FBI Apostille Los Angeles helps clients obtain FBI background checks, federal apostilles, state background checks, state apostilles, certified translations, and international document authentication services for use abroad.
Proudly operated and administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan, we regularly assist applicants pursuing immigration, citizenship, residency, employment, licensing, adoption, education, and visa-related opportunities in other countries.
Why Some Countries Require Both Background Checks and Apostilles: Understanding Criminal History vs Authentication
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“If I already have a background check, why do I also need an apostille?”
Others ask the opposite question:
“If I get an apostille, why do I still need the background check?”
The confusion is understandable because background checks and apostilles often appear together during international document preparation.
However, they serve completely different purposes.
A background check tells the receiving authority what information was found in the applicant’s criminal arrest record, whether state or federal.
An apostille tells the receiving authority that the document itself is authentic, assuming that the receiving authority is a member of the Hague Apostille Treaty.
Understanding this distinction helps explain why some countries require both.
Background Checks And Apostilles Serve Different Purposes
Although they are frequently requested together, a background check and an apostille answer two entirely different questions.
Background Check
A background check answers:
- Does the applicant have a criminal history?
- What criminal history information exists?
- What information appears in the relevant state or federal criminal database?
Apostille
An apostille answers:
- Is this document authentic?
- Was this document issued by the stated authority?
- Can the receiving country rely on the authenticity of the document?
These are two separate issues.
The apostille does not verify the contents of the background check.
The background check does not verify the authenticity of the document.
The Background Check Does Not Replace The Apostille
Many applicants assume that because the FBI background check came directly from the FBI, the receiving country should simply accept it.
However, foreign governments, immigration agencies, licensing authorities, and employers often need independent confirmation that the document is authentic.
That is one of the primary purposes of the apostille.
The apostille confirms that the signature or issuing authority appearing on the document is genuine and recognized by the issuing government.
Without that authentication step, the receiving authority may have no practical way to verify the document’s legitimacy.
The Apostille Does Not Replace The Background Check
The opposite misunderstanding is also common.
Some applicants believe the apostille somehow certifies that they have no criminal record.
That is not what an apostille does.
An apostille does not:
- Verify criminal history information.
- Confirm the applicant has no record.
- Evaluate the contents of the document.
- Approve the applicant for immigration or licensing purposes.
The apostille simply authenticates the document itself.
The receiving authority must still review the contents of the background check separately.
Why Some Countries Require Both
Many countries want answers to two separate questions:
- What criminal history information exists?
- Can we trust that the document itself is authentic?
The background check answers the first question.
The apostille answers the second.
That is why applicants are frequently asked to obtain both.
Neither document replaces the other.
Federal Background Checks vs State Background Checks
Another common source of confusion involves federal and state background checks.
Different countries may require different types of criminal history searches.
Some countries request:
- FBI background checks only.
Others may request:
- State background checks only.
Some may request:
- Both federal and state background checks.
The specific requirements depend on the receiving authority.
Applicants should never assume that one country’s requirements are identical to another country’s requirements.
Not Every Background Check Is Automatically Apostille-Ready
This is one of the most important concepts that applicants often discover too late.
Many people assume that any background check can simply be sent for apostille processing.
That is not always true.
Certain background checks may require additional steps before they are eligible for apostille authentication.
This issue appears most frequently with state-level background checks.
The California Record Review Example
California provides a process that allows individuals to obtain a copy of their own California criminal history information through a Record Review request.
Many applicants obtain the record review and later discover that they need an apostille.
At that point, they may learn that the document they received is not necessarily in a form that can be apostilled.
This is where planning ahead becomes important.
Digital Signatures vs Wet-Ink Signatures
Some receiving authorities simply want to review the contents of the California record review.
In those situations, a digitally signed document may be sufficient.
However, other authorities require the California record review itself to receive a California apostille.
When that occurs, signature requirements become critically important.
The California Secretary of State requires a qualifying wet-ink signature before issuing an apostille of the record review. In this case, applicants need to use a special Request for Live Scan form AF 709, that’s the Visa/Immigration submission, not the standard Record Review. California DOJ has a separate process specifically for visa and immigration purposes under Penal Code §11105(c)(9).
If the applicant obtains the wrong version of the record review, they may later discover that the document cannot be apostilled as originally received.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Applicants sometimes spend weeks obtaining a background check only to discover that they need a different version of the same document.
This can create unnecessary delays.
When apostille authentication may be required, it is often important to determine that fact before beginning the background check process.
Doing so can help avoid duplicate requests, additional processing time, and unnecessary expenses.
Italy And Australia Illustrate The Difference
Different countries sometimes demonstrate how background checks and authentication requirements can vary.
For example, certain applicants pursuing opportunities in Australia may need both a federal background check and a California record review.
However, the California record review doesn’t need to be apostilled.
By contrast, some applicants pursuing opportunities in Italy may encounter requirements involving both federal and state criminal history records, along with apostille authentication.
The important lesson is not the specific country requirement.
The important lesson is that different authorities may require different combinations of:
- Federal background checks
- State background checks
- Federal apostilles
- State apostilles
- Certified translations
- Additional authentication procedures
Applicants should always confirm the receiving authority’s current requirements before proceeding.
Why Applicants Sometimes Have To Start Over
Many international document problems occur because applicants begin the process before fully understanding what the destination country requires.
Common mistakes include:
- Obtaining the wrong background check.
- Obtaining a federal background check when a state check was required.
- Obtaining a state check when an FBI check was required.
- Obtaining a document that cannot be apostilled.
- Failing to obtain a required wet-ink signature.
- Failing to obtain a required translation.
In many situations, these problems are avoidable when requirements are confirmed in advance.
Background Checks, Apostilles, And Certified Translations
Some countries require yet another step.
Even after obtaining the background check and apostille, the applicant may also need a certified or sworn translation.
The translation does not replace the apostille.
The apostille does not replace the translation.
Each serves a different purpose.
This is another example of why international document preparation often involves multiple layers of authentication and verification.
Operated By Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan
FBI Apostille Los Angeles is proudly operated and administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan.
Additional resources include:
- FBI Background Check Apostille Guide
- FBI Channeler Guide
- FBI Apostille Services
- Certified Translation Services
- California Record Review Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some countries require both a background check and an apostille?
The background check provides criminal history information, while the apostille authenticates the document itself. They serve different purposes.
Does an apostille prove I have no criminal record?
No. An apostille authenticates a document but does not evaluate or verify the contents of the background check.
Does a background check eliminate the need for an apostille?
Not necessarily. Many receiving authorities require independent authentication of the document itself.
Do all countries require both federal and state background checks?
No. Requirements vary depending on the receiving country, immigration authority, employer, licensing board, or educational institution.
Can every background check receive an apostille?
No. Some background checks may require additional steps or specific signature formats before they are eligible for apostille authentication.
Why is a wet-ink signature sometimes important?
Certain apostille authorities require qualifying original signatures before issuing an apostille. Requirements vary depending on the document and issuing authority.
Can I obtain an FBI apostille while living outside the United States?
Yes. Many applicants obtain FBI background checks and federal apostilles while residing abroad.
Do I need a translation after obtaining an apostille?
Some countries require certified or sworn translations in addition to the background check and apostille.