What Is an FBI Apostille?
An FBI apostille is an official certification issued by the U.S. Department of State that authenticates your FBI background check (also known as an Identity History Summary) for use in foreign countries. This authentication is required by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention & a 1961 international treaty that simplifies the process of validating public documents across international borders.
Without an apostille, your FBI background check may be rejected by foreign governments, employers, or institutions, causing significant delays in your visa applications, work permits, or other international processes. The apostille certifies that your document is genuine and legally recognized in over 120 participating countries worldwide.
When you need an FBI background check apostille for international use, time is often critical. Whether you’re pursuing employment abroad, completing immigration requirements, or finalizing an international adoption, waiting weeks or months for document authentication. At Fingerscan Digital Inc in San Jose, California, we specialize in expedited FBI apostille services with a guaranteed 14-day turnaround time; significantly faster than the standard 6 to 8 week processing time through the U.S. Department of State.
Why Choose FBI Apostille Expedited Services?
Standard FBI apostille processing through the U.S. Department of State can take 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on current backlogs and submission accuracy. For many applicants facing urgent international deadlines, this timeline simply doesn’t work.
Our expedited FBI apostille service at Fingerscan Digital Inc delivers your authenticated documents in just 14 days; giving you the speed and reliability you need without the stress of uncertain timelines.
Benefits of Our 14-Day Expedited Service
Fast Turnaround: Receive your FBI apostille in 14 days, compared to the standard 6-8 weeks through direct government submission.
Professional Document Handling: Our experienced team ensures your documents are properly prepared and submitted, minimizing the risk of rejection or delays.
Complete End-to-End Service: From fingerprinting to FBI background check processing to apostille authentication, we handle every step of the process.
Secure Document Delivery: Your authenticated documents are securely delivered via expedited shipping options, including FedEx and UPS.
Local Convenience in San Jose: Visit our office for in-person fingerprinting and document submission, or utilize our convenient online ordering system.
Who Needs an FBI Background Check Apostille?
An apostilled FBI background check is commonly required for individuals who are pursuing international opportunities or completing legal processes abroad. Common scenarios include the following.
Employment Abroad: Many international employers, particularly in education, healthcare, and government sectors, require a criminal background check with apostille verification before hiring foreign workers.
Immigration and Visa Applications: Countries like Spain, Portugal, South Korea, France, and many Latin American nations require an apostilled FBI background check as part of their immigration and residency permit processes.
International Adoption: Prospective adoptive parents must provide authenticated background checks as part of the international adoption process.
Marriage Abroad: Some countries require FBI apostilles as part of their marriage registration requirements for foreign nationals.
Dual Citizenship Applications: Many dual citizenship applications require proof of a clean criminal record through an apostilled FBI background check.
International Business: Entrepreneurs and business professionals establishing operations in foreign countries may need authenticated background checks for licensing and registration purposes.
Understanding the Hague Apostille Convention
The Hague Apostille Convention, officially known as the Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, was created to simplify the authentication of documents for international use. Before this convention, individuals had to undergo a lengthy and complex process of having documents verified by multiple authorities, including consulates and embassies.
Today, over 120 countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, including major destinations such as Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Canada, India, and the United Arab Emirates. When your FBI background check has an apostille attached, it is automatically recognized as authentic in all member countries and; no additional embassy or consular legalization required.
Our Expedited FBI Apostille Process
At Fingerscan Digital Inc, we’ve streamlined the FBI apostille process to make it as simple and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Obtain Your FBI Background Check
If you don’t already have your FBI background check, we can help. As an FBI-approved fingerprinting service provider, Fingerscan Digital Inc offers professional fingerprinting services (ink and electronic) and can submit your fingerprints to an FBI-approved channeler for expedited processing. FBI background checks obtained through channelers typically arrive in 1 to 3 business days in PDF format.
Step 2: Submit Your Documents for Apostille
Once you have your FBI background check, you can submit it to us for apostille processing. We accept both digital (PDF) copies received from the FBI or approved channelers, as well as original paper copies. Simply email or upload your document through our secure online portal, or visit our San Jose office in person.
Step 3: We Handle the Authentication
Our team prepares and submits your FBI background check to the USDOS Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. We ensure all documentation is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of rejection or processing delays.
Step 4: Receive Your Apostilled Documents
Within 14 days of submission, your apostilled FBI background check will be ready. We offer multiple shipping options, including expedited domestic and international delivery, to ensure your documents arrive safely and on time.
Countries That Accept FBI Apostilles
Your apostilled FBI background check will be accepted in all countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Some of the most common destination countries for our clients include the following.
Europe: Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Ireland, and more.
Americas: Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and more.
Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and more.
Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, and more.
Important Note: Some countries, such as Spain, Portugal, and South Korea, specifically require federal apostilles (from the U.S. Department of State) for FBI background checks and may not accept state-level apostilles. Our service provides the proper federal apostille to ensure your documents meet all international requirements.
Why Choose Fingerscan Digital Inc in San Jose?
As a trusted provider of fingerprinting, FBI background check, and apostille services in the San Jose Bay Area, Fingerscan Digital Inc offers several advantages.
All-in-One Service: We provide fingerprinting, FBI background check processing, and apostille services all under one roof, saving you time and hassle.
Experienced Professionals: Our knowledgeable staff understands the specific requirements for FBI apostilles and ensures your documents are properly prepared for submission.
Competitive Pricing: We offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees. Our expedited service provides exceptional value considering the time savings and peace of mind.
Convenient Location: Located in San Jose, California, we serve clients throughout Santa Clara County, the greater Bay Area, and nationwide.
Excellent Customer Support: Have questions? Our team is available to answer your questions, provide status updates, and guide you through the apostille process.
Get Started Today with Expedited FBI Apostille Services
Don’t let slow document processing delay your international plans. With Fingerscan Digital Inc and 14-day expedited FBI apostille service, you can receive your authenticated documents quickly and confidently, knowing they’ll be accepted wherever your journey takes you.
Contact us today to learn more about our FBI apostille services, or visit our San Jose office to get started. Our team is ready to help you navigate the apostille process and meet your international document authentication needs.