If you are planning to work, study, or relocate abroad, getting an FBI background check apostille in Washington DC is one of the most important steps you will need to complete. Before your FBI report is accepted internationally, it must be authenticated with an apostille - a certification that verifies your document as legitimate and valid for foreign use.
This detailed guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting an FBI background check apostille in Washington, DC - from what an apostille is and why it’s required, to step-by-step instructions on applying through the U.S. Department of State. You’ll also learn how Globeia’s FBI apostille services can help you complete the process faster, accurately, and hassle-free, whether you’re in the U.S. or overseas.By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get your FBI apostilled in Washington, DC - the right way, the first time.An FBI Background Check Apostille is an official certification that verifies your FBI background report as authentic and legally valid for international use. When you plan to work, study, immigrate, or start a business abroad, most foreign governments require this extra layer of verification to ensure that your criminal history record is legitimate and issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - a U.S. federal authority.
The apostille for FBI background checks is issued exclusively by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC under the Hague Apostille Convention, an international treaty that simplifies the legalization of public documents between member countries. Once attached, the apostille certifies the signature, seal, and authority of the FBI official who issued the background check.In simpler terms, this means your FBI report becomes globally recognized, making it valid for legal, educational, immigration, or employment purposes in any of the 125+ Hague Convention member countries.Without this certification, even a genuine FBI report may be rejected by foreign embassies, employers, or universities. That’s why obtaining an apostille is a mandatory step for U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who plan to present their FBI background check outside the United States.An FBI apostille not only confirms the authenticity of your record, but also speeds up approval processes abroad, as it eliminates the need for further embassy legalization.Here are some of the main situations where you need to apostille an FBI background check:
1. Adoption
If you are adopting a child from another country, the foreign adoption agency will require an FBI background check apostille to confirm that you have no criminal record.2. Work Visa
When applying for a job overseas, especially in education, healthcare, or government roles, employers and immigration offices require your FBI background check to be apostilled.
3. Business Registration
If you're opening a company or expanding your business abroad, local authorities may request an apostilled FBI background check as part of the business licensing process.4. Dual Citizenship
If you're applying for a second passport or dual nationality, many countries ask for an apostilled FBI background check to confirm your background is clean.5. Higher Education
Universities and colleges in other countries may require an apostilled background check when you're enrolling in degree programs, especially if you're applying for scholarships or student visas.The US Department of State in Washington DC, is the only authority that can issue an apostille for FBI background checks. You cannot obtain an FBI apostille from your Secretary of State office, even if you live in California, Texas, New York, or any other state, because the FBI is a federal agency, and only a federal-level office can authenticate documents issued by federal authorities.
The apostille is handled specifically by the Office of Authentications, which is based in Washington, DC. Their Virginia office processes apostille requests submitted by mail.
Obtaining an FBI background check apostilled in Washington, DC, can initially feel overwhelming, but once you understand the correct steps, the process becomes much easier and less stressful. Let's break it down.
Step 1: Request Your FBI Background Check
An FBI background check is a crucial document if you plan to live, work, study, or get married abroad. However, before applying for an apostille, it's advisable to check with the destination country for any additional requirements, such as translations, notarization, or supporting documents.
To obtain your background check from the FBI, you must submit a request online, by mail, or through an FBI-approved channeler or a third-party service provider, such as Globeia.If you're outside the US, you can apply directly through Globeia's online portal. Globeia, an authorized service, will help you complete the FBI background check quickly and efficiently.Important: Do not notarize your FBI background check before submitting for a federal apostille. The Department of State authenticates the FBI's own signature directly on the original document. Notarizing it first will invalidate the submission. A notarized copy is only needed if you are applying for a state-level apostille.Step 2: Complete Form DS-4194After you receive your FBI background check, the next step is to fill out Form DS-4194. This form is used to request an apostille from the US Department of State.
Important: Be sure to type or write using black ink only. If you make a mistake, don't try to fix it; start over with a new form. Corrections are not allowed.
When filling out the form, you'll need to include:
Step 3: Choose How You Want to Submit the FBI Apostille Request
There are four ways to submit your apostille request to the US Department of State:
Option 1: Apply by Mail
This option is best if your travel date is more than 10 weeks away - allowing 6 to 8 weeks for processing plus mailing time in both directions. It's convenient and ideal for applicants who are not located in Washington, DC. The mailed FBI apostille requests are processed in the US Department of State's office in Virginia.
To apply by mail, you'll need to include the following in your package:
Mail these to:
Office of AuthenticationsUS Department of State44132 Mercure CircleP.O. Box 1206Sterling, VA 20166-1206Option 2: Drop-Off or In-Person
If your travel is coming up within a month or less, dropping off your documents in person is a faster and more reliable alternative. Please bring your completed form, the original FBI background check, and the applicable fee, which can be paid by credit/debit card or in exact cash only.
Include a prepaid return envelope if you want your documents mailed back to you after processing. You can submit your apostille request between Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at :
600 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006Walk-in availability is limited in 2026. Verify current appointment requirements at travel.state.gov before visiting.Option 3: Emergency Appointment
This option is available for urgent international travel within 14 days or in life-or-death emergencies involving an immediate move abroad. You need to request an appointment by mailing the proof of travel and documentation related to the emergency or life-or-death situation. If approved, the apostille can often be issued on the same day as your appointment.
However, if your request is missing documentation or doesn't qualify, the appointment may be canceled or denied. Many applicants choose to use professional apostille services for urgent cases as these services help gather the correct documents, submit everything on time, and reduce the risk of rejection.
Option 4: Apostille Service: Fastest Way
If you're not comfortable handling the apostille process yourself, third-party apostille services like Globeia can manage everything on your behalf. Using Globeia’s FBI apostille services can save you time and money.
Globeia has a dedicated office in Washington, DC, and works directly with the US Department of State. Whether you need an apostille urgently or for regular processing, they ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently.
To apply with Globeia, simply complete the application on their portal in just a few easy steps. Upload a scanned copy of your FBI background check, complete the payment, and Globeia will process your document. They will keep you updated on the status of your application through the portal.
The cost of obtaining an FBI apostille in Washington, DC, varies depending on your application method and any additional services needed. The US Department of State currently charges $20 per document for an FBI background check apostille in Washington DC. This covers the apostille only. If you require translation, notarization, or expedited processing, additional fees will apply.
Using an FBI channeler or a third-party apostille service may also incur additional charges for convenience, shipping, or rush options. For the most accurate pricing, it's best to contact these services directly or visit the Department of State's official website.
The FBI background check apostille processing time varies based on how you submit your documents. Mail submissions to the Sterling, Virginia office currently take 6 to 8 weeks in 2026, not including mailing time in either direction. Plan for a total of 8 to 10 weeks if mailing from outside the US.
If you choose to drop off your documents in person, the turnaround is usually faster, about seven business days. For urgent cases, emergency appointments can provide same-day issuance of an apostille. Third-party services often help speed up the process by handling submissions and appointments on your behalf.
FBI background checks are apostilled only through the U.S. Department of State, and most state offices are not authorized to apostille federal documents. However, in rare cases, a state can issue an apostille if it’s for a notarized true copy of the FBI background check.
A state apostille for an FBI background check is a special certificate used to prove that a notary’s signature on a document is real. It is usually attached to a notarized copy of the background check, not the original. The apostille comes from a government office, like the Secretary of State of DC, Texas, California, and other states, and includes:
The U.S. Department of State FBI apostille is issued on the original FBI background check and confirms the authenticity. It includes:
FBI background check apostille applications are often delayed, not because of eligibility issues, but due to avoidable filing errors. Understanding these can significantly improve approval speed.
Improper notarization of the FBI report The FBI background check must remain in its original form. The U.S. Department of State authenticates the FBI official signature directly, and any notarization will invalidate the document for apostille purposes.Submitting to a state-level authority A common misunderstanding is routing the application through the Secretary of State. FBI background checks are federal documents and must be processed exclusively by the U.S. Department of State.Incorrect submission address selection Applications must be correctly directed either to the Sterling, Virginia, mail facility or the Washington, D.C. in-person office. Misrouting is one of the most frequent causes of processing delays.Errors on Form DS-4194 The Apostille Request Form must be completed with precision. The U.S. Department of State does not allow corrections, meaning even minor mistakes require a full resubmission.Missing prepaid return envelope A trackable prepaid return envelope is mandatory for document return. Failure to include one can result in significant delays or delivery issues.Misjudging processing timelines Standard mail-in processing in 2026 typically takes 6–8 weeks, excluding shipping time. Applicants should account for possible fluctuations in government processing volumes when planning deadlines.Getting an FBI background check apostille in Washington DC requires four things: an original FBI Identity History Summary, a completed DS-4194 form, a payment to the US Department of State, and a prepaid return envelope.
Mail submissions take 6 to 8 weeks in 2026. In-person drop-off at 600 19th Street NW takes approximately 7 business days. For urgent travel within 14 days, book an emergency appointment.If you are outside the US or working against a deadline, Globeia coordinates document review, in-person submission at the Washington DC office, and return delivery on your behalf.[Get Your FBI Background Check Apostille with Globeia Today]