Updated November 2025 — Valid for 2026 • Verified: November 12, 2025
If you're applying for a work visa, teaching job, foreign residence permit, or dual citizenship, many countries require an apostilled criminal background check. For Californians, there are two main routes: FBI Identity History Summary (federal) apostilled by U.S. Department of State, or California DOJ background check (state) apostilled by California Secretary of State. The apostille certifies the origin and authenticity of the signature and seal — not the content of the report.
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Covers your entire U.S. record (nationwide). Issued directly by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division.
Commonly required for:
Covers your California state record only. Issued by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) in Sacramento.
Required when:
| Requirement | Use Case | Issued By | Apostilled By | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FBI Background Check | Working abroad, residence permits, citizenship | FBI (CJIS) | U.S. Department of State (DC) | $18 (FBI) + $20 (DoS) | 5–7 weeks mail / ~7 days walk-in |
| California DOJ Record | Local residency, adoption, employment | California DOJ | California Secretary of State | Varies + $20 ($6 in-person add-on) | 1–3 weeks depending on method |
Digital report available in 3–5 days
Physical mailed copy takes longer
Mail to:
In-person (drop-off/pick-up):
You'll receive your report back with a federal apostille attached by the U.S. Department of State
You'll receive the original signed record from the California DOJ
Mail (USPS only):
Courier / other carriers:
In-person:
CA SOS attaches a gold foil apostille to the DOJ record. Processing: 1–3 weeks (mail) or same/next-day (walk-in)
| Agency | Fee | Processing Time | Submission |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI (CJIS) | $18 | 3–5 business days (electronic) | Online |
| U.S. DoS | $20 per document | 5+ weeks mail / 7 business days walk-in | DS-4194 form |
| CA DOJ | Varies | 7–14 days | Live Scan / Mail |
| CA SOS | $20 + optional $6 | 1–3 weeks mail / same-day walk-in | Cover Sheet + Payment |
Require FBI report + apostille issued within 6 months
Accepts FBI apostille only
Accepts either FBI or CA DOJ, depending on company requirements
Either FBI or state-level record may suffice; always confirm with consulate
Usually require both — a state and a federal background check
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you exactly which path to take, what forms you need, and where to send everything.
Get My Personalized GuideReviewed by: Amelia Rivera — Compliance Editor, Apostille Pro USA
Updated: November 2025 — Valid for 2026
Change Summary: Confirmed FBI fee ($18), DoS apostille fee ($20), DS-4194 requirement, current DoS mail/physical addresses and processing windows; validated California SOS mail-in & counter locations and in-person special handling fee; clarified choice of FBI vs CA DOJ path.
Next Review Due: May 2026 (or earlier if DoS/CA SOS/FBI update forms, fees, or addresses)
Reviewer Profile: /team/amelia-rivera