Apostille for Your FBI Background Check: Why You Need It
This certification makes sure your FBI background check will be accepted in foreign countries that are signatories of the Hague Apostille Convention, whether applying for a visa, work abroad, or for completing legal documents internationally.
Getting an apostille can be straightforward with National Livescan Fingerprinting as we lead the applicant through the process and take care of the fingerprinting stage. We are your trusted partner for FBI background check needs in Florida with convenient locations throughout North Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, and Port St. Lucie.
What is an Apostille for an FBI Background Check?
An apostille is a form of internationally accepted verification that indicates a document is legitimate for foreign use. For an FBI background check, this means making sure it’s legitimate enough to be accepted abroad.
The apostille, issued by the U.S. Department of State, validates your FBI background check for international use and assures its legal status in all countries that are a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
How Do You Apostille an FBI Background Check?
There are several steps to getting an apostille, but at National Livescan Fingerprinting, we will make this apostille process stress-free. Here is a step-by-step method:
1. Get Your FBI Background Check
What You’ll Need
The first thing you have to do is get an up-to-date FBI background check. We offer the following at National Livescan Fingerprinting:
- Livescan Fingerprinting Services: All Livescan submissions will be processed through our FDLE-approved services.
- Fingerprint Card Services: The Old School Option.
Once your fingerprints are submitted, the FBI will process your request, sending the background check electronically or through mail.
2. Ensure Accuracy
Make sure all the information in your FBI background check is correct. If there are discrepancies, resolve them prior to moving forward with the apostille process.
3. Apostille Certification Submission
To obtain the apostille:
- Get your fingerprint and FBI background check done.
- Send it to the U.S. Department of State or a designated agency for authentication.
- Make sure to pay the relevant apostille processing fee.
We can walk you through these steps to guarantee your documents meet all required standards.
4. Receive Your Apostille
After your application is approved, your FBI background check will be mailed back to you with an attached apostille rendering it valid for international usage.
What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need One for an FBI Background Check?
Commonly Required for an Apostille Are:
- Types of Visa Applications: For work, study, and permanent immigration.
- Pragmatic International Job Entry: To demonstrate compliance in the world of foreign labor.
- Adoptions: Completing legal processes in other countries.
- Legal or Business Transactions: For international business with entities demanding authentication of documents.
If your FBI background check is not accompanied by an apostille, it might not be accepted abroad, which could lead to delays and/or rejection of your application.
How We at National Livescan Fingerprinting Can Help
At National Livescan Fingerprinting, we offer not just fingerprinting but also background check certification and apostille assistance. Here’s why we’re the best choice for you:
- FDLE-Approved Services: Whether you have single or multiple fingerprint submissions, we provide them in a format that is accepted by federal agencies.
- Expert Guidance: We guide you throughout the whole process — from acquiring your FBI background check to apostille certification.
- Serviceable Areas: We cover all of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties, with locations conveniently located at:
- North Miami Beach: 1990 NE 163rd St, Ste 203, North Miami Beach, FL 33162; (305) 597-0606
- Fort Lauderdale: 2901 W Cypress Creek Rd, Ste 102-A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309; (954) 363-1244
- Delray Beach: 100 E Linton Blvd, Ste 411-B, Delray Beach, FL 33483; (561) 208-8003
- Port St. Lucie: 660 NW Peacock Blvd, Ste 105, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986; (772) 251-4482
How Long to Get an FBI Apostille?
The time to get an apostille varies but depends on:
- FBI Processing Time: It may take 3–5 business days for electronic background checks or a few weeks for mailed requests.
- Apostille Processing Time: The U.S. Department of State typically takes 2–3 weeks to process apostille requests but does offer expedited services for an additional fee.
Partnering with National Livescan Fingerprinting can help avoid delays with your fingerprint background check and ensure that everything is handled the right way.
FAQs
Documents Required for an FBI Background Check Apostille
Make sure that you have a valid FBI background check, as well as identification and the completed apostille request form.
Do You Provide Apostille Support?
Yes! We guide you on how to get FBI background checks and complete the apostille process with ease.
What Is the FBI Background Check Apostille Cost?
It depends on the services you are requesting, but generally, it includes FBI processing fees, apostille fees, and/or any extra service fees for processing your request quicker.
Do All Countries Require an Apostille?
No, apostilles are only needed for countries that are a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Other countries may have slightly different certification requirements.
Once You Have the FBI Background Check with an Apostille, How Long Is It Valid?
This can vary based on the requirements of the receiving country, though most countries will accept documents issued in the past 3–6 months.
What Should I Do If There Is Something Wrong With My FBI Background Check?
Resolve any issues prior to applying for the apostille to ensure the document is correct and avoid holding back the apostille process.
Conclusion
While obtaining your FBI background check apostille may seem like a tedious and overwhelming process, it doesn’t have to be! Welcome to National Livescan Fingerprinting — whether Livescan fingerprinting or apostille certification, our expert pointers make it convenient and stress-free.
Give us a call, stop by one of our local Florida offices in North Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, or Port St. Lucie, or learn more about how we can help with your FBI background check and apostille needs.
