Learn how to get an FBI background check fast and correctly. Step-by-step instructions for fingerprints, submissions, and authentication with Orange County Apostille.

Whether you’re applying for overseas employment, international residency, dual citizenship, adoption, or travel-related documentation, one of the most common requirements is an FBI background check. This federal report is officially called an Identity History Summary, and it contains your nationwide criminal history record based on fingerprint submission.

At Orange County Apostille, many clients ask us not only how to authenticate their FBI background check for international use, but also how to obtain the report in the first place. This article explains the complete process from start to finish.

What Is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI background check compiles information from national, state, and local law enforcement databases. It includes:

• Arrest records (if any)
• Federal offenses
• Court dispositions
• Military criminal entries
• Identity confirmation
• Fingerprint-based results

If no criminal history exists, the report will simply state that no arrest data was found.

How to Get an FBI Background Check (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1. Complete the FBI Application

Start by filling out an Identity History Summary request through:

• The official FBI website, or
• An FBI-approved channeler

Both options collect your personal details and prepare your request for processing.

Step 2. Get Your Fingerprints Taken

All FBI background checks require valid fingerprints.
You may get fingerprinted at:

• A fingerprinting service
• A local law enforcement agency
• A private LiveScan provider (if they support FBI submissions)
• An FBI-approved channeler

Fingerprints may be:

• Digitally captured
• Recorded on the standard FD-258 fingerprint card

Step 3. Submit Your Fingerprints and Application

After fingerprints are taken, the next step depends on which method you choose:

If applying directly through the FBI:

You will upload or mail your fingerprint card to the FBI service address.

If using a channeler:

They will submit your fingerprints electronically to the FBI for faster processing.

Step 4. Receive Your FBI Background Check

The FBI typically provides:

• A digital PDF report
• Optional mailed paper copies

Most agencies, employers, and foreign governments accept the digital version.

Step 5. Authenticate Your FBI Background Check for International Use

When the report is being used outside the United States, many foreign agencies require the document to be authenticated.
Orange County Apostille assists with:

• Federal authentication
• Embassy legalization (for countries that require embassy approval)
• Certified translations (if needed)

This ensures your FBI background check is valid overseas.

Why Do People Need FBI Background Checks?

U.S. residents request FBI reports for:

• Teaching English abroad
• Immigration and long-term residency
• Foreign marriage registration
• Dual citizenship applications
• International adoption
• Employment screenings
• Professional licensing
• Visa sponsorship
• Corporate background checks

Whether you need it for personal, business, or legal reasons, the process starts with fingerprinting and submitting your request.

25 Resources

1. https://orangecountyapostille.org/fbi-background-check-apostille
2. https://orangecountyapostille.org/federal-apostille
3. https://orangecountyapostille.org/document-authentication
4. https://orangecountyapostille.org/embassy-legalization
5. https://orangecountyapostille.org/certified-translation
6. https://orangecountyapostille.org/birth-certificate-apostille
7. https://orangecountyapostille.org/marriage-certificate-apostille
8. https://orangecountyapostille.org/divorce-decree-apostille
9. https://orangecountyapostille.org/death-certificate-apostille
10. https://orangecountyapostille.org/social-security-letter-apostille
11. https://orangecountyapostille.org/irs-letter-apostille
12. https://orangecountyapostille.org/naturalization-certificate-apostille
13. https://orangecountyapostille.org/uscis-apostille-services
14. https://orangecountyapostille.org/international-document-prep
15. https://orangecountyapostille.org/document-preparation
16. https://orangecountyapostille.org/travel-documents
17. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/notary-services
18. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/acknowledgment
19. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/jurat
20. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/copy-certification
21. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/mobile-notary
22. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/apostille-notary-services
23. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/power-of-attorney-notary
24. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/affidavit-notary
25. https://orangecountyapostille.org/dual-citizenship-documents

25 FAQs About Getting an FBI Background Check

1. What is an FBI background check?

A nationwide criminal history report based on fingerprints.

2. Who issues the FBI background check?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation.

3. Why do I need fingerprints?

Fingerprinting ensures accurate identity verification.

4. Can I use a California LiveScan for an FBI check?

Only if it is processed through an approved FBI channeler.

5. Is the report nationwide?

Yes—it includes local, state, and federal data.

6. Can I obtain a digital report?

Yes, most applicants receive a downloadable PDF.

7. Are paper copies available?

Yes, upon request.

8. How long does it take to get the report?

Processing time varies depending on the submission method.

9. Can someone else get my report for me?

No, only you can request your own FBI background check.

10. What if my fingerprints are rejected?

You may need to resubmit clearer fingerprints.

11. Can I dispute incorrect information?

Yes—the FBI provides a correction process.

12. Does the report include expunged records?

Expungement interpretation varies by jurisdiction.

13. Does it include military convictions?

Some military records may appear.

14. Is there an expiration date?

No official expiration, but agencies may require recent copies.

15. Can I email my report to someone?

Yes, it’s your document and can be shared as needed.

16. Do I need authentication for international use?

Most foreign agencies require authentication.

17. Can children obtain an FBI background check?

Yes, though rarely required.

18. Can employers request this report?

Only if you provide it directly to them.

19. Is the report fingerprint-based or name-based?

It is fingerprint-based for maximum accuracy.

20. Does it show traffic tickets?

Minor tickets rarely appear.

21. Does it show dismissed cases?

Arrest records may appear even if charges were dismissed.

22. Can I obtain it if I’m abroad?

Yes—you can submit fingerprints from overseas.

23. Can I get multiple copies?

Yes—digital or printed.

24. Do I need the original for authentication?

Many countries accept authenticated printed digital copies.

25. Can Orange County Apostille help with authentication?

Yes—we prepare and authenticate your FBI background check for international use.

Conclusion

Getting an FBI background check is straightforward when you understand each step—from fingerprinting to submission to receiving your report. Whether you’re preparing for residency abroad, employment overseas, marriage in another country, or international documentation requirements, an accurate and authenticated FBI background check is essential.

Orange County Apostille assists with the final step: preparing your FBI background check for official use overseas through authentication, certification, translation, and embassy processing when required.