Need an Apostille on Your FBI Background Check?
If you’re planning to live, work, study, or retire abroad, many countries require an apostilled FBI background check as part of their visa application process.
Whether you’re applying for a digital nomad visa, student visa, or non-lucrative visa, ensuring your FBI background check is properly apostilled is crucial.
At Idiomatic USA, we specialize in providing fast and reliable apostille services for FBI background checks, ensuring your documents are authenticated and accepted internationally.
What Is an Apostille?

An apostille (pronounced apo – steel) is a form of authentication issued by the U.S. Department of State that verifies the legitimacy of your FBI background check for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This certification confirms that your document is genuine and can be legally recognized abroad.
Why You Might Need an Apostille on Your FBI Background Check
Common Scenarios Include:
- Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa: Countries like Spain require an apostilled FBI background check to grant long-term stay visas for remote workers.
- Retirement Abroad: If you’re retiring in a foreign country, an apostilled background check is often part of the residency application process.
- International Employment: Employers overseas may request an apostilled FBI background check during the hiring process.
- Educational Pursuits: Enrolling in foreign universities or educational programs may necessitate an apostilled background check.
How to Obtain an Apostille for Your FBI Background Check
Step 1: Acquire Your FBI Background Check

You can obtain your FBI background check through:
- Direct Submission to the FBI: Visit the FBI’s official website and follow the instructions for requesting your Identity History Summary.
- FBI-Approved Channelers: These are private businesses authorized by the FBI to expedite the background check process.
Note: Ensure your background check is recent, as many countries require the document to be issued within the last 6 months.
Step 2: Submit for Apostille
Once you have your FBI background check:
- Complete Form DS-4194: This is the request for authentication services.
- Submit to the U.S. Department of State: Mail your completed form, FBI background check, and payment to the Office of Authentications.
Alternatively, Idiomatic USA can handle this entire process for you, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.
Why Choose Idiomatic USA?
- Expertise: We have extensive experience in handling apostille services for FBI background checks.
- Efficiency: Our streamlined process ensures quick turnaround times.
- Global Acceptance: We guarantee that your apostilled documents will be accepted in all Hague Convention countries.
- Customer Support: Our dedicated team is here to assist you at every step.
Additional Services
- Certified Translations: We provide certified translations of your FBI background check into multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and German.
- Notarization: If required, we offer notarization services to further authenticate your documents.
- Apostille for Other Documents: We also handle apostille services for birth certificates, marriage licenses, diplomas, and more.
Need an FBI Background check for use in Spain? We are experts in Spanish legal procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the apostille process take?
A: Processing times vary, but typically it takes 4-6 weeks through the U.S. Department of State. Expedited services are available through Idiomatic USA.
Q: Can I apostille a digital copy of my FBI background check?
A: Yes, digital copies can be printed and submitted for apostille. Ensure the printed copy is clear and legible.
Q: Do I need to notarize my FBI background check before apostilling?
A: No, FBI background checks are federal documents and do not require notarization prior to obtaining an apostille.
Order Your Apostille
Don’t let paperwork delay your international plans. Trust Idiomatic USA to handle your apostille needs with professionalism and efficiency.
For more information on obtaining your FBI background check, visit the FBI’s official website.