How to Apostille an FBI Background Check
An FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document, so the apostille comes from the U.S. Department of State, not a Secretary of State.
What to send
- The original FBI result. Don't notarize it.
- Completed Form DS-4194 listing the country of use.
- $20 per document.
Sources: State Dept: Requesting Authentication Services; Apostille requirements; DS-4194.
Timing
The State Department says it processes mail requests within five weeks of receiving them in Washington, D.C. Walk-in drop-off (Mon–Thu, 7:30–9:00 a.m., 600 19th St NW) takes seven business days, with card payment only. Same-day appointments are only for life-or-death family emergencies abroad (State Dept page, updated Feb 26, 2026).
Common mistake
A state Secretary of State can't apostille an FBI report. Sending it to your state wastes weeks.
Filing it
Official info and forms: U.S. State Department authentication services. There's no notarization step, since the FBI result is already a federal document.
Confirm with the receiving country whether it needs an apostille or an authentication certificate. Non-Hague countries need authentication instead. See what is an apostille.
Free download: Apostille Checklist (PDF, 1 page). These are the general US steps, with links to official state sources.
Related guides
- California Apostille: Fees, Addresses and Steps (2026)
- Florida Apostille: $10 Fee, Mail Address and Vital Records Rules
- Georgia Apostille: $3 via GSCCCA
- Illinois Apostille: $2 Fee, Chicago Office and Mail Steps
- Maryland Apostille: $5 Fee, Circuit Court Step and Address (2026)
- Michigan Apostille: $1 Fee, Address and Steps (2026)