FAQ
MY APOSTILLE REQUEST IS URGENT, BUT I AM NOT ABLE TO APPEAR IN PERSON. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
If your Apostille request is urgent but neither you nor someone on your behalf is able to appear in person, you have two options:
- Mail your documents overnight via a service such as Fedex, UPS, or DHL and include a prepaid overnight label to return your documents after processing. Please note documents are processed in the order they are received.
- Utilize a private service company. These companies can present the document in person on your behalf for an additional fee.
CAN I OBTAIN FBI BACKGROUND CHECK AND APOSTILLE OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES?
Yes, you may. The procedure would be the same as if done in the United States. You prepare 258 form, finger prints, and submit all the forms to FBI and secretary of state or federal level.
WHAT IS AN APOSTILLE FOR AN FBI BACKGROUND REPORT?
An Apostille is a French word meaning official certification. The apostille is simply the name for a specialized certificate issued by Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., to authenticate the legitimacy of an FBI background report.
The apostille is attached to the FBI report to verify it is real and authentic, to be acceptable in one of the Hague Apostille member countries.
HOW OLD CAN MY FBI AUTHENTICATION LETTER BE TO BE ACCEPTED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE FOR AN APOSTILLE?
Your FBI report should not be more than three months old, or the U.S. Department of State will reject the apostille request.
Many countries will reject your report if it’s three or more months old.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO PROCESS MY APOSTILLE REQUEST?
Apostille ready may vary depend on type of documents and which countrie. Generally are ready from 3 working days to 30 days.
DO I NEED AN APOSTILLE OR EMBASSY LEGALIZATION?
If the destination country requesting your document is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, then you need legalization at the Embassy. Documents going to a Non-Hague Apostille Member country will receive a certification. (not an apostille)