If you’re submitting an FBI background check for use in another country, you may need an apostille for an FBI background check or a broader authentication process, depending on your destination and its requirements. Because an FBI background check is a federal document, it follows a certification route through the U.S. Department of State rather than a state Secretary of State office.
The Hague Convention Determines Whether You Need an Apostille or Further Authentication
If your destination country participates in the Hague Apostille Convention, your FBI background check, also called an FBI Identity History Summary, generally requires an apostille from the U.S. Department of State before it can be presented there. The apostille authenticates the federal signature and seal on the document rather than the accuracy of its contents, and it generally satisfies the destination country’s certification requirement once attached.
Common Reasons You May Need an Apostille for an FBI Background Check
People typically request an apostille for an FBI background check when accepting a job offer or work assignment abroad, applying for residency or a long-term visa, meeting background-check requirements connected to marriage or family-based immigration, or completing an international adoption. If your situation matches one of these and your destination participates in the Hague Convention, the receiving authority may require an apostille as part of your application.
Non-Hague Countries Require Authentication and Embassy Legalization Instead of an Apostille
If your destination country does not participate in the Hague Convention, an apostille will not be accepted on its own. The document instead requires authentication from the U.S. Department of State, followed by legalization from that country’s embassy or consulate in the United States. Professional document authentication services can help coordinate this process.
Confirming Your Destination’s Requirements Can Help You Avoid Delays
Before requesting certification, confirm whether your destination country participates in the Hague Convention and check with the receiving institution for any additional requirements, such as document age or supporting materials. Confirming these requirements early can help reduce avoidable delays and prevent the need to resubmit your documents. Taking the time to confirm the correct certification path before submitting your documents can help make the international document process more straightforward.
US Authentication Services helps individuals and businesses identify the correct certification path for FBI background checks and coordinate the required federal and embassy steps. Get help with the apostille or authentication process for your FBI background check. You can submit your background check electronically via US Authentication Services website and get your background check Apostilled electronically. For details please visit the electronic submission page via this link