If you plan to live, work, study, or obtain residency abroad, you may be required to provide a state background check. However, foreign governments will not accept this document on its own. To be valid overseas, it must be apostilled (or legalized, depending on the destination country).
A state background check apostille verifies the authenticity of your record so that it can be recognized by foreign authorities.
What Is a State Background Check Apostille?
A state background check apostille confirms that your background report is an official document issued by a recognized authority in your state. This authentication is required in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
If the country you are traveling to is not part of the Hague Convention, your background check must go through U.S. Department of State and Embassy/Consulate Legalization instead. We handle both processes.
Why You May Need a State Background Check Apostille
You may be required to apostille a state background check for:
- Work visa or job placement abroad
- Residency or long-term stay applications
- Teaching, volunteering, or missionary travel
- University or study abroad enrollment
- Renting housing or proving personal credibility
- Immigration or citizenship-related procedures
If a foreign authority must verify your identity, history, or trustworthiness, an apostille may be required.
How the Apostille Process Works
Step 1: Obtain Your State Background Check
You must request the background check from an authorized source. Depending on your state, this may be obtained through:
- Local Police Department
- County Sheriff’s Office
- State Department of Justice
If your request requires an FBI background check instead, we can assist with that as well.
Step 2: Send Your Background Check to Travel Visa Pro
You can submit your background check:
- By secure email if provided digitally
- Or by mailing the original document
We will review it and advise whether it is ready for apostille or needs reissuance.
Step 3: Apostille or Legalization
- If your destination country is part of the Hague Convention, we obtain the apostille from the appropriate State authority.
- If not, we handle U.S. Department of State and embassy/consulate legalization.
Once complete, we return the authenticated background check to you by secure trackable delivery.
Why Choose Travel Visa Pro?
- Apostille & legalization handled end-to-end
- No dealing with government offices
- 50-state coverage
- Rush processing available (when permitted)
- Optional certified translations for non-English countries
We eliminate confusion, save time, and ensure correctness—so your background check is accepted without issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an apostille or a legalization?
It depends on the destination country.
- Hague member country → Apostille
- Non-Hague country → Legalization
We verify this for you.
How long does processing take?
Standard processing is typically 6 business days or fewer. Rush options may be available depending on the issuing state.
Can I send my background check electronically?
If your background check was issued digitally and includes proper certification, yes—you can submit it electronically. If not, a physical certified copy will be required.
What if my background check is rejected?
We will guide you on how to request a new copy that meets apostille standards.
Begin Your Apostille Request
No waiting rooms. No state office confusion. No delays.