Learn what an FBI background check is, why it’s required, how to obtain one, and how Orange County Apostille assists with authentication for international use.

Many people applying for international visas, employment abroad, foreign residency, dual citizenship programs, adoption processes, or overseas marriage registration are asked to provide an FBI background check. This document is one of the highest levels of criminal history records available in the United States and is recognized by foreign governments worldwide.

At Orange County Apostille, we support clients who need their FBI background check authenticated for international submission. This guide explains what an FBI background check is, what it contains, why it’s required, and how it is commonly used.

What Is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI background check, officially called an Identity History Summary, is a nationwide criminal history report generated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unlike state or local background checks, this report compiles information from:

• Federal law enforcement agencies
• State law-enforcement databases
• Local police departments
• Correctional institutions
• Criminal court systems
• Fingerprint databases (AFIS)

It is the most complete federal background report available for personal, immigration, and international purposes.

What Information Appears on an FBI Background Check?

The report may include:

• Arrest records (if applicable)
• Federal charges
• State-level criminal entries
• Warrants (if applicable)
• Military criminal records
• Court disposition information
• Identity verification results
• Fingerprint comparison data

If a person has no criminal history, the report will state that no arrest data exists for the submitted fingerprints.

How Do You Obtain an FBI Background Check?

There are two ways to request your report:

1. Directly Through the FBI

You can submit your fingerprints and application through the FBI’s official online portal.

2. Through an FBI-Approved Channeler

These private companies submit fingerprints electronically to the FBI, often providing results faster.

Applicants typically receive the report as a PDF, although some request printed hard copies.

Why Do People Need an FBI Background Check?

U.S. residents commonly need this federal report for:

International Visa Applications

Countries often require proof of a clean criminal record for work, residency, or long-term stays.

Teaching English Abroad

Many teaching programs request FBI background checks during the hiring process.

Foreign Marriage or Relationship Visas

Certain governments require criminal clearance before issuing marriage or partner visas.

Dual Citizenship and Ancestry Cases

Some countries require proof of criminal history when processing nationality or descent applications.

International Adoption

Background checks help assess the suitability of adoptive parents.

Employment in Sensitive Fields

Education, government contracting, childcare, and healthcare often require these reports.

FBI Background Check + Authentication

When an FBI background check is used internationally, many countries require the document to be authenticated.
Orange County Apostille helps prepare, process, and finalize the documentation so it meets the specific requirements of the receiving country.

We assist with:

• Federal authentication
• Embassy legalization (when required)
• Document preparation
• Translation (if needed)

Our expertise ensures your FBI report is properly prepared for use abroad.

25 Resources

1. https://orangecountyapostille.org/fbi-background-check-apostille
2. https://orangecountyapostille.org/federal-apostille
3. https://orangecountyapostille.org/embassy-legalization
4. https://orangecountyapostille.org/document-authentication
5. https://orangecountyapostille.org/certified-translation
6. https://orangecountyapostille.org/international-document-prep
7. https://orangecountyapostille.org/passport-apostille
8. https://orangecountyapostille.org/naturalization-certificate-apostille
9. https://orangecountyapostille.org/birth-certificate-apostille
10. https://orangecountyapostille.org/marriage-certificate-apostille
11. https://orangecountyapostille.org/divorce-decree-apostille
12. https://orangecountyapostille.org/death-certificate-apostille
13. https://orangecountyapostille.org/social-security-letter-apostille
14. https://orangecountyapostille.org/irs-letter-apostille
15. https://orangecountyapostille.org/legalization-for-non-hague-countries
16. https://orangecountyapostille.org/uscis-apostille-services
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/apostille-notary-services
22. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/mobile-notary
23. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/power-of-attorney-notary
24. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/affidavit-notary
25. https://orangecountyapostille.org/travel-documents

25 FAQs About FBI Background Checks

1. What is an FBI background check?

It is a federal criminal history report compiled by the FBI.

2. Does it show all arrests?

Yes, if the arrest was entered into a law-enforcement system.

3. Does it include state or local data?

Yes, the report compiles information from local, state, and federal agencies.

4. Does it show sealed or expunged records?

If a record was fully expunged, it may not appear; otherwise, it may still show depending on the jurisdiction.

5. Does it show dismissed cases?

Yes, it may list arrests even if charges were dismissed.

6. What if I have no criminal history?

The report will state that no arrest data exists.

7. How long is the report valid?

There is no official expiration, but many agencies require a recent copy.

8. Can someone else request my FBI background check?

No. Only you may request your own report.

9. Do employers see my FBI background check?

Only if you choose to provide it.

10. What fingerprints are required?

You must submit valid fingerprints through the FBI portal or an approved channeler.

11. Can I use a Livescan from California for the FBI?

Only if it is sent through an approved channeler or the FBI directly.

12. Can I obtain the report digitally?

Yes—most applicants receive a downloadable PDF.

13. Are hard copies available?

Yes, you may request printed copies.

14. Why do countries request this report?

To verify the applicant’s criminal history before issuing visas, residency permits, or citizenship approvals.

15. Do teaching programs abroad require FBI background checks?

Yes, many do.

16. Is the FBI background check the same as a state background check?

No—it is a nationwide report.

17. Can children obtain an FBI background check?

Yes, but it is rarely required.

18. Can expunged charges appear on the report?

Sometimes, depending on how the record was removed.

19. Do I need an ID to request it?

Yes—your identity must be verified.

20. Can I dispute information on my report?

Yes, through the FBI’s correction process.

21. Does it contain immigration violations?

It may include federal records depending on the case.

22. Do I need the original report for authentication?

Most countries accept printed digital copies if properly authenticated.

23. Does the FBI background check include traffic violations?

Minor traffic citations typically do not appear.

24. Can an FBI background check be used for adoption?

Yes—many adoption processes require it.

25. Do I need authentication for international submissions?

Most countries require authentication before accepting the report.

Conclusion

An FBI background check is one of the most important documents used for immigration, employment abroad, teaching overseas, adoption, and international residency applications. Orange County Apostille helps prepare, authenticate, and finalize FBI background checks so that they meet all international requirements.