Explore How to Get Your FBI Report Apostilled by the U.S. Department of State vs. The Signature Pros: Fast, Easy, and Official
Explore How to Get Your FBI Report Apostilled by the U.S. Department of State vs. The Signature Pros: Fast, Easy, and Official
Are you starting a new job overseas, applying for a visa, or moving abroad for an exciting international opportunity? If you're an American preparing for life or work outside the U.S., chances are you’ve been asked to provide an apostille for an FBI Criminal Background Check report. FYI - the proper name for an FBI Criminal Background report is an Identity History Summary Check.
But what does that actually mean—and how do you get one?
At The Signature Pros, we simplify this process and offer both standard and expedited apostille services so you can focus on your future, not the paperwork.
🔎 What Is an Apostille?
An apostille (pronounced ah-pos-TEE) is a form of international document certification accepted by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It confirms that a public document's signature, seal, or stamp is authentic and allows it to be used in another member country without further legalization.
Official Hague Apostille Definition
From the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH):“Apostille Certificate issued under the terms of the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961).”
In simpler terms, an apostille certificate makes your U.S. public document valid for use abroad in participating countries—without needing to visit a foreign embassy or consulate.
🕵️ What Is an Identity History Summary Check?
An Identity History Summary Check—often called a “rap sheet”—is an official document issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that compiles a person’s criminal history, based on fingerprint submissions and federal data. It includes:
Arrest records
Charges (criminal charges and formal accusations)
Convictions or dismissals (dispositions of charges)
📆 How Far Back Does It Go?
The Identity History Summary Check can contain criminal record data dating back as far as 110 years, depending on the federal or state agency reporting it and how long records have been maintained. It is considered the most comprehensive federal criminal background check available in the U.S.
📄 Alternate Names People Use
Although the official name is Identity History Summary Check, you might see it referred to as:
FBI Background Check
FBI Criminal History Report
FBI Clearance Letter
FBI Identity Verification Report
Federal Criminal Background Check
FBI Record Check
FBI Identity History Summary Check
All of these refer to the same certified document used for:
Visa or residency applications
International employment or education
Adoption processes
Licensing or certification
Immigration procedures
Once obtained, this report must be authenticated—with an apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or legalized (for non-Hague countries) to be valid internationally.
✉️ How to Get an Apostille for Your FBI Background Check
There are two primary methods to apostille your Identity History Summary Check:
✅ Option 1: Mail It Yourself to the U.S. Department of State
You can follow the instructions directly from the State Department to mail your Identity History Summary Check for an Apostille.
📎 U.S. Department of State Apostille Instructions
🕒 Processing time: 5+ weeks
📌 You’ll need:
✅ The original (hardcopy or electronic PDF) Identity History Summary Check
✅ A completed DS-4194 form (always check U.S. Dept of State website for the most current version)
✅ A self-addressed return envelope (FedEx cannot deliver to a P.O. Box and the U.S Dept. of State will not return documents via FedEx nor in multiple envelopes).
✅ A money order or check for the processing fee ($20 per document)
⚡ Option 2: Use Our Expedited Apostille Service — Delivered by Hand
Need it faster? The Signature Pros will hand-deliver your Identity History Summary Check to the U.S. Department of State for Apostille (Hague countries) or Authentication (Non-Hague countries).
We offer:
🔄 Expedited processing: 10–15 business days
⚠️Important Note:
Our turnaround time covers the entire process—from the day we receive your order to the day we mail your documents back to you. However, please keep in mind that the U.S. Department of State ultimately determines the processing timeline not the courier/facilitator. Unexpected delays can occasionally occur due to clerical errors, staffing shortages, government closures, or other unforeseen factors beyond our control.⚠️ Beware: Some providers quote turnaround times of "7–9 business days," which reflects only the U.S. Department of State’s processing and does not include the time needed to mail your documents back. Additionally, the Department of State does not count Fridays as a business day (and your courier/facilitator isn't either), which may cause further delays if not clearly disclosed.
📩 Frequent updates via email or text
👤 A dedicated contact who personally manages your file
🎥 Watch our Step-by-Step Video: How to Order Your Identity History Summary Check
📎 Click here to order or learn more about our expedited apostille service
💬 Why Choose The Signature Pros?
✅ Trusted by attorneys, employers, and international clients
✅ Transparent pricing and consistent communication
✅ Familiar with both Hague and non-Hague requirements
✅ U.S. based support with real people—not bots
🧭 Final Thoughts
Whether you're moving to Spain, teaching in South Korea, getting married in the Dominican Republic, or applying for dual citizenship in Italy, your FBI background check may be one of the most important documents you need to get apostilled. Without proper authentication, your document could be rejected by foreign authorities—causing delays, stress, or even missed opportunities.
But don’t let the paperwork slow you down.
At The Signature Pros, we simplify the entire apostille process so you can focus on your goals—not government red tape. From mailing instructions and document preparation to expedited hand-delivery to the U.S. Department of State, our team is ready to guide you step-by-step.
If time is limited, or you simply want peace of mind, we offer reliable, fast-track apostille services tailored to your needs. We stay in communication throughout the process and ensure your documents are handled professionally from start to finish.
Your international journey shouldn’t be held up by extended turnaround times. Let us help you get it done right.
