Claiming citizenship by descent or applying for naturalization abroad? An apostilled FBI background check is required for nearly every citizenship application. We walk your documents into the Department of State personally: 7 to 10 business days.
Whether you are tracing your ancestry or pursuing naturalization, these are the most common citizenship pathways that require an apostilled FBI background check from the U.S. Department of State.
The most common citizenship-by-descent path for Americans. If you have an Italian ancestor who never renounced their citizenship, you may qualify. An apostilled FBI background check is required whether you apply at a U.S. consulate or through a comune in Italy. Learn more about apostilles for Italy.
If you have an Irish-born parent or grandparent, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship through the Foreign Births Register. An apostilled FBI background check is part of the documentation required for the application process.
Portugal offers citizenship by descent for those with Portuguese parents or grandparents, as well as through naturalization for long-term residents. Both paths require an apostilled FBI background check. Learn more about apostilles for Portugal.
Spain offers citizenship through descent (for children of Spanish nationals), marriage, and long-term residency. All pathways require an apostilled FBI background check as part of the criminal records requirement. Learn more about apostilles for Spain.
Poland allows citizenship claims by those who can prove Polish ancestry. The process involves confirming that your ancestor held Polish citizenship, and an apostilled FBI background check is part of the required documentation.
Germany, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Greece, Israel, and many other countries offer citizenship by descent or naturalization. Most Hague Convention member countries require an apostilled FBI background check as part of the application.
Get fingerprinted at one of our three DMV locations in Alexandria, Woodbridge, or Fairfax, Virginia. FBI background check results are available in as low as 30 minutes.
Upload your completed FBI background check through our website, email it, or drop it off in person at our Alexandria office.
We personally walk your documents into the U.S. Department of State. Your apostilled FBI background check is returned with 2-day shipping included in the price.
Yes. Most countries require an apostilled FBI background check as part of citizenship applications, including citizenship by descent. The apostille certifies the FBI document for official use in any Hague Convention member country.
7 to 10 business days. We personally walk documents into the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. instead of mailing them. This is the only way to get expedited processing. The standard timeline by mail is 5 to 12 weeks.
Jure sanguinis means "right of blood." If you have an Italian ancestor who never renounced their Italian citizenship, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent. An apostilled FBI background check is required as part of the application, whether you apply through an Italian consulate in the U.S. or through a comune in Italy.
Most consulates and government offices require the FBI background check to be issued within 3 to 6 months of your application date. Italian consulates typically require it to be within 6 months. Always confirm the specific requirement with the consulate or government office handling your application.
If you are in the Washington, D.C. metro area, yes. Get fingerprinted at one of our three DMV locations, receive your FBI background check (results in as low as 30 minutes), and we begin the apostille process immediately. This is the fastest way to go from fingerprints to apostille.
Yes. If you already have your FBI background check, you can send it to us from anywhere in the world. We handle the apostille and ship it back to you. International shipping is available when the customer provides their own shipping label. Many dual citizenship applicants are already living abroad when they need this service.
Don't Have Your FBI Background Check Yet?
You do not need to arrive with your FBI background check in hand. We handle the entire process from fingerprints to apostille under one roof. Get fingerprinted at one of our three DMV locations, receive your results in as low as 30 minutes, and we take it straight to the Department of State.
Walk in, get fingerprinted, and walk out. We handle everything from there. Your apostilled FBI background check arrives at your door.
7 to 10 business days. 2-day return shipping included. We walk your documents into the Department of State personally so you do not have to wait months.