Procedure for Apostille of U.S. Police Certificate

The United States being a member of the Hague Convention, necessitates the procurement of a U.S. Police Clearance Certificate authenticated with an Apostille when applying for visas or immigration to other Hague Convention member countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, China, and others.

The U.S. certificate of no criminal record is divided into three types:
1. City-based criminal record
2. State-based criminal record
3. National-wide FBI criminal record

The FBI Police Clearance Certificate is typically used for situations requiring a federal-level background check, such as immigration applications, visa requests, international adoptions, certain employment mandates (especially those involving federal-level security clearances), specific legal proceedings, and some international engagements. The FBI provides nationwide criminal record checks.

State-based criminal record is usually utilized for intra-state affairs, such as employment, renting accommodations, volunteer services, applying for a driver’s license, certain permit applications, etc. These records are obtained from state or local police departments or law enforcement agencies and generally contain only the criminal records within that specific state or locality.

Steps: The applicant submits fingerprints and applies for an FBI background check. Upon completion of the application and review process, the FBI issues a certificate of no criminal record. Subsequently, the obtained FBI certificate of no criminal record is sent to the U.S. Department of State authentication office to apply for the Hague Apostille certification.

Processing time：The processing time is 3-4 weeks, excluding shipping time.

Documents required for request:
1. Scanned copy of the applicant’s passport information page.
2. Original I-783 Application for FBI Police Clearance Certificate.
3. Original FD-258 Fingerprint Card for FBI Police Clearance Certificate.

The applicant can use EMS, DHL, FedEx, or other courier services to send all the required materials to the FBI CJIS Division at the following address:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306
United States

Ensuring the quality of fingerprints:

The FBI in the United States does not specify fingerprint collection agencies. You can choose to have your fingerprints taken at a professional fingerprint collection agency. It’s advisable to opt for a professional fingerprint collection agency where trained personnel will guide you through the fingerprinting process.

Steps: The process for obtaining a state-level criminal record check in the United States varies based on state laws and procedures. However, the general process remains consistent. Applicants submit a completed application along with relevant documents to the respective state government. If approved, the applicant receives an official police clearance.

Processing time：The processing time is about 1 month, excluding shipping time.

Documents required for request:
1. Application form for state-level criminal record provided by the local law enforcement agency.
2. Scanned copy of the applicant’s passport main page.
3. Fingerprint card (Some states require a fingerprint card while others do not; it’s recommended to directly contact the law enforcement agency or the department of justice in your state to obtain detailed requirements and procedures for applying for a criminal record check).

Processing time：The processing time is 2-3 business days, excluding shipping time.

Documents required for apostille:
1. Original U.S. Police Clearance Certificate.
2. Scanned copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page.