How to Apostille an FBI Background Check
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Disclosure.
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
Check the State Department page for current processing times. Mail service is much slower than walk-in appointments.
Common mistake
A state Secretary of State can't apostille an FBI report. Sending it to your state wastes weeks.
Rather not do it yourself?
Apostille services handle notarization, county steps and state filing for a fee: apostille service. If your document first needs notarizing, online options: Notarize · OneNotary · NotaryLive.
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.
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
- New York Apostille: County Clerk Step, Fees and Addresses
- North Carolina Apostille: $10 Fee and Process