New York FBI Background Check Apostille
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 | Time: 12-16 weeks. Best for those with plenty of time.
Option 2: Electronic via IdentoGO (Recommended)
Cost: ~$78-98 total | Time: 3-5 days. Fast and convenient. Visit IdentoGO.com.
Option 3: FBI-Approved Channeler (Fastest)
Cost: $100+ | Time: 24-72 hours. Best for urgent situations.
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 (5+ weeks)
- Walk-in: 600 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 (7 business days drop-off/pick-up)
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.
You will receive the report by mail in 7-10 days. It must include a signed cover letter. Without this letter, your apostille will be rejected.
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 (2025-2026)
FBI Route (Federal)
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Fee | $18 | Varies |
| IdentoGO Fee | ~$40-60 | 3-5 Days |
| Federal Apostille | $20 | 5-7 Weeks (Mail) |
DCJS Route (New York State)
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprinting (Inside NY) | $14.25 | 7-10 Days |
| NY State Apostille | $10 | 2-5 Days (Mail) |
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. IdentoGO offers free reprints if initial submission is rejected due to quality.
Can I get expedited apostille service?
Yes! NY Department of State offers same-day walk-in service. U.S. Department of State has 7-day walk-in drop-off/pick-up service.
"The most common mistake is sending FBI reports to Albany. Remember: FBI = Federal (DC), DCJS = State (Albany). They are not interchangeable."