1. Request the FBI result
Use the FBI's Identity History Summary process or an FBI-approved Channeler. The FBI says it authenticates results with its watermark and an official signature.
Federal document support
FBI Background Check Apostille Support
An FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document. If a foreign authority requires an apostille, the federal route goes through the U.S. Department of State—not a state Secretary of State and not a notarized-copy shortcut.
Explore: international apostille and legalization, digital-nomad document planning, and the Global Document Navigator.
The correct document chain
2. Confirm the destination checklist
Check whether the recipient requires the original electronic/printed result, how recent it must be, and whether translation is required.
3. Use the federal route
Send the eligible FBI result to the U.S. Department of State for an apostille or authentication certificate as the destination requires.
Avoid this rejection: do not notarize a copy and obtain a state apostille when the recipient requires the apostille to certify the FBI official's signature.
Spain digital-nomad example
What the Washington consular instructions say
- Adult applicants need an FBI-issued criminal background check.
- The record must carry the federal Hague apostille.
- The instructions require an official Spanish translation.
- The apostille must certify the FBI signature, not a notary's signature on a copy.
What you still need to verify
- Your responsible Spanish consular jurisdiction.
- The document freshness window at the time you apply.
- Translation-provider rules and whether other residence-country records are required.
- How originals, copies, apostille, and translation must be assembled.
Sources: FBI FAQ, U.S. Department of State, and Embassy of Spain in Washington. Last reviewed August 18, 2026.
What Notary Pin handles
Notary Pin can review your destination and document details, coordinate the eligible federal apostille/authentication workflow, arrange certified translation as an add-on, and return completed documents domestically or internationally. Exact government requirements and timing are confirmed for your case before you commit.