FBI Background Check

An apostille certifies your FBI background check for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This is often required for international employment, visa applications, immigration cases, or marriage abroad. Without an apostille, the document won’t be recognized by foreign governments. It acts as an international certification confirming the authenticity of the federal document. At Orange County Apostille, we ensure your FBI background check is processed correctly and accepted overseas.

Because the FBI background check is a federal document, only the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. can issue the apostille. The California Secretary of State does not have jurisdiction over federal records. Our team at Orange County Apostille handles the entire process for you through our Washington, D.C. office. We offer both standard and expedited processing. Once completed, we ship your apostilled document securely to your preferred address, including international locations.

Yes. If your background check was delivered to you as an official digital PDF from the FBI or a certified Channeler, you can email the file directly to [email protected]. We will confirm its authenticity and submit it to the U.S. Department of State for apostille. This is often the fastest way to begin processing. For physical background checks received by mail, you can drop them off or mail them to our Irvine office. Our team handles everything from document review to final delivery.

Processing times for a federal apostille through the U.S. Department of State typically range from 12 to 18 business days, depending on volume and federal office workload. At Orange County Apostille, we offer rush options for eligible cases. If you’re facing a tight immigration or visa deadline, let us know so we can prioritize your file. We also provide real-time tracking and status updates throughout the process. Once complete, your apostilled document is returned via secure mail or courier.

A state apostille is issued by the California Secretary of State and applies to documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, or notarized affidavits issued within the state. A federal apostille, on the other hand, is required for documents issued by a U.S. federal agency, such as the FBI. Only the U.S. Department of State can issue an apostille for federal records. If you’re unsure whether your document needs a federal or state apostille, we offer free document reviews. You can submit your documents directly at Orange County Apostille.

Any country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention will accept your FBI background check once it has been properly apostilled. This includes countries like Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, and France. If you’re applying for a work visa, residency permit, or dual citizenship in one of these countries, they may require this document. For countries not in the Convention—like China, UAE, or Vietnam—you’ll need embassy or consulate legalization instead. We can help you determine which process applies to your destination country.

Generally, no. Most foreign governments and consulates require your FBI background check to be apostilled or legalized before accepting it for official use. Without it, your application for a visa, job, or residency may be delayed or rejected. The apostille proves that the signature and authority on the document are genuine. At Orange County Apostille, we streamline the process to ensure your documents are valid for international recognition.

You can request your background check directly through the FBI’s official website or via an approved Channeler. Choose between a PDF digital delivery or hard copy mailed to your address. Once received, send it to Orange County Apostille for federal apostille processing. If you need assistance obtaining the background check, we can refer you to a reliable Channeler. Make sure the document is issued on FBI letterhead and signed by a Section Chief.

Yes. If your destination country requires a translated and apostilled background check, we provide certified translation services in over 90 languages. Each translation comes with a signed certificate of accuracy, accepted by embassies, immigration agencies, and international institutions. Common languages include Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Mandarin, and Korean. We can handle both the apostille and translation process together to save you time. Just let us know your destination country and whether translation is required.

Yes. Our mail-in apostille service is designed specifically for clients located outside California or abroad. Whether you’re applying for residency in Spain or teaching in South Korea, you can email or ship your FBI background check to our office. We’ll handle the federal apostille process through our Washington, D.C. location. Once completed, we’ll ship it back to you via FedEx, UPS, or DHL with international tracking. Learn more or begin your mail-in request at Orange County Apostille – Mail-In Apostille Instructions.