New York FBI / Background Check Apostille — 2026 Complete Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1. Request your Identity History Summary from the FBI:
   • • Online or by mail, per FBI instructions.
   • • Current fee is $18 (mail or electronic, fee is the same).
2. 2. You must provide fingerprints (on an FD-258 or via an approved fingerprint provider).
3. 3. You will receive either a rap sheet (record) or a "no record" response.

For apostille, you need an official FBI document. Many people either request a mailed original or print the official PDF on good-quality paper; always follow the latest U.S. DoS instructions for federal documents.

1. 1. Complete Form DS-4194 (Request for Authentication Services) and list the country where you will use the FBI report.
2. 2. Include:
   • • The original FBI Identity History Summary (or DoS-accepted version),
   • • The completed DS-4194,
   • • Payment: $20 per document, check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" if mailing.
3. 3. Add a pre-paid return envelope/label with your name and address as both sender and recipient.

Processing times change; Travel.gov should be checked for current timelines and any walk-in / appointment rules.

1. 1. DCJS maintains New York's official criminal history records and is the only source of these official, fingerprint-based records.
2. 2. To request your record: schedule a fingerprint appointment via IdentoGO (service codes for suppressed or unsuppressed records) according to whether you are inside or outside New York.
3. 3. Very important for apostille:
   When requesting for use abroad, select "travel/other country" or another international purpose option. DCJS explicitly states this allows them to issue the signed document you need for apostille.
4. 4. DCJS will process your request and mail your response to you (rap sheet or "no record" letter). You cannot pick it up in person.

1. 1. Make sure you have:
   • • The DCJS background check document, and
   • • The cover letter bearing the signature of the DCJS representative issuing your document (Commissioner or designee).

   New York DoS explicitly requires both for a criminal background check apostille.

2. 2. Complete the Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form (DOS-1917-f):
   • • Enter the country where documents will be used,
   • • Fill in your contact details and return method,
   • • Count how many documents require apostille.
3. 3. Payment:
   • • $10.00 per document, check/money order payable to "N.Y.S. Department of State" or authorized card (form asks for CVV).
4. 4. Add a self-addressed, prepaid envelope or carrier label if you want express return; NY DoS does not accept labels that "bill sender" or bill a card later.

In-person customer service centers (walk-in same-day service) are available in Albany, New York City, Buffalo, Utica; hours are generally 9:00–16:00 (check the NY DoS page for current hours and limits, e.g. 10 docs per customer for same-day).