FBI Background Check Apostille in Washington DC
Official US Department of State authentication for FBI Identity History Summary documents. Required for employment, immigration, and legal matters abroad.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | US Department of State Federal Level |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 2-3 weeks Plus Mail Time |
| Expedited Option | 3-5 business days $100 Extra |
| Authentication Fee | $20 per document DOS Fee |
| Document Validity | Varies by country Check Requirements |
| Common Uses | International employment, immigration, adoption Hague Convention |
Critical: FBI Document Requirements
Not all FBI background checks qualify for apostille. The US Department of State has specific requirements for FBI documents.
Your FBI document MUST have:
- Original signature from FBI official (blue or black ink)
- Raised FBI seal or original embossed seal
- Issued as 'certified copy' or official record
Washington DC Processing Location
All FBI background check apostilles are processed exclusively through the US Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington DC, regardless of where you live.
- • No state-level processing available for FBI documents
- • All submissions go to Washington DC federal office
- • Allow extra time for mail delivery to/from DC
Channeler Documents vs FBI Direct
Understanding the difference is crucial for successful apostille processing.
- • FBI Direct: Processed by FBI, apostille-eligible with proper certification
- • Channeler results: May not meet DOS requirements, verify before ordering
- • We can review your FBI document before submission (free consultation)
Standard Mail Service
2-3 weeksMost economical option for non-urgent requests. Submit by mail to US Department of State with $20 fee per document. Total turnaround: 3-4 weeks including mail time.
Expedited Service
3-5 daysFaster processing for urgent international deadlines. Additional $100 expedite fee reduces processing to 3-5 business days. Recommended for time-sensitive employment or immigration cases.
FBI Documents: Accepted vs Not Accepted
Accepted for Apostille
- • FBI Identity History Summary with original signature and seal
- • Certified copy issued directly by FBI
- • FBI background check with raised/embossed seal
- • Official FBI criminal history record
- • Recent FBI check (dated per destination country requirements)
Not Accepted
- • Photocopies or scanned copies of FBI documents
- • FBI documents without original signature
- • Channeler reports without proper FBI certification
- • Electronic printouts without raised seal
- • Notarized copies of FBI documents
FBI Apostille Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Original FBI Document: Must be the certified copy issued by FBI with original signature and raised seal.
- Proper Certification: Document must show it's an official FBI Identity History Summary.
- Completed DS-4194 Form: US Department of State authentication request form.
- Payment ($20 per document): Check or money order payable to 'US Department of State'.
- Return Envelope: Pre-paid envelope with tracking for return shipping.
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Notarized Photocopies: State notaries cannot authenticate FBI documents.
- Channeler Reports Without FBI Seal: Must provide FBI-certified results with proper seals.
- Expired Documents: Check your destination country's validity requirements.
Confused About FBI Document Requirements?
Our team reviews hundreds of FBI background checks monthly. Get free verification of your document's apostille eligibility before you submit.
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How to Get Your FBI Background Check Apostilled
Obtain Your FBI Background Check
First, request your FBI Identity History Summary through the FBI's official channels. You can apply online through the FBI's website or by mail using fingerprint cards.
Verify Document Eligibility
Before submitting for apostille, confirm your FBI document meets US Department of State requirements. Look for original signature, raised seal, and official FBI certification.
Complete DS-4194 Form
Download and fill out the US Department of State's authentication request form (DS-4194). This form accompanies your FBI document submission.
Prepare Payment
Include $20 payment per document via check or money order made payable to 'US Department of State'. Add $100 if requesting expedited processing.
Package Your Submission
Carefully package your FBI document, DS-4194 form, payment, and return envelope. Use sturdy envelope to protect documents during mail transit.
Office of Authentications
US Department of State
CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166-1206
Submit and Track
Mail your complete package via USPS Certified Mail or courier service. Save tracking number to monitor delivery to Department of State.
Receive Your Apostilled FBI Check
Once processed, the Department of State will attach the apostille certificate to your FBI document and return it via your provided envelope. Verify apostille accuracy upon receipt.
FBI Apostille Fees & Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| US Department of State Authentication | $20 | 2-3 weeks |
| Expedited Processing (DOS) | $100 | 3-5 business days |
| USPS Certified Mail (outgoing) | $4-8 | 3-5 days |
| USPS Priority Return Envelope | $8-15 | 2-3 days |
| FBI Identity History Summary | $18 | 3-5 days (online) |
| Full-Service Package (Our Fee) | Contact Us | Variable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notarize my Georgia birth certificate before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records and are not notarized for apostille.
Can I use my hospital birth record for apostille?▼
No. Hospital records, birth announcements, and souvenir certificates are not legal vital records and cannot receive an apostille.
How long does it take to get an apostille on a Georgia birth certificate?▼
Once GSCCCA receives your complete package, typical processing is about one business day, plus mailing time.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log