Moving abroad for work? Adopting a child? Many life situations require an FBI criminal background check. If you live in Florida and need this document, understanding your options can save you time and money.
Many Florida residents work with our notary public services to streamline the fingerprinting and apostille process, especially when international document authentication is required.
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What Is an FBI Identity History Summary?
The FBI maintains a database of criminal records from all 50 states. When you request your Identity History Summary, you receive a document that includes any arrests or convictions on your record, along with federal employment history, military service records, and naturalization information if applicable.
This differs from state or local background checks because it searches nationwide instead of just one region. In Florida alone, the Department of Law Enforcement processes over a million criminal history background checks annually for employers, licensing agencies, and individuals. Florida law defines two levels of background screenings for employment and licensing purposes.
Why People Need FBI Background Checks
International situations:
- Employment visas for teaching or working abroad
- Student visa applications
- Immigration paperwork
- International adoption requirements
Domestic situations:
- Jobs requiring federal security clearance
- Professional licenses in certain fields
- Domestic adoption procedures
- Personal record verification
If you plan to use the document outside the US, you’ll also need an apostille, which is a certification that validates your document for international authorities.
Three Ways to Get Your Background Check
Visit an Approved USPS Location
The FBI partners with 181 post offices across the country for fingerprint collection. This is usually the fastest option if you have a clean record.
Timeline: Same day to one week
Schedule an appointment at a participating USPS office, bring your ID, get fingerprinted electronically, and pay $18. If your record is clear, you usually receive email results the same day with a physical copy arriving by mail within a week.
Use an FBI-Approved Channeler
Channelers are private companies the FBI authorizes to submit fingerprints directly through electronic systems. This option costs more but processes faster.
Timeline: 24 to 72 hours
You’ll need a government-issued photo ID, payment (usually $50 to $75 total), and basic personal information. The channeler captures your fingerprints digitally and submits everything electronically.
Many Florida residents choose this method because results arrive within days instead of weeks.
Mail Paper Fingerprint Cards
You can also have your fingerprints taken on form FD-1164 and mail them to the FBI.
Timeline: 4 to 12 weeks
Download the form from the FBI website, visit a police department or fingerprinting service to complete the card, fill out your application, and mail everything with an $18 payment to the FBI CJIS Division. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order made out to “U.S. Treasury.”
This works if you’re planning and have several weeks to spare.
Getting Your Check Through a Channeler
Since most people need results quickly, here’s what the channeler process looks like.
What to gather:
- Valid ID (Florida driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security number
- Current mailing address
- Payment method
Book your appointment: Contact an approved channeler and schedule a time that works for you. Many providers offer evening and weekend appointments.
Complete fingerprinting: At your appointment, a technician verifies your ID, captures your fingerprints using digital scanning equipment, and submits your information. Most sessions last 15 to 20 minutes.
Receive results: You’ll get an email when your background check is ready. Most channelers provide both a downloadable PDF and a physical copy sent by mail.
Understanding Apostilles for International Use
Many countries require an apostille attached to your FBI background check. This certification validates your document for international authorities. When moving abroad, you’ll typically need apostille services for birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational diplomas, and your FBI background check as part of your visa or immigration package.
An apostille confirms where your document came from, that the signature and seal are authentic, and the authority of the person who signed it. The 1961 Hague Convention created this system so documents from one member country could be recognized in others without complicated authentication.
Two Apostille Routes
| Method | Processing Time | Cost |
| U.S. Department of State | 11 to 13 weeks | $20 |
| D.C. Secretary of State | 2 to 3 business days | $225 and up |
Always check what your destination country requires before choosing which route to take.
Professional notary services can handle the apostille process from beginning to end, including reviewing your FBI background check to make sure it meets all requirements, authenticating the document properly, submitting it to the right authority, and shipping the finished apostilled document to you.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Starting too late creates problems. International applications almost always take longer than you think. Start at least two months before your deadline, especially if you need an apostille.
Picking the wrong apostille route wastes time and money. The quick D.C. apostille saves time but some countries won’t accept it. Check what your destination country requires before you submit anything.
Submitting incomplete forms delays processing. Double check that your name matches your ID exactly, your address is current, and you’ve signed everything that needs a signature.
Using unauthorized services means your fingerprints never reach the FBI. Only FBI-approved channelers can submit your fingerprints electronically.
Why Florida Residents Need This Service
Living in Florida means dealing with international document requirements more than people in other states. Geography plays a role. South Florida’s connection to Latin America and the Caribbean means many residents need FBI background checks for visa applications, work permits, and family immigration cases.
Language requirements matter too. Many countries want documents translated into their official language. Professional services can connect you with certified translators who provide legally valid translations.
Convenience makes a difference. Getting to government offices during business hours isn’t realistic for everyone. Mobile notary services bring fingerprinting and document authentication to your location throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County.
Working With Professional Services
You can handle this process on your own. But many Florida residents choose professional assistance because these services know which method fits different timelines and requirements, catch mistakes before you submit anything, coordinate all the steps instead of making you juggle multiple providers, and often provide mobile service so you don’t have to take time off work.
When selecting help, choosing a qualified notary public makes a difference in how smoothly your documents process. An incomplete application or missing signature means starting over and losing several weeks. Professional services review everything before submission to avoid these delays.
Getting Started With Professional Help
Understanding your FBI background check options helps you plan properly and avoid delays. Start early to accommodate processing times, especially if you need an apostille for international use.
Professional notary public services throughout Florida can handle fingerprinting, document authentication, apostille services, and certified translations in one place. For most Florida residents with international requirements, the channeler method combined with professional apostille services provides the fastest results.
Need help with your FBI background check or apostille services? At Notary Plus More we are licensed notary services in Florida that can handle your fingerprinting, document authentication, and international paperwork. Contact us to get started with your application today.
Choose Right Background Check Service for Your Needs
