FBI Background Check Apostille for Spain and Portugal
An FBI Identity History Summary is a federal record, so only the U.S. Department of State can apostille it. We handle that submission and email you the finished document as a PDF.
What this document is
The FBI Identity History Summary is the national criminal record check most foreign immigration offices ask U.S. applicants to provide. A report from a state police agency does not replace it when the receiving office asks for the FBI version.
Where it is used
Long-stay visa and residency applicants for Spain and Portugal are commonly asked for this report, including non-lucrative, D7 and digital nomad routes. Offices also ask for it in some employment and adoption files.
How to prepare it
- Send the complete report, including every page the FBI issued.
- Check that your name and date of birth match your passport.
- Tell us your consulate or receiving office and your appointment date.
Check this first
Freshness is the usual trap. Many consulates want a report issued within about 90 days, and the clock normally runs from the FBI's issue date. Do not have the report notarized, because a federal document should go to the State Department as issued.
How the apostille is obtained
- We review the issuing agency and what your receiving office requires.
- You send the document, unaltered and without notarization.
- We submit it to the Office of Authentications with Form DS-4194 and the $20 fee.
- The Department issues a paper apostille, and we email you a high-resolution PDF.
A common question
Can my state Secretary of State apostille an FBI report?
No. State offices authenticate state and notarized documents. An FBI report goes to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications.