How to Get an FBI Background Check Apostille: Step-by-Step Guide
Need an apostille on your FBI background check for a visa, dual citizenship, or international use? Complete walkthrough of the process, timeline, and costs in 2026.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the U.S. Department of State that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country. If you're submitting an FBI background check for a visa, citizenship application, foreign employment, or international adoption, the destination country almost always requires that FBI report to be apostilled.
The apostille doesn't validate the content of the document — it confirms that the signature and seal on the FBI report are genuine. It's a formality that proves your background check isn't forged.
When You Need an Apostille on Your FBI Check
- Applying for dual citizenship (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Irish, etc.)
- Work visas and residency permits in foreign countries
- International adoption
- Marriage or civil union in another country
- Teaching or working abroad
- Opening a business or bank account in a foreign country
The FBI Apostille Process (Step by Step)
- 01Get your FBI Identity History Summary — either through an FBI-Approved Channeler (fastest) or by mailing ink cards directly to the FBI (slowest).
- 02Ensure the FBI report is signed and bears the official FBI seal. Digital reports from a channeler need to be printed on official letterhead.
- 03Submit the report to the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. — by mail or through an expeditor service.
- 04Pay the State Department fee ($20 per document as of 2026).
- 05Wait for processing: standard is 2–4 weeks; expedited through a service is 3–5 business days.
- 06Receive your apostilled document by mail. It will have a gold seal and an attached apostille certificate.
FBI Apostille Cost (2026)
- FBI Background Check: $149 (Provn, electronic, resident)
- U.S. Dept. of State Apostille fee: $20 per document
- Handling / expeditor service fee: $175–$300
- Shipping (tracked, insured): $15–$100 depending on destination
- Total (all-in through Provn): $200 per document + FBI check cost
Our Bundle: FBI Check + Apostille
We offer a complete FBI Background Check + Federal Apostille bundle from $549 (residents) / $600 (non-residents), based on the apostille speed you choose — Standard $400 (5 weeks), Express $600 (3 weeks), or Rush $800 (7 business days). This includes the electronic fingerprint capture, FBI Identity History Summary, handling of the apostille submission to the State Department, and tracked return shipping. You don't need to deal with the State Department directly.
How Long Does the Full Process Take?
- FBI check (electronic channeler): same-day to 24 hours
- Apostille processing (standard): 2–4 weeks
- Apostille processing (expedited through Provn): 3–5 business days
- Total timeline: as fast as 4–6 business days
Not all countries are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country isn't a member, you may need a different authentication process called 'legalization' through the embassy or consulate. Contact us to confirm what your country requires.
Need FBI check + apostille for your application?
Get the bundle — from $549 all-inclusive