What Is an Apostille for a Criminal Record and When Do You Need One?

In an increasingly global world, background checks and official documents often need to be recognized internationally. Whether you’re applying for a visa, working abroad, or adopting from another country, foreign authorities may require proof of your clean criminal history. But simply having a criminal record document is not enough — many countries require it to be authenticated through an apostille.

At One Source Process, we help individuals and organizations navigate this process with ease. In this article, our experts explain what an apostille for a criminal record is, when it’s needed, and how to obtain one — step by step.

What Is an Apostille for a Criminal Record?

An apostille is an official certificate issued by a designated authority in the United States that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. When it comes to criminal records, this means verifying that your background check is valid and issued by a recognized government body.

A criminal record document, for apostille purposes, can refer to several types of background checks, such as FBI background reports or state-issued police clearances. The apostille confirms that the document is legitimate, ensuring it will be accepted by foreign governments and institutions.

“An apostille does not validate the content of a document — it confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on the original,” — U.S. Department of State.
(Source: travel.state.gov)

Types of Criminal Record Documents That Can Be Apostilled

FBI Background Check (Form FD-258)

The most commonly apostilled document is the FBI Identity History Summary, also known as a federal criminal background check. This document is issued by the FBI and includes information collected from fingerprint submissions. To be eligible for apostille, the FBI background check must be issued within the last 12 months and must be an original copy or a digital PDF from the FBI.

If you’re applying for jobs or visas abroad, this is often the document requested by foreign embassies and immigration departments. For a fast and secure process, we recommend using our FBI Apostille Services.

State Criminal Background Checks

Some countries accept state-issued criminal background checks instead of FBI reports. These are typically provided by state police departments or departments of public safety. For example, in California, you may request a background check through the California Department of Justice. However, state documents must be apostilled through the Secretary of State in the issuing state.

If you’re unsure which document you need, our team at One Source Process can help guide you.

Local Police Clearance Letters

In some cases, especially for travel or residency permits in specific regions, a local police department clearance letter may be accepted. These documents must first be notarized and then apostilled. Keep in mind, not all local police letters qualify for apostille — so it’s crucial to verify eligibility first.

When Do You Need an Apostille for a Criminal Record?

For Immigration or Visa Applications

Many countries request an apostilled criminal record as part of a visa application process. This includes long-term residency, spousal visas, or skilled worker permits. Countries like Spain, Italy, and South Korea often ask for this certification.

For Employment Abroad

If you’re planning to teach English abroad, work for an international NGO, or sign a corporate contract overseas, employers frequently request an apostilled background check to verify your legal history.

For International Adoption

Adoption agencies and foreign governments usually require an apostille for FBI report or state background check to confirm that adoptive parents have a clean criminal record.

For Study or Work Permits

Universities and international training programs might also require criminal background documentation. Having an apostille background check ready speeds up the acceptance process.

“The apostille ensures your document is legally recognized abroad — it’s your paperwork’s passport.” — One Source Process Experts

How to Get an Apostille for a Criminal Record in the U.S.

Step 1: Obtain the Proper Criminal Record Document

Before anything, make sure you have the correct document in hand. This could be an FBI report, a state police record, or a notarized local clearance. FBI background checks can be obtained through the FBI’s official channeler system.

Step 2: Verify Document Eligibility

Not all documents can be apostilled. For example, photocopies or outdated reports may not qualify. Make sure your document meets the criteria of the issuing authority and the Secretary of State or Department of State handling the apostille.

Step 3: Submit to the Appropriate Apostille Authority

Federal documents like FBI reports must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., while state-issued documents go through that state’s Secretary of State office. You can do this yourself, but it often involves multiple steps and long processing times. Our team offers full-service apostille services that handle everything on your behalf, saving time and avoiding errors.

Conclusion

An apostille for a criminal record is a crucial step in preparing your background check for international use. Whether it’s for immigration, employment, or education, the process must be handled carefully to meet the requirements of both U.S. and foreign authorities.

At One Source Process, we make the process simple, accurate, and fast. Our experienced team works with the U.S. Department of State and all 50 state Secretaries of State to ensure your documents are apostilled correctly.

✅ Need to Apostille Your Criminal Record?

Let our team handle everything from document verification to delivery.
👉 Start your process today with our FBI Apostille Services or explore our full apostille services for other documents. We’re here to make it easy. Fast. Reliable. Professional.