---
title: "FBI Background Check Apostille — Federal Process"
url: https://1apostille.com/documents/fbi-background-check-apostille
description: "How to apostille an FBI background check (Identity History Summary). Federal process, costs, and timelines explained."
lang: en
---

Document Apostille Guide

# How to Apostille an FBI Background Check

An FBI background check (officially called an Identity History Summary) is a federal document that must be apostilled through the U.S. Department of State — not a state Secretary of State. This guide covers the complete process, including how to obtain the FBI report, how to submit it for federal apostille, and the timelines and costs involved.

Start Apostille Order: https://1apostille.com/order

Call (833) 725-8001: 8337258001

Nationwide — All 50 States 4–8 weeks (federal processing) $20 federal apostille fee Expedited: 2–3 weeks (with expedited service)

## Cost & Timeline

### State Fee

$20 federal apostille fee

Plus service and shipping fees

### Standard Processing

4–8 weeks (federal processing)

After document received

### Expedited Processing

2–3 weeks (with expedited service)

Additional fee applies

FBI background check apostille processing goes through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Standard processing takes 4–8 weeks. The federal apostille fee is $20 per document. Obtaining the FBI Identity History Summary itself takes 3–5 days through an approved channeler or 8–12 weeks if submitted directly to the FBI. We recommend starting this process well in advance of your deadline.

## Who Needs an FBI Background Check Apostille?

- Immigration applicants moving to countries that require criminal background checks
- Individuals applying for work visas or work permits abroad
- Teachers and healthcare professionals seeking international employment
- People applying for residency or citizenship in foreign countries
- Adoptive parents in international adoption proceedings
- Contractors and employees working on international government projects

### Required Documents

- FBI Identity History Summary (sealed, if required by destination)
- Government-issued photo ID
- DS-4194 form (federal apostille application)
- Federal apostille fee payment ($20)

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Submitting the FBI report to a state Secretary of State — this is a federal document and must go through the U.S. Department of State
- Opening the sealed FBI envelope before checking destination country requirements
- Using an expired FBI report — most countries require the report to be recent (3–12 months)
- Confusing a state criminal background check with the FBI Identity History Summary — they are different documents
- Not allowing enough time — federal apostille processing takes significantly longer than state processing

### Ready to Get Started?

Submit your documents for apostille processing today. Our team reviews every submission to ensure it meets requirements — avoiding rejections and delays.

Free document review included — we check your documents before processing.

Submit Documents for Apostille: https://1apostille.com/order

Speak with an Expert: 8337258001

## Step-by-Step Process

1

### Obtain Your FBI Identity History Summary

Submit your fingerprints to the FBI through an approved channeler or directly via the FBI's website. The report is mailed to you and is typically valid for 6–12 months depending on the destination country.

2

### Do Not Open the Sealed Envelope

The FBI report arrives in a sealed envelope. Many destination countries require the envelope to remain sealed for authentication. Verify requirements before opening.

3

### Submit to the U.S. Department of State

FBI reports are federal documents and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — not by any state Secretary of State.

4

### Receive Your Federal Apostille

The Department of State attaches the apostille to the FBI report, authenticating it for use in Hague Convention countries.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I apostille an FBI background check at the state level?+

The FBI is a federal agency, so its documents must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, not by a state Secretary of State. This is a common source of confusion.

How long is an FBI background check valid for apostille?+

The FBI report itself doesn't expire, but destination countries typically require the report to be recent — usually within 3 to 12 months. Check your destination country's requirements.

What is the DS-4194 form?+

The DS-4194 is the official federal apostille application form required by the U.S. Department of State. We complete this form on your behalf as part of our service.

Can I get an FBI background check apostille faster?+

Yes. While standard federal processing takes 4–8 weeks, our expedited service can reduce this to 2–3 weeks. We also help you obtain the FBI report through approved channelers for faster turnaround.

What if I need a state background check instead?+

State criminal background checks are different from FBI reports and are apostilled through the issuing state's Secretary of State. Some countries accept state checks, while others specifically require the FBI report.

## Related Guides

Birth Certificate Apostille: https://1apostille.com/documents/birth-certificate-apostille

Diploma Apostille: https://1apostille.com/documents/diploma-apostille

Marriage Certificate Apostille: https://1apostille.com/documents/marriage-certificate-apostille

Illinois Apostille: https://1apostille.com/coverage/illinois

Apostille for South Korea: https://1apostille.com/countries/south-korea

View Complete Apostille Guide: https://1apostille.com/how-to-apostille

## Why Choose 1Apostille

### All 50 States

We process apostilles nationwide — every state covered.

### Document Review

Free pre-submission review to prevent rejections.

### Fast Processing

Standard and expedited options available.

### Secure Handling

Your documents are handled with care and confidentiality.

## Start Your FBI Background Check Apostille Today

Let our experienced team handle the complete apostille process for you — from document review to Secretary of State submission and secure delivery.

Start Apostille Order: https://1apostille.com/order
Call (833) 725-8001: 8337258001

Documents handled securely and confidentially • Not affiliated with any government agency • Processing times vary by state and document type

Disclaimer: 1Apostille is a private document processing service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office or the U.S. Department of State. Our service fees are separate from government filing fees. Processing times are estimates and may vary based on state office workload and document type. This website does not provide legal advice.

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