FBI Background Check Apostille
Federal background checks go through the U.S. Department of State — not a state office. And they should NEVER be notarized first. We route correctly so you don’t lose weeks to a rejected submission.
DO NOT Notarize Federal Documents Before Apostille
This is the #1 mistake we see and fix. Federal documents — FBI background checks, federal court records, U.S. passports — should NEVER be notarized before being submitted for apostille at the U.S. Department of State. Notarizing first invalidates the submission and forces you to start over. If a notary already stamped your federal document, call us at 316-265-9930 before sending anything to D.C.
How an FBI Apostille Actually Works
Get the FBI Identity History Summary (IdHS)
Order from FBI.gov OR an FBI-approved Channeler (faster). Receive as a printed copy with the official FBI seal/signature.
DO NOT notarize the FBI report
Repeat: do not stamp, sign, or notarize it. Send it to us as-is.
We submit to the U.S. Department of State (Washington, D.C.)
Federal documents are apostilled by the Office of Authentications — not any state SOS.
Receive the apostilled FBI report
We track the submission, follow up if needed, and return the apostilled report by FedEx or your preferred courier.
Timeline
Federal apostille is slower than state apostille. Realistic windows:
Total: plan on 3–6 weeks for a routine FBI apostille. Rush options available.
Common Reasons for an FBI Apostille
Foreign work visa
Most countries require an apostilled FBI background check for work permits.
Teaching abroad
South Korea, Japan, China, UAE — all require apostilled FBI for English teachers.
International adoption
Receiving country requires adoptive parents to submit apostilled FBI clearance.
Dual citizenship
Many citizenship-by-descent applications require FBI clearance.
Foreign marriage
Some countries require FBI clearance for foreign-spouse marriage registration.
Foreign residency
Long-term residency permits often require apostilled clearance.
Free Document Review
Send photos or scans. We confirm requirements and quote total cost (government fees separate) before you commit.
📅 Book a Free ReviewContact APB Notary
📍 1901 E. 21st Street North, Wichita, KS 67214
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