Planning to work overseas? Getting married abroad? Adopting internationally? You’ll probably need an FBI background check with an apostille.
We help Florida clients with this exact process every week. It sounds complicated, but it’s pretty straightforward once you know the steps.
What’s an Apostille?
An apostille is an international stamp that proves your document is legit. Think of it as official verification that your FBI background check is real.
The 1961 Hague Convention created this system so countries could verify documents without complicated embassy procedures. Most countries accept apostilles, including Spain, Italy, Germany and Australia.
Why FBI Background Checks Need Apostilles
FBI background checks are federal documents covering all 50 states. This differs from state background checks, which only show records within one state. Foreign countries typically want the federal version for work visas, adoptions and residency permits.
Without an apostille, foreign governments usually won’t accept your FBI background check. It’s that simple.
Step 1: Get Your FBI Background Check
You can’t apostille something you don’t have yet. First, you’ll need to get your FBI background check by submitting fingerprints through an approved channeler.
Start With Professional Fingerprinting
Electronic fingerprinting sends your prints directly to the FBI database. It’s faster and eliminates errors from ink smudging.
The FBI charges $18 for your background check (called an Identity History Summary). You’ll get results as a PDF within a few days through an approved channeler.
Step 2: Choose Your Apostille Route
You’ve got two options. Pick based on your timeline and where you’re headed.
Traditional U.S. State Department Route
This is the slowest but most universally accepted method. Every country recognizes it.
Processing takes 10 to 13 weeks. There’s no way to speed it up. If you’re planning months ahead, this works fine.
The wait is long, but you won’t have any acceptance issues later.
Faster D.C. Secretary of State Route
This newer option cuts processing time to 7 to 10 business days. A D.C. notary certifies your FBI check as a true copy, then submits it to the D.C. Secretary of State.
Most countries accept this version without problems. But here’s the catch: Spain has been known to reject it.
Always check your destination country’s requirements first. Most accept it, but a few prefer the traditional route.
How We Make This Easy
Working with a professional apostille service saves you time and headaches. You don’t have to navigate government offices or track deadlines yourself.
We handle everything:
- Reviewing your documents to catch any issues upfront
- Coordinating with notaries and authentication offices
- Hand-delivering submissions to speed up processing
- Tracking your apostille every step of the way
- Getting your finished document back to you securely
We submit documents in person, which cuts weeks off the typical timeline. Some companies quote 6 to 8 weeks. We’ve done it in 1 to 2 days for urgent cases.
Who Needs This Service?
We work with all types of clients. Teachers and healthcare workers need apostilled FBI checks for work visas overseas.
International adoption can’t move forward without one. Graduate students heading abroad need them for visa applications.
Business owners expanding internationally use them for residency permits. Even retirees moving overseas need apostilled background checks for long-term visas.
Plan Your Timeline
Start way earlier than you think. We’ve seen too many last-minute panics.
Real timeline breakdown:
- Fingerprints and FBI check: 1 to 2 weeks
- Traditional apostille route: 10 to 13 more weeks
- Fast D.C. route: 7 to 10 business days
- International shipping: 3 to 7 days
The traditional route means four months total. The fast route takes about three weeks. Always add buffer time for unexpected delays.
If Your Apostille Gets Rejected
This rarely happens, but when it does, it’s usually a technical issue. The most common problem is using the fast route when a country specifically wants the State Department version.
There are also some red flags in background check nowadays; some countries may request additional documentation or clarification. This is separate from the apostille process itself.
Our Backup Plan
Good apostille services offer protection. If the expedited version isn’t accepted, they’ll reprocess through the traditional route at a discount.
You get speed with a safety net.
Avoiding Apostille Scams
Not every company is legit. Some take your money and documents, then disappear.
Check for a real office address you can visit or call. Look at reviews on Google, Better Business Bureau and other platforms.
Be suspicious of companies promising impossibly fast processing or claiming special government connections. Legitimate services use the same official channels available to everyone.
Choose Notary Plus More To Get Professional Service
We’ve built our reputation across Palm Beach and Broward Counties by delivering exactly what we promise. Our team knows Florida requirements inside out.
We submit documents in person, catching problems before they delay your timeline. You get real-time updates throughout the process.
No guessing, no waiting in the dark. Just straightforward communication from people who do this work every single day.
