An FBI background check, officially known as an Identity History Summary Check, is a record of any arrests and, in some cases, employment pertaining to an individual based on fingerprint submissions to the FBI. An apostille is a certificate issued by a designated authority in a country, authenticating the signature and seal of a public official on a document to be used in another country that is a member of the Hague Convention. Therefore, obtaining an apostille for an FBI background check authenticates the document for international use in countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention.
This authentication process is crucial for individuals who need to use their FBI background check abroad for various purposes. Common applications include international adoption, overseas employment, immigration processes in foreign countries, and conducting business internationally. Historically, authenticating documents for international use involved a lengthy process of multiple certifications. The Hague Convention and the apostille system simplified this process, making it more efficient and reliable for individuals and organizations worldwide. The benefit lies in the standardized recognition of the document’s authenticity across participating countries, eliminating the need for further legalization by consular officials.
