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    Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Get an FBI Background Check Apostilled: Steps, Costs, and Timelines

    The full process, start to finish: getting your FBI check, sending it for the federal apostille, and getting it back ready to use abroad.

    The short version

    First, get your FBI Identity History Summary. Then send it to us exactly as issued — do not notarize, laminate, or alter it. We prepare Form DS-4194, our Washington, D.C. partner hand-delivers it to the U.S. Department of State, and we ship your apostilled document back with tracked shipping. Average turnaround: about 2 weeks from the time we have your documents.

    The steps

    1. Get your FBI check

    Request your Identity History Summary directly from the FBI. Electronic submission typically returns in 3–5 business days; mail takes longer.

    2. Send us the document as issued

    Mail your check in from anywhere in the United States, or drop it off by appointment at our Olivette office. Do not notarize, laminate, sign, or alter it in any way.

    3. We prepare Form DS-4194

    We prepare the Department of State's authentication request form (DS-4194) as part of your submission — you do not have to fill it out.

    4. Hand-delivered in Washington, D.C.

    Our Washington, D.C. partner hand-delivers your documents to the U.S. Department of State instead of mailing them into the standard queue, which typically runs 4 to 6 weeks.

    5. Tracked return shipping

    Once apostilled, your document is shipped back to you with tracking. We confirm receipt when it arrives and send you the return tracking.

    What you need to send us

    Your FBI Identity History Summary exactly as issued (not notarized, laminated, or altered)
    The destination country where the document will be used
    Payment of $280 per document, which includes the Department of State fee

    Cost

    Our fee is $280 per document, which includes the U.S. Department of State processing fee. Tracked return shipping is arranged at cost based on the method you choose. There are no additional per-page or handling charges.

    Timelines

    Our average turnaround is about 2 weeks once we have your documents. Getting the FBI check itself is a separate step: electronic submission typically takes 3–5 business days. The Department of State's standard mail-in queue typically runs 4 to 6 weeks — that is why hand-delivery matters.

    Need a translation?

    Many destination countries require a certified translation of the apostilled document. We offer certified translation through our translation partner, with typical delivery in 2 business days, and we can coordinate the apostille and translation together.

    What if my country is not part of the Hague Convention?

    Then the document needs federal authentication followed by embassy or consular legalization instead of an apostille. We handle the Department of State authentication step the same way — tell us the destination country and we will confirm the correct route before you submit your documents.

    Mistakes that cause rejections

    Notarizing the FBI check before sending it — the Department of State authenticates the FBI official's signature on the document as issued.
    Laminating, signing, or altering the report in any way.
    Sending it to the Missouri Secretary of State — federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State, not a state office.
    Sending an old check — the FBI puts no expiration date on it, but most countries require it to be recent, typically issued within the past 6 to 12 months.
    Common Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Ready to start?

    See our dedicated FBI apostille page for the full process and to begin your order.

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