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california mobile notary public, apostille facilitator, and translation services

Important Distinction Between State and Federal Apostilles

Only FBI background checks qualify for a federal apostille.
Local or state police background checks must be apostilled at the state level through the California Secretary of State.

Using the wrong apostille process can result in document rejection overseas, so confirming the correct path before submitting is critical.

Types of Background Checks We Assist With

Apostille vs. Authentication – What’s Required?

Apostille for Hague Convention Countries

If your destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your background check will require an apostille.

Authentication for Non-Hague Countries
If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, your background check must go through authentication and may require additional legalization through the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
I confirm the correct process based on your destination country to help avoid delays or rejections.

Who Typically Needs a Background Check Apostille?

Background check apostilles are commonly required for:

  • Work visas and overseas employment

  • Teaching positions abroad

  • Residency and long-term stay permits

  • Dual citizenship applications

  • International adoption or fostering

  • Professional licensing in foreign countries

  • Immigration and emigration programs

Processing Times

Typical timelines are:

  • California apostille processing: typically ranges from 1 to 10 business days, depending on the level of service selected and current processing conditions. Timelines are estimates and may vary due to state agency workload or mailing conditions.

  • U.S. Department of State Authentication: Varies based on workload and method

  • Embassy or Consulate Legalization: Varies based on destination country. Additional steps such as federal authentication or embassy/consulate legalization may extend overall processing time depending on the destination country.

If you have a deadline, tell me in advance so I can recommend the right timeline.

How the Background Check Apostille Process Works

Step 1 – You Obtain Your Background Check

You request your local police background check or FBI Identity History Summary. Documents may be digital or paper, depending on the issuing agency.

Step 2 – Document Review

I review your document to confirm eligibility, format, and issuing authority to ensure it meets apostille or authentication requirements.

Step 3 – Apostille or Authentication Coordination

Your background check is submitted for state-level or federal-level processing, depending on the document type and destination country.

Step 4 – Optional Certified Translation Services

If your destination country requires the document in another language, certified translation services can be bundled with your apostille or authentication request.

Step 5 – Secure Return Delivery

Once processing is complete, your documents are securely shipped back to you or arranged for local pickup.

Apostille Facilitation Service Areas

Service Area

I assist clients throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County, including major cities such as Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Foster City, San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City, Atherton, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, South San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, San Carlos San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Palo Alto - for document notarization, apostille facilitation, and international legalization.

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I also support clients statewide for California-origin documents, and offer nationwide support for federal authentication, apostille, and consular legalization.

Background Check Apostille FAQs

Get Started With Your Background Check Apostille

If you already have your background check, you may send a clear scan for review.
If you are unsure whether you need a local police background check or an FBI background check, I can help confirm what your destination country requires before you proceed.

Call or text for availability: (650) 554-0089
Or request a quote online to begin the apostille process.

Apostille Refund Policy

*Notaries Are Not Attorneys and Therefore Cannot Practice Legal Advice.

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Marriage Certificate Apostille Services In California

Background Check Apostille & Authentication Services

Local Police & FBI Background Checks for International Use

A background check is an official report that shows an individual’s criminal history or confirms that no criminal record exists. These documents are commonly required for international employment, immigration, dual citizenship, residency permits, teaching abroad programs, visas, international adoptions, and long-term stays overseas.

If your background check will be used outside of the United States, it must be apostilled or authenticated in order to be accepted by foreign governments, consulates, and institutions. I guide you through the correct process based on your destination country and the type of background check you have.

Local Police Background Checks (City or County Reports)
Issued by a city or county law enforcement agency (police department or sheriff’s office). These are often requested for overseas employment, volunteer programs, or residency permits.
Typical process for local police background checks:

  • You obtain your background check from your local police department or sheriff’s office (we do not issue background checks but can guide you on where to request them)

  • Some police background checks may need to be notarized, depending on how the document is issued

  • The document is then certified by the California Secretary of State

  • The document is apostilled for Hague Convention countries or authenticated for non-Hague countries

FBI Background Checks (Identity History Summary)
FBI background checks are issued at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Justice (FBI) and are commonly required for long-term visas, immigration programs, teaching abroad, dual citizenship applications, and permanent residency.
Important details about FBI background checks:

  • Only FBI background checks are eligible for a federal apostille

  • Apostilles for FBI background checks are issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

  • These documents are frequently required by countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal, South Korea, and many others

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