How to Apostille an FBI Background Check

An FBI background check is a federal document, which means it must receive a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State. A state apostille will not work for this document.

Step 1: Obtain the FBI background check

You can request an FBI background check through an approved channeler or directly from the FBI. Channelers often provide faster results. The report must be an official FBI background check, not a summary or photocopy.

Step 2: Verify the document is ready for apostille

The background check should be printed on official letterhead and include a signature or seal from the FBI. Some channelers provide a PDF that can be printed, while others mail a physical copy.

Step 3: Submit for federal apostille

The U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. processes federal apostilles. You can submit the document by mail with the required form and payment.

Step 4: Choose standard or expedited processing

Standard processing can take several weeks. Expedited services are available for clients who need the apostille faster. MJM Signings offers both options.

Common uses

FBI background checks with apostilles are used for:

International employment
Teaching English abroad
Visa and residency applications
Adoption
Citizenship applications

How MJM Signings helps

We guide you through obtaining the background check, prepare it for apostille, and file it with the U.S. Department of State. You receive updates and the completed document back on time.