FBI Background Check Apostille
A complete federal apostille guide for FBI Background Checks. Whether you're in Georgia, California, or any U.S. state—learn why the U.S. Department of State (not any state office) handles these documents, and how to get it done correctly the first time.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority |
U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications
(Washington, DC)
Federal level only — never at the state level! |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | 2–3 weeks (after arrival at Dept of State) |
| Federal Fee | $20.00 per document |
| Document Requirement | FBI Identity History Summary Official FBI PDF (preferred) or original printed copy from FBI/approved channeler |
| Document Age Limit | Usually must be issued within the last 3–12 months (varies by country) |
| Typical Use Countries | Schengen Area, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Latin America, and other Hague Convention countries |
Important Info for Georgia Residents
If you live in Georgia and need an apostilled FBI Background Check, it is easy to assume the Georgia Secretary of State will handle your document. This is not correct. FBI reports are federal documents and bypass the Georgia state system entirely.
- All FBI Background Checks — regardless of where you live — are apostilled only in Washington, DC.
- You can start your FBI request online from Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, or any city in Georgia.
- Once you receive your FBI PDF or hard copy, it is sent to the U.S. Department of State for apostille.
- Trying to apostille an FBI report through the Georgia Secretary of State leads to immediate rejection.
How to Obtain Your FBI Background Check Before Apostille
Option 1: Direct FBI Request (CJIS eDO) — Best for Most Georgia Clients
Use the official FBI CJIS online portal. You submit your application, pay the fee, and either upload electronic fingerprints or mail fingerprint cards. Once processed, you can download an official PDF. This PDF is fully valid for apostille. It is usually the fastest, cleanest, and most cost-effective option, especially if you are comfortable using a computer and can visit a fingerprinting location in Georgia.
Option 2: FBI-Approved Channeler — If You Need Help with Fingerprints
FBI-approved channelers are private companies authorized to collect and transmit your fingerprints to the FBI. They cannot issue apostilles themselves but can speed up the fingerprinting and FBI reporting step. This is a good option if you want in-person assistance in preparing your fingerprints or prefer a guided process, while still ending up with an authentic FBI report ready for apostille.
Where an Apostilled FBI Background Check Is Commonly Required
Immigration & Long-Term Visas
Many countries require a federal criminal record check when you apply for residence permits, work visas, digital nomad visas, or citizenship by naturalization. Consulates often list "FBI Background Check with apostille" as a mandatory document, especially if you have lived in the U.S. for six months or more.
Employment, Teaching & Professional Licensing Overseas
Universities, international schools, hospitals, and large corporations abroad may ask for an apostilled FBI check before confirming employment. This is particularly common in education, healthcare, financial services, and government-related work, where background screening is tightly regulated.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Not every FBI-related document is eligible for federal apostille. The U.S. Department of State has strict requirements.
✔ Accepted for Apostille
- • Official FBI PDF downloaded from the CJIS eDO portal, with visible transaction details.
- • Original FBI hard-copy mailed directly from the FBI or an FBI-approved channeler.
- • FBI report that clearly states it is an "Identity History Summary" or "Criminal History Record".
- • Documents issued in the last 12 months, unless the destination country explicitly accepts older records.
✖ Not Accepted
- • Georgia GCIC state background checks when the consulate specifically requested an FBI report.
- • Local police or sheriff's office clearance letters used in place of a federal record.
- • Screenshots of online status pages, confirmation emails, or unofficial printouts.
- • Notarized photocopies of an FBI report — apostille must be applied to the federal original or official PDF.
- • Documents where data is altered, partially visible, or has missing pages.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Official FBI Background Check: You must have an official Identity History Summary, either as a digitally signed PDF or as an original printed document. The report must clearly show your personal data, FBI identifiers, and transaction reference. Drafts, screenshots, or incomplete pages are not sufficient.
- Completed DS-4194 Apostille Request Form: This is the standard form required by the U.S. Department of State. You must indicate that you are requesting an apostille, specify that the document is an FBI Background Check, and list the exact country where the apostille will be used.
- Correct Fee Payment to U.S. Department of State: A separate fee is required for each document that needs an apostille. Payment methods and amounts are periodically updated by the Department of State, so you should always verify the current fee right before mailing your packet.
- Clear Country of Use: You must know which foreign country will receive your document. Apostilles are issued under the Hague Apostille Convention, and the Department of State needs this information to process your request correctly.
- Return Shipping Arrangements: Include a complete return mailing address and, ideally, a prepaid trackable shipping label. This helps avoid delays, lost packages, and additional back-and-forth with the Office of Authentications.
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Expired or Very Old FBI Reports: Many consulates and employers abroad require that the FBI report be issued within a specific time window, often 3–6 months. Using an older report may result in last-minute rejection, even if the apostille itself is technically valid.
- Non-FBI Criminal Record Checks: State checks, county checks, and local police letters follow different rules. They may require a state-level apostille and will not be accepted as a substitute for an FBI report when the foreign authority explicitly requests federal clearance.
- Damaged or Altered Documents: Documents with missing sections, visible edits, stains that obscure text, or any physical alterations can be rejected. The apostille authority must be able to verify each element of the original record.
- Unofficial Copies and Internal HR Checks: Internal corporate background screening results or third-party summaries used for U.S. HR purposes are not eligible for an apostille. Only official FBI records qualify at the federal level.
Step-by-Step Process
Check Your Birth Certificate
Ensure you have a certified copy issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health or a County Probate Court. It should have an official seal and the signature of the State Registrar or Custodian of Vital Records.
Need a new copy? Order one from the Georgia Department of Public Health or your local County Probate Court. Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Prepare the Request Form
Download and complete the Apostille Request Form from the GSCCCA website. You must indicate the destination country.
Submit to GSCCCA
Mail your documents or drop them off in person.
Mailing Address:
GSCCCA Notary Division1875 Century Blvd, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30345
Walk-In Address:
Same as mailing address.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM EST
Receive Your Apostille
If you mailed it, GSCCCA will return it via your prepaid envelope (usually within 1-2 business days). If you walked in, you'll get it while you wait.
Need a Hassle-Free FBI Apostille from Georgia?
From Atlanta to the smallest Georgia town — we help you turn your FBI Background Check into a properly apostilled federal document that is accepted overseas. Our process minimizes errors, reduces stress, and keeps you informed at every step.
Federal Apostille and Document Fees
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of State Federal Apostille Fee (per document) | $20 | Approx. 2–3 weeks processing after receipt |
| Standard U.S. Mail Return (Domestic) | Varies, typically $0–$15 | Around 3–7 business days within the U.S. |
| Courier Return (FedEx/UPS, Domestic) | Approx. $25–$45 depending on service and distance | Usually 1–2 business days |
| Optional International Courier Return | Depends on destination country and carrier | Typically 3–7 business days worldwide |
| FBI Report Request Fee (Paid Separately to FBI or Channeler) | Varies by provider | FBI processing often 3–5 business days once fingerprints are received |
Plan Ahead for Multiple Fees
Remember: The FBI apostille process involves separate fees for (1) obtaining the FBI report, (2) the federal apostille itself, and (3) shipping. Budget accordingly and allow extra time for payment processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
I live in Georgia. Can the Georgia Secretary of State apostille my FBI Background Check? ▼
No. The Georgia Secretary of State can apostille only documents issued or notarized within Georgia. FBI Background Checks are federal documents, so they must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.
Do I need to notarize my FBI Background Check before apostille? ▼
In almost all cases, no. The FBI report is a self-authenticating federal record. Notarizing a photocopy of it can actually cause your request to be rejected, because the apostille must be attached to the original federal document.
How long will my apostilled FBI Background Check be valid? ▼
The apostille itself does not expire, but many countries and consulates require the underlying FBI report to be recent, commonly issued within the last 3–6 or up to 12 months. Always check the specific rule for your destination country and purpose.
What if my FBI report shows an old arrest or record? ▼
The apostille does not change or hide the content of your FBI report. It only certifies the authenticity of the signature and seal. If you are concerned about how a record will be viewed by a foreign authority, consult with an immigration or legal professional before submitting your application.
Can one FBI report with apostille be used for multiple countries? ▼
Technically, yes. Apostilles under the Hague Convention are widely recognized. However, some consulates might insist on a report specifically addressed to their country or issued within a very recent timeframe. If you plan to apply in several countries, you may want more than one fresh report.
Is it possible to speed up the apostille process? ▼
While you can use courier services to shorten mailing times, the internal processing speed of the U.S. Department of State generally cannot be accelerated. The best strategy is to submit a complete, correct, and clearly prepared packet the first time.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience • Last verified: December 1, 2025
Recent Verifications
Dec 1, 2025: Updated processing times based on latest State Department data
Nov 27, 2025: Verified fee structure remains unchanged
Nov 20, 2025: Added expedited processing clarification