How to Obtain an FBI Background Check (Identity History Summary)

An FBI background check, formally known as an Identity History Summary Check, is one of the most widely requested criminal record documents for immigration, visas, overseas employment, residency, adoption, and professional licensing. It is often required when a foreign authority specifically asks for a United States–wide criminal record check.

This article explains what an FBI background check is, who needs one, and how to obtain it step by step, including apostille and overseas use.

What Is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI background check is an official record issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation summarising any criminal history associated with an individual at the federal level, based on fingerprint records.

It may show:

Federal arrests or convictions
Information reported to the FBI by state and local law enforcement agencies
A statement of “No Arrest Record” if no history exists

Importantly, this is not a name-based check. It is a fingerprint-based national record search.

When Is an FBI Background Check Required?

An FBI background check is commonly requested for:

🛂 US visas and foreign residency permits
🌍 Immigration to countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, or EU states
💼 Overseas employment or secondments
🧑‍⚖️ Professional licensing abroad
👶 International adoption or family law matters
🏛️ Foreign government or defence-related roles

If you have lived in the United States for 6 months or more, many countries require an FBI check as part of their immigration or character assessment process.

Step-by-Step: How to Obtain an FBI Background Check

Step 1: Apply Directly to the FBI

FBI background checks are issued through the FBI’s Identity History Summary Checks program.

You can apply:

Online (recommended), or
By mail (paper-based)

Online applications are generally faster and easier to track.

Step 2: Provide Fingerprints

Fingerprints are mandatory.

You can submit fingerprints by:

Electronic fingerprints (live scan) – fastest option
Ink fingerprints on FBI Form FD-258

Fingerprinting can usually be done at:

Police stations
Accredited fingerprinting agencies
Some notaries or document service providers

If fingerprints are unclear or rejected, the FBI may request a resubmission, which can delay processing.

Step 3: Upload Identity Documents

You will need:

A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
Basic personal details (full name, date of birth, place of birth)

Step 4: Processing Time

Indicative processing times:

Electronic fingerprints: 1–5 business days
Mail submissions: 2–6 weeks (or longer)

Once completed, the FBI issues a PDF Identity History Summary electronically. Paper copies can also be requested.

Using an FBI Background Check Overseas

If the FBI background check will be used outside the United States, additional steps are usually required.

Apostille for FBI Background Checks

Most countries require the FBI check to be apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Key points:

FBI documents are federal documents
Apostilles must be issued by the United States Department of State, not state authorities
State-level apostilles are not valid for FBI checks

Processing time for apostilles typically ranges from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on service level.

Certified Translation

If the destination country does not accept English-language documents, you may also need:

A certified translation
Apostille of the translation (depending on local requirements)

Validity of an FBI Background Check

There is no fixed validity period, but most authorities require the check to be:

Issued within the last 3–6 months for employment
Issued within the last 6–12 months for immigration

Always confirm validity requirements with the receiving authority.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Submitting name-based checks instead of fingerprint-based FBI checks
❌ Using a state police check when an FBI check is required
❌ Apostilling the document at state level instead of federal level
❌ Waiting until the last minute—apostilles can take weeks
❌ Assuming one FBI check can be reused indefinitely

Should You Use a Professional Service?

Using a professional FBI background check or apostille service can be helpful if:

You are outside the United States
Fingerprinting is difficult to arrange
You need urgent processing
You require apostille and courier handling
Multiple countries or deadlines are involved

This is particularly common for migration, notary, and apostille clients.