FBI Background Check Apostille Services

Mobile Fingerprinting & Federal Apostille for International Use

If you need to use an FBI background check outside of the United States, it must be apostilled (authenticated) at the federal level before it will be accepted internationally.

We provide mobile fingerprinting for FBI background checks in California and coordinate federal apostille processing through Washington, D.C., helping you complete the entire process correctly and avoid delays.

View our California apostille services for a complete overview  

Start with Mobile Fingerprinting

Before an FBI background check can be issued, fingerprints are required.

We provide mobile digital fingerprinting, traveling to your home, office, hospital, or facility to capture fingerprints for FBI submission.

✔ Convenient on-site service

✔ High-quality digital fingerprint capture

✔ Secure submission through an authorized federal channel

This allows you to complete the entire process without visiting a fingerprinting office.

What Is an FBI Background Check Apostille?

An FBI apostille (authentication) verifies the signature of the FBI official so the document can be legally recognized in another country.

Because FBI reports are federal documents, they must be processed through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — not the California Secretary of State.

Actual FBI background check authentication certificates processed through the U.S. Department of State for international use.

How Do You Apostille an FBI Background Check?

To apostille an FBI background check:

1. The document must be issued by the FBI (Identity History Summary)

2. It must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

3. The apostille is attached and returned for international use

Federal documents cannot be apostilled at the state level.

Complete FBI Background Check & Apostille Service

Most clients don’t just need the FBI report — they need a completed document ready for international use.

We provide a streamlined solution:

✔ Mobile fingerprinting

✔ FBI background check submission

✔ Federal apostille processing (Washington, D.C.)

✔ Return delivery (domestic or international)

✔ Certified translation (if required)

One process. One point of contact.

Important: Federal vs State Apostille

• California Secretary of State → State documents only

• U.S. Department of State → FBI and federal documents

Sending your FBI report to the wrong office will cause delays.

When Is an FBI Apostille Required?

FBI background checks are commonly required for:

• Work visas (teaching abroad, international employment)

• Residency or immigration applications

• Dual citizenship

• International adoptions

• Long-term stays overseas

Some countries may also require embassy or consulate legalization after authentication.

Step-by-Step: FBI Apostille Process

Step 1: Complete Fingerprinting

We capture your fingerprints using mobile digital fingerprinting.

Step 2: Obtain Your FBI Background Check

Your FBI Identity History Summary is issued after submission.

Step 3: Confirm Country Requirements

Determine whether your destination requires:

• Apostille (Hague country)

• Authentication + legalization (non-Hague country)

Step 4: Federal Apostille Processing

We coordinate submission to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Step 5: Final Delivery

Your completed document is returned and ready for international use..

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

Avoid these common issues:

• Sending FBI documents to the California Secretary of State

• Using incorrect or incomplete documents

• Not confirming destination country requirements

• Missing legalization steps for non-Hague countries

We review documents before submission to help prevent these delays.

Do FBI Background Checks Need Translation?

Some countries require FBI reports to be translated.

I offer certified translation services for apostille documents, helping ensure your paperwork meets international requirements.

Service Areas

We assist clients throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County, including Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, San Mateo, and Redwood City.

We also coordinate federal apostille services nationwide.

Need FBI Background Check Apostille Services?

If you're not sure how to proceed, we can help you complete the process from fingerprinting to final apostille.

Call or text: (650) 675-7760

For a more detailed breakdown of federal apostille workflows, common rejection issues, Hague vs non-Hague requirements, and international document preparation, review my complete guide to apostille for FBI background checks.

**Fingerprint capture is performed locally and transmitted through an authorized third-party channeling provider for federal processing.**