In the United States, you can obtain a background check from the local Police, Sheriff’s Department, Your State’s Department of Justice (Example: California Department of Justice), and the FBI.
It’s important to know which background check is acceptable for the country requesting your documents to avoid any additional costs or delays. Because this site is tailored for the FBI Background Check Apostille, we are also going to touch off on obtaining a background check from the County or State.
Some countries may request that you obtain an FBI background check in additional to a State/County background check. We have also put togeher a “How To Apostille” section on one of our websites to help you with step-by-step directions. Please don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you’re questions are not answered here.
Obtaining Your Background Check from the County (Local Police / Sheriff’s Department):
Step 1: Contact the local Police Station or Sheriff’s Department and explain to the operator that you will need a background check performed. You will need to schedule a time to meet with the Records Technician or Records Administrator. It’s possible you maybe able to order the background check over the phone but in most cases, you will need to physically go to the location.
Step 2: Once you have been alerted that your document is complete and ready for pick-up, you’ll need to schedule a traveling notary to the location to notarize the Records Technician or the Records Administrator’s signature on the document. Be sure the notary follows the notarial laws in their state or the document will be rejected by the Secretary of State.
Step 3: Once the document has been notarized, you will then need to mail the original notarized document to our office including our Order Form and credit card authorization form.
Please note that in certain States, the notaries signature must also be authenticated by the County Clerk or Court. Please read our Apostille Rates for more information.
Obtaining Your Background Check from the Department of Justice:
Step 1: You will need to contact the Department of Justice in your State to inquire on how you can submit your fingerprints to obtain your background check and the authentication letter you will need to mail to our office. The authentication letter should be a State document with a name and signature of the official who will sign the document. For example, in California, it’s the California Department of Justice. In your State, they may reference a different name.
Most all countries will accept an FBI background check Apostille as proof of your criminal background record. We have made the process of obtaining your FBI background check easy. To get started in ordering your FBI background check, visit this link: FBI Approved Channelers
