How to Apostille an FBI Background Check in Florida

Gus Oros
May 3
2 min read

Updated: Jun 5

If you need to use an FBI background check in another country, you may need an apostille. This is common for immigration, employment, or residency requirements abroad.

However, the process for FBI background checks is different from standard Florida-issued documents — and this is where many people get confused.

Step 1: Understand Where the Document Comes From

An FBI background check is a federal document, not a Florida state document.

This means:

It is issued by a federal agency
It does not go through the Florida Secretary of State for apostille

Instead, it must be processed at the federal level.

Step 2: Apostille Is Issued by the U.S. Department of State

Because the document is federal, the apostille must be issued by the U.S. Department of State.

This involves:

Submitting the FBI background check
Following federal authentication procedures
Waiting for processing

This process can take longer than standard state apostilles if not handled correctly.

Need help making sure your FBI background check is processed correctly? We review everything before submission to help prevent delays and mistakes.

Florida Apostille Services

Call/Text: 239-273-4708

https://www.getfloridaapostille.com/

Step 3: Make Sure the Document Is Properly Issued

To be accepted, your FBI background check must:

Be an official document issued by the FBI
Be properly formatted for authentication
Not be altered or incomplete

Unofficial copies or incorrect formats will be rejected.

Step 4: Avoid Common Mistakes

Many delays happen because people:

Send the document to the wrong office
Try to process it through the state instead of federal level
Submit incomplete or incorrect documents

These mistakes can significantly increase processing time.

Step 5: Understand Processing Time

Federal apostille processing can vary depending on demand and accuracy of submission.

If handled incorrectly, delays can be significant.

Step 6: A Faster and More Reliable Option

Instead of navigating federal requirements on your own, many clients choose a more efficient approach.

We simplify the process by:

Reviewing your FBI background check before submission
Confirming the correct processing method
Helping avoid common mistakes

While timelines vary for federal documents, we help ensure your documents are handled correctly and efficiently. Our typical turnaround is 10 business days or less.

All completed documents are returned using FedEx with a tracking number, so you always know where your documents are.

Need It Done Faster?

If your situation is urgent, faster processing options may be available depending on your case.

For rush requests, contact us directly so we can review your timeline and provide the best solution.

Ready to get started? We help clients across Florida and beyond handle apostille requests correctly and avoid costly delays.

Upload your documents now or call/text 239-273-4708