FBI Apostille Los Angeles helps clients obtain FBI background checks, federal 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 U.S. citizens and former U.S. residents who need FBI background checks and apostilles while living overseas.
Can You Obtain an FBI Background Check While Living Abroad?
One of the most common misconceptions we hear is:
“I live outside the United States now, so I probably have to return to America to get my FBI background check.”
Fortunately, that is usually not necessary.
Many U.S. citizens and former U.S. residents successfully obtain FBI background checks and federal apostilles while living abroad.
Whether you are applying for residency, immigration benefits, citizenship, employment, licensing, education, or visa purposes, it is often possible to complete the process without returning to the United States.
However, there are several important details that applicants frequently misunderstand.
Why People Need FBI Background Checks While Living Abroad
Many foreign governments require applicants to provide criminal history information from countries where they previously lived.
For Americans living overseas, that often means obtaining an FBI Identity History Summary, commonly referred to as an FBI background check.
Common reasons include:
- Residency applications
- Citizenship applications
- Immigration applications
- Employment abroad
- Professional licensing
- Teaching positions
- University enrollment
- Adoption matters
- Long-term visa applications
In many situations, obtaining the FBI background check is only the first step.
You Do Not Need To Return To The United States
This is one of the biggest misconceptions we encounter.
Applicants living in countries throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and elsewhere routinely obtain FBI background checks without returning to the United States.
The process was specifically designed to accommodate applicants who are not physically present in the United States.
Many of our clients complete the entire FBI background check and apostille process while living abroad.
You Usually Will Not Use Live Scan Fingerprinting
Applicants living in California often obtain FBI background checks through electronic Live Scan fingerprint submissions.
Applicants living abroad generally cannot use California Live Scan.
Instead, they typically use traditional FD-258 fingerprint cards.
These fingerprint cards are commonly completed at:
- Police stations
- Government offices
- Fingerprint agencies
- Private fingerprint providers
The completed fingerprint cards are then used to initiate the FBI background check process.
What Documents Are Typically Required?
Although requirements can vary, applicants commonly need:
- A properly completed FBI application form.
- Two completed FD-258 fingerprint cards.
- A copy of a valid U.S. passport.
Many applicants are surprised to learn that preparing the documents is only the first step.
The application must be completed correctly, the fingerprint cards must contain usable fingerprints, the applicant must select the correct FBI delivery option, and the submission must satisfy FBI requirements before processing can begin.
Problems with fingerprint quality, incomplete forms, incorrect information, or delivery selections can create delays that are especially frustrating for applicants living overseas.
Do I Need A U.S. Address?
This is another area that creates confusion.
The FBI application requests a U.S. residential address.
Applicants who currently live abroad commonly use:
- A previous U.S. residential address.
- A family member’s address.
- A friend’s address.
Many applicants mistakenly assume that the FBI will physically mail the results to that address.
In many situations, applicants instead select electronic delivery of their FBI report.
When electronic delivery is selected, the FBI typically sends email notifications allowing the applicant to access and retrieve the completed report electronically.
The most important requirement is that the email address used on the application belongs to the applicant because the FBI will use that email address during the retrieval process.
What Happens After The Fingerprint Cards Are Submitted?
Many applicants assume that once fingerprint cards are mailed, the process becomes automatic.
In reality, several additional steps remain.
After the fingerprint cards and application materials are reviewed and physically submitted to the FBI, the FBI processes the application and generates the applicant’s Identity History Summary.
Applicants who selected electronic delivery will typically receive an email from the FBI containing instructions for accessing the completed report.
The applicant must then retrieve, download, and save the report.
This step is extremely important because the FBI report will usually be needed for any subsequent apostille process.
How Will I Receive My FBI Background Check?
Most applicants choose electronic delivery.
After the FBI completes processing, the applicant receives an email containing instructions for accessing the report.
The applicant then retrieves the FBI Identity History Summary through the FBI’s electronic delivery system.
The report should be downloaded and saved as a PDF file on the applicant’s computer.
Electronic delivery is often substantially faster than waiting for physical mail delivery, especially for applicants residing overseas.
The FBI Report Is Time Sensitive
One of the most important details applicants often overlook is that the FBI report should be downloaded promptly after receiving the FBI email notification.
Applicants should:
- Open the FBI email as soon as practical.
- Retrieve the report using a computer.
- Download and save the PDF permanently.
- Create a backup copy.
Many applicants pursuing apostille services will need to forward the FBI report so the authentication process can begin.
Failing to retrieve and save the report promptly can create unnecessary delays.
Many Applicants Accidentally Delay Their Apostille
One of the most common delays occurs after the FBI background check is completed.
Applicants often assume the process is finished once they receive the FBI report.
In reality, the apostille process may not have even started yet.
If the destination country requires an apostille, the FBI report must generally be submitted for federal apostille processing after the report is received.
Until that happens, the authentication process remains incomplete.
The FBI Report And The Apostille Are Separate Steps
The FBI report and the federal apostille serve entirely different purposes.
The FBI report answers:
“What criminal history information exists?”
The apostille answers:
“Is this FBI document authentic?”
Many countries require both.
Receiving the FBI report does not automatically satisfy the apostille requirement.
Obtaining The FBI Report Is Often Only Half The Process
Many applicants believe the process ends once the FBI background check is issued.
In reality, obtaining the FBI report is often only the beginning.
Applicants pursuing residency, immigration benefits, employment, licensing, citizenship, or educational opportunities abroad frequently require additional authentication before the document can be used internationally.
Depending on the destination country’s requirements, additional steps may include:
- Retrieving and preserving the FBI report.
- Preparing a federal apostille application.
- Submitting the document to the U.S. Department of State.
- Monitoring apostille processing.
- Retrieving the completed apostille.
- Coordinating international shipping.
- Obtaining certified or sworn translations.
For many applicants, the FBI report itself is only one component of a much larger international document authentication process.
Can I Obtain A Federal Apostille While Living Abroad?
Yes.
Many applicants obtain federal apostilles without ever returning to the United States.
Once the FBI report has been retrieved, the document must typically be prepared and submitted to the U.S. Department of State for federal apostille processing if the destination country requires authentication.
This stage involves preparing the apostille application, submitting the document for authentication, monitoring processing, retrieving the completed apostille, and arranging delivery to the applicant or final destination.
Can Apostilled Documents Be Shipped Internationally?
Yes.
Many applicants request international delivery after the federal apostille has been completed.
Documents are commonly shipped to countries throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and other regions.
Shipping options vary depending on the destination country and the applicant’s needs.
Do I Need A Certified Translation?
Possibly.
Some countries require certified or sworn translations after the FBI apostille has been completed.
Others do not.
The translation requirement depends entirely on the receiving authority’s rules.
Applicants should confirm translation requirements before submitting documents abroad.
Common Mistakes Made By Applicants Living Abroad
- Waiting too long to retrieve the FBI report.
- Failing to save the PDF copy.
- Assuming the FBI report automatically includes an apostille.
- Assuming they must return to the United States.
- Using incomplete fingerprint cards.
- Providing fingerprints that do not meet FBI standards.
- Failing to verify whether translations are required.
- Failing to confirm destination-country requirements.
Many of these delays can be avoided through proper planning.
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 Abroad
- FBI Channeler Guide
- FBI Apostille Services
- Certified Translation Services
- FD-258 Fingerprint Cards
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain an FBI background check while living outside the United States?
Yes. Many applicants successfully obtain FBI background checks while residing abroad.
Do I need to return to the United States?
No. Most applicants complete the process without returning to the United States.
Do I need Live Scan fingerprinting?
Applicants living abroad typically use FD-258 fingerprint cards rather than Live Scan.
Can I receive my FBI report electronically?
Yes. Many applicants choose electronic delivery and retrieve the report through an FBI email notification.
Do I need a U.S. address?
The application requests a U.S. residential address, but many applicants living abroad use a previous address or the address of a family member or friend.
Does the FBI report automatically include an apostille?
No. The apostille process generally occurs after the FBI report has been issued.
Can the apostilled document be shipped internationally?
Yes. Apostilled documents are frequently shipped to applicants living overseas.
Do I need a translation after obtaining the apostille?
Some countries require certified or sworn translations. Requirements vary depending on the receiving authority.