Expedited Apostille Services for FBI Background Checks to the U.S. Department of State (Washington, D.C.)
When clients need an FBI Identity History Summary (commonly called an FBI background check or “rap sheet”) authenticated for use abroad, time and accuracy matter. Because FBI summaries are federal documents, only the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. can attach the apostille that makes the document valid in Hague-member countries. We built our expedited service to remove confusion, cut turnaround time where possible, and protect your privacy every step of the way.
How our expedited apostille service works
Obtain or retrieve your FBI report: We can guide you to request an FBI Identity History Summary directly from the FBI (via mail, electronic delivery, or through an FBI-approved channeler). If you already have a paper copy or a secure PDF, we’ll verify the document meets the Department of State’s submission requirements before moving forward.
Prepare the Department of State paperwork: The U.S. Department of State requires a completed request form and payment with every apostille application. We complete the correct Department of State intake forms (including the required information about country of use), review the submission for errors, and add any optional cover letters the destination country may expect. This reduces the chances of rejection or delay at the Office of Authentications.
Courier and drop-off (expedited submission): Because the Department of State accepts in-person and mail submissions, our expedited option uses same-day courier hand-delivery to the Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C., or to their designated Virginia mail facility when appropriate. Hand delivery and premium mailing reduce transit time and the risk of lost packages compared with standard mail. We also include trackable return shipping so your apostilled document is insured and traceable every mile.
Tracking, status updates, and secure handling: From receipt at our facility to return shipment, you get emailed tracking and status updates. We keep the original FBI document secure in a tamper-evident folder and only release it to the Department of State as required. Electronic copies are stored on encrypted systems and destroyed after final delivery if you request. (We always follow strict chain-of-custody practices for federal documents.)
Why this saves time and avoids problems
• Pre-submission quality control: Many delays stem from incomplete forms, incorrect payment, or avoidable packaging mistakes. Our team checks everything before submission, preventing common rejections at the authentications desk.
• Direct courier hand-delivery: When allowed, in-person delivery often shortens administrative handling time compared with ordinary mail.
• One-stop service: We coordinate fingerprint records, FBI request guidance, Department of State submission, and return shipping — so you avoid juggling multiple vendors.
What to expect for timing and fees
Processing times are set by the U.S. Department of State, walk-in service is currently 10 business days processing; mail-in services can take several weeks depending on their current workload and seasonal demand. We cannot change the State Department’s internal processing clock, but our expedited handling improves the parts of the workflow we control (document preparation, courier transit, and secure return), often reducing total turnaround by days to weeks compared with DIY submissions. We will always provide a clear quote up front that lists Department of State fees, our expedited handling fee, and secure courier charges.
Common extras we handle
• Notarizations or additional authentications if a destination country requires them (we’ll confirm requirements in advance)
• Multiple-copy handling for embassies, employers, or immigration offices abroad
Ready to get started?
If you need an apostille for an FBI background check, contact us with your preferred delivery method and destination country. We’ll confirm whether an apostille is the right authentication (some countries require embassy legalization or extra steps) and outline an expedited plan tailored to your deadline. When federal documents are involved, the right preparation and secure couriering make all the difference — that’s where our expedited apostille service adds value.
