FBI Background Check Apostille in NY: What Usually Goes Wrong
Complete 2026 guide for New York FBI Background Check apostilles. Learn the critical difference between FBI Identity History Summaries (Federal) and NY State DCJS Reports (State), and how to process each correctly.
Which Document Do You Need?
Many consulates, immigration offices, and foreign employers request a "background check" or "police certificate" from U.S. residents. Understanding which document you need is critical to avoid delays and rejections.
🇺🇸 FBI Identity History Summary (Federal)
Choose this if your destination country requires FBI clearance or a nationwide check.
- • Issued by FBI
- • Apostille by U.S. Dept of State
- • Covers all 50 states
🗽 NY State DCJS Criminal History (State)
Choose this if your requirement is for New York State records only.
- • Issued by NY DCJS
- • Apostille by NY Dept of State
- • Covers NY State only
💡 Pro Tip: When in doubt, get BOTH. Many countries accept either, but some specifically require FBI. Having both ensures you're covered.
FBI Identity History Summary — Complete Process
Three Ways to Obtain Your FBI Report
Option 1: Direct Mail to FBI (Slowest)
Cost: $18 FBI fee (plus fingerprint capture/shipping costs) | Time: typically 15+ business days for FBI processing, excluding mailing transit.
Option 2: Electronic via IdentoGO (Recommended)
Electronic FBI submissions generally return faster (often 1-5 business days once prints are accepted). Provider fees vary by location and service type.
Option 3: FBI-Approved Channeler (Fastest)
Channeler turnaround is often quick, but pricing and final delivery times depend on the provider and whether the destination authority accepts that format.
Getting Your FBI Report Apostilled
CRITICAL: Only the U.S. Department of State can apostille FBI documents. Never send FBI reports to New York State for apostille — they will be rejected.
Submit to U.S. Department of State:
- By Mail: Office of Authentications, 44132 Mercure Circle, P.O. Box 1206, Sterling, VA 20166-1206 (routine processing currently posted as 5-6 weeks, excluding mailing time)
- In-Person: U.S. Department of State accepts in-person submissions by appointment; use the current travel.state.gov instructions to request a slot.
New York State DCJS Background Check — Complete Process
Visit IdentoGO.com. IMPORTANT: You MUST select "travel/other country" or "international purpose" as your reason. This ensures DCJS issues a signed document acceptable for apostille.
DCJS advises standard processing by mail can take approximately 3-4 weeks. For apostille use, your package must include the signed document(s) required by NY DOS.
Submit the original background check AND signed cover letter to the NY Department of State with a $10 fee and Form DOS-1917-f.
Fees & Processing Times (2026)
FBI Route (Federal)
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Fee | $18 | 15+ business days by mail (plus transit) |
| Electronic Submission / Fingerprint Provider | Varies by provider and location | Often 1-5 business days once prints are accepted |
| Federal Apostille | $20 | 5-6 weeks routine processing (mail submissions) |
DCJS Route (New York State)
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprinting (Inside NY) | $17.50 (as posted by DCJS effective February 2, 2026) | DCJS notes standard mail processing can take about 3-4 weeks |
| NY State Apostille | $10 | NY DOS posts at least 4 weeks for mailed requests |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sending Documents to Wrong Authority
FBI reports go to U.S. Dept of State. DCJS reports go to NY Dept of State. Mixing them up leads to rejection.
Wrong DCJS Purpose
Selecting "employment" instead of "international purpose" means you won't get the signed cover letter needed for apostille.
Missing DCJS Cover Letter
You must submit BOTH the background check and the signed cover letter to NY DOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need FBI or DCJS background check?
Check with your requesting authority (consulate, employer, etc.). If unsure, FBI is safer as it covers all states. DCJS is faster but only covers New York.
Can I get both FBI and DCJS?
Yes! Many people get both for comprehensive coverage. They're separate processes with different authorities.
What if my fingerprints are rejected?
FBI will notify you. You'll need to resubmit better quality prints and follow the reprint instructions provided by your fingerprint service provider.
Can I get expedited apostille service?
Yes! NY Department of State offers same-day walk-in service. U.S. Department of State accepts in-person submissions by appointment and publishes the latest service timelines on travel.state.gov.
Official Sources Used For This Page
These primary sources were used to verify fees, processing windows, and agency routing.
Federal Sources
"The most common mistake is sending FBI reports to Albany. Remember: FBI = Federal (DC), DCJS = State (Albany). They are not interchangeable."