US documents for use abroad
How do you get an FBI background check for use abroad?
Last reviewed .
Request your own FBI Identity History Summary with a completed application, a signature, and a full set of fingerprints, then pay the FBI fee. Getting the record and making it usable abroad are separate jobs. If the destination wants an apostille, that comes from the US Department of State after the FBI result arrives, and the FBI does not send it there for you.
Key facts
| Fact | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| What the FBI checklist asks for | A completed application, your signature, a completed fingerprint card with all ten rolled prints and the plain prints, including thumbs | Official source |
| Who adds the apostille | The US Department of State, Office of Authentications, for this federal record | Official source |
| Federal fees | See the dated government-fee table on this site | On this site |
| Checklist revision | The FBI checklist PDF is marked revision May 22, 2014, so confirm the current steps on the FBI page | Official source |
Which criminal-record check does the destination want?
Start with the receiving authority, not with a service. A consulate, employer or program may ask for a national FBI record, a state police record, or both. It may also set how recent the record must be and whether it needs an apostille, a translation, or a physical original.
Read the current instructions for your exact program and consulate. One consulate's rule does not prove what another consulate wants. Our verified destination rules are in the requirements table linked below.
How do you request the FBI record?
An individual asks for their own record. The FBI checklist calls for the completed applicant form, a signature, the identifying details the form asks for, and a fingerprint card. Fingerprints can be taken electronically or on a card, depending on the channel you use and whether you are eligible for it.
Use your legal name exactly as the destination expects to see it. A name mismatch between the FBI result, your passport and your visa forms is a common reason to start again.
What makes fingerprints get rejected?
Smudged, faint or partial prints are the usual cause. Ask whoever takes your prints to check quality before the card leaves them. If you live abroad, a local police station or an approved fingerprinting provider may take prints on the FBI card. Ask before you book.
Plan for a rejection. It adds a new set of prints, a new submission and more waiting time.
When do you add the apostille?
Only after you hold the FBI result and know the destination needs it. The FBI does not forward results to the State Department. You or your preparer send the original result for authentication, then arrange delivery to where you will use it.
An apostille does not fix the wrong record. If the destination wanted a state check or a newer record, an apostilled FBI result will still be refused.
Checklist before you start
- Write down the receiving authority, program and consulate.
- Confirm national, state or both, and the maximum record age.
- Confirm whether an apostille, translation or physical original is required.
- Get fingerprints checked for quality before submission.
- Use the same legal name on every document.
- Count back from your appointment date to choose when to order.
- Keep the original result unopened if the destination asks for it sealed.
Common questions
Does the FBI send my result to the State Department for the apostille?
No. The FBI request and the apostille are separate steps. The result comes back to you or your preparer, and the apostille request goes to the State Department afterwards.
Is a state background check the same as an FBI check?
No. A state check covers that state's records. An FBI Identity History Summary is the national record. Some destinations ask for one, some for both.
How recent does an FBI check need to be?
The receiving authority decides. Many programs set a window counted back from the application or arrival date. Check your program's current instructions before ordering.
Official sources
- Identity History Summary checks. FBI.
- Identity History Summary request checklist (PDF). FBI.
- Applicant information form FD-1164 (PDF). FBI.
- Authenticate your document. US Department of State.
Sources checked . Official pages change. Use the source over this summary if they differ.
Want us to prepare it?
The official route above is free to follow yourself. If you would rather hand it off, we prepare it for you.
FBI background check with apostille. USD 217 standard case. Government fees pass through at cost. The written quote is final.
Tools and data on this site
Related guides
General information from official sources, not legal advice. The receiving authority decides what it accepts. Confirm its current instructions before you order or send anything. US Expat Desk is a private company. We are not affiliated with the US government, the State Department, or the FBI.