How to Get an Apostille for an FBI Background Check—Fast & Stress-Free
If you're applying for dual citizenship, immigration, long-term work or residency abroad, or even adopting internationally, chances are someone’s told you:
“You’ll need to get your FBI background check apostilled.”
Now you're deep into Google, trying to figure out:
What is an apostille?
Can I apostille an FBI background check myself?
How long does it take?
Who can I trust to handle it right?
I’m Kerrie L. Smith, Notary Public and Owner of Signature Move Notary Services, and if you need a fast, federal-level apostille for your FBI background check, you’re in the right place. I help clients across the country skip the 5+ week wait with white-glove, hand-delivered apostille services—getting your documents back in under 2 weeks, guaranteed.
Let’s break it all down.
First—What’s an Apostille?
An apostille is an internationally recognized certification that confirms the authenticity of a document issued in the United States. It’s required when your FBI background check (or other documents) are being submitted to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
In this case, your document is a federal record—so it needs to be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Why Do You Need an Apostilled FBI Background Check?
It’s commonly required for:
Dual citizenship or foreign residency applications
Long-term work visas (especially in Europe, South America, and Asia)
International adoption or surrogacy
Foreign marriage requirements
Teaching or volunteering abroad
In short: if another country needs to verify your criminal history (or lack thereof), your FBI background check needs an apostille to be considered valid.
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Apostille for Your FBI Background Check
✅ Step 1: Get Your FBI Background Check
You’ll need an FBI Identity History Summary (IdHS)—sometimes called a “report” or “clearance.” You can request it through:
The FBI website directly
An FBI-approved channeler (this is faster, often digital)
Make sure you request a PDF version and/or a physical hard copy. For apostille purposes, we usually need the original paper document printed on FBI letterhead, signed by an authorized official.
✅ Step 2: Confirm It’s Apostille-Ready
Not every version is eligible. Your document must:
Be signed by a federal official (not a notary or state agency)
Come directly from the FBI or a recognized channeler
Be unaltered and unmodified
If you're not sure your document qualifies, no worries—I’ll review it for free and tell you exactly what you need.
✅ Step 3: Submit It for Federal Apostille (This Is Where I Come In)
You now need to submit your background check to the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
Most people mail it in and wait 5+ weeks… hoping nothing goes wrong.
But I do it differently.
My White-Glove Federal Apostille Service
Here’s what I offer at Signature Move Notary Services:
🚗 Hand Delivery to the U.S. Department of State
Your document is personally delivered to D.C. via my trusted notary public courier staff. No mailing into the void. No wondering if it got lost.
📅 Clear Drop-Off & Pickup Dates
You’ll get real-time updates, so you know exactly when your document is dropped off and when it’ll be ready. You’re never left guessing.
⏱️ Turnaround in Under 2 Weeks
You’ll receive your completed, apostilled document in less than 14 days—sometimes even faster.
📬 Secure Return Shipping to You
Once complete, your document is shipped back to you securely via USPS, FedEx, or UPS—your choice.
Who This Is For
This service is perfect for:
Individuals on a tight timeline
Immigration attorneys or legal professionals
Clients needing multiple apostilles
Anyone feeling overwhelmed by the government process
I help people across the country—from New York to L.A.—get their FBI background checks apostilled without ever having to leave home.
Real Client Example: Citizenship Made Simple
A client in Spain, already living abroad needed his children’s birth certificates apostilled, as well as his federal background check apostilled. First, I informed him and guided him through the state apostille process with the Indiana Secretary of State. Fortunately, state issued apostilles can be taken care of the same-day, therefore , we had those out of the way lightning fast. All documents needed to be returned to him within 30 days, and with my trusted notary courier service we were able to cut the return time in half by hand-delivering the documents and receiving a scheduled pickup time directly from the Department of State, which was within 2 weeks!
The Federal Background Check Apostille was overnighted to Spain, and back in his hands in within 16 days—certified, sealed, and ready for submission.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Between the forms, the waiting, and the risk of getting it wrong, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But that’s exactly why I’m here—to simplify the process and get it done fast, professionally, and with care.
You don’t have time for delays. Let me take this off your plate.
📞 Ready to Get Your FBI Background Check Apostilled?
Text, call, or email me and I’ll walk you through it—step by step.
✅ Federal apostille done right
✅ Hand-delivered service
✅ Less than 2 weeks turnaround
✅ Real support from a real person
Let’s get it done today.
Kerrie L. Smith
Notary Public & Owner
Signature Move Notary Services
