If you’re moving abroad, applying for dual citizenship, teaching overseas, obtaining a work visa, or applying for residency, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to provide an authenticated FBI Identity History Summary, commonly known as an FBI Background Check.
Many countries require your FBI Background Check to be authenticated before it will be accepted by foreign government agencies. At Express Apostille Services, we help individuals and businesses navigate this process quickly and accurately, ensuring your documents are ready for international use.
What Is an FBI Background Check?
An FBI Background Check, officially called an Identity History Summary, is a federal document issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that lists an individual’s criminal history (if any) based on fingerprints submitted to the FBI.
Foreign governments often require this document when applying for:
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Employment visas
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Residency permits
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Immigration
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Citizenship
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International adoption
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Professional licensing
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Teaching positions abroad
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Volunteer programs
Why Does My FBI Background Check Need to Be Authenticated?
An FBI Background Check is considered a federal document. Before it can be used internationally, it must be authenticated so foreign authorities know it is genuine.
The authentication process depends on the destination country.
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Hague Apostille Convention countries require an Apostille.
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Non-Hague countries require authentication followed by legalization through the appropriate embassy or consulate.
Because the FBI is a federal agency, these documents are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not by individual state governments.
Department of State Processing Times
One of the most important things to understand is that authentication through the U.S. Department of State can take up to 12 business days.
While this processing time is determined by the Department of State and cannot be expedited by private companies, working with an experienced service provider helps eliminate delays caused by:
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Incorrect document submissions
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Missing forms
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Improper payment
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Shipping mistakes
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Incomplete orders
At Express Apostille Services, we monitor every step of the process and keep you informed from start to finish.
Countries That Commonly Require Authenticated FBI Background Checks
We frequently process FBI Background Checks destined for:
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Argentina
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Austria
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Colombia
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Costa Rica
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Croatia
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Ecuador
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France
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Italy
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Panama
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Philippines
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Portugal
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South Korea
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Spain
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Uruguay
Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, education, or family, we can ensure your documents meet your destination country’s requirements.
Can I Submit an Electronic FBI Background Check?
Yes. It is preferred!
If you received your FBI Background Check electronically (PDF) directly from the FBI, it is considered an original document by the Department of State. If you have not ordered your report yet, make sure you elect for the Digital PDF.
If an original paper document is required, we’ll let you know before processing begins.
Common Reasons People Need an Authenticated FBI Background Check
Our customers most frequently request authentication for:
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Teaching English overseas
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Digital nomad visas
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Residency applications
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Permanent immigration
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Retirement abroad
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Marriage abroad
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Employment opportunities
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International business assignments
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Professional licensing
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Volunteer and missionary work
Why Choose Express Apostille Services?
Authenticating federal documents can be confusing, especially when dealing with multiple government agencies.
Our team specializes in federal document authentication and provides:
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Expert review of your documents before submission
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Department of State authentication processing
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Embassy legalization services when required
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Secure document handling
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Fast shipping options worldwide
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Real-time order updates
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Complimentary digital scans of completed documents before return shipping
Our experienced specialists work with customers across the United States and around the world, helping ensure documents are processed correctly the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an FBI Background Check valid?
Most foreign governments require the FBI Background Check to have been issued within the past 90 to 180 days, although each country’s requirements vary.
Can I use a state police background check instead?
Usually not. Many countries specifically require an FBI Background Check because it provides a nationwide criminal history search.
Does Express Apostille Services issue FBI Background Checks?
No. The FBI issues the background check. Once you have received your Identity History Summary, we can assist with the authentication process.
Can you help if my country also requires embassy legalization?
Yes. For countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention, we can assist with both Department of State authentication and embassy or consular legalization.
Let Express Apostille Services Simplify the Process
Authenticating an FBI Background Check doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re moving to Argentina, Austria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, France, Italy, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, or Uruguay, our experienced team can guide you through every step.
Because Department of State processing can take up to 12 business days, it’s important to begin the process as early as possible if you have an upcoming visa or immigration deadline.
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