilled background checks?
Yes. If the country receiving your background check requires a certified translation, we offer professional document translation services alongside apostille processing. This ensures your background check is accepted without delay or rejection due to language barriers.