This is a complete guide to obtaining FBI and state-level criminal background checks, apostille certification, and certified translation without traveling to America. It covers every step of the process for clients located in Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere who need US criminal record documentation for immigration, citizenship, licensing, or family court purposes.
If you have lived in the United States, hold or have held US citizenship, or have a history of residence in a particular American state, you may find yourself needing an official US background check for purposes that arise after you have left the country. Immigration applications, professional licensing, citizenship by naturalization in another country, employment in the financial or legal sector, real estate transactions, and family court proceedings are among the most common situations in which a US criminal record certificate becomes a requirement.
Obtaining this document from outside the United States is not straightforward. The process involves fingerprinting on the correct card, submission to the relevant federal or state authority, follow-up with local law enforcement, apostille certification, and in many cases certified translation into a foreign language. Each of these steps has its own procedural rules, and the chain can break down at any point without proper coordination. Starting over from the beginning because of a rejected fingerprint card or an apostille issued for the wrong destination country is one of the most avoidable and most common sources of delay that clients face when they approach the process without guidance.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we manage this entire process on behalf of clients located anywhere in the world, including Turkey and across Europe and the Middle East. You do not need to travel to the United States. We handle everything from fingerprint collection through to the delivery of a fully apostilled and, where required, certified translated document.
The United States does not have a single national criminal record system. Criminal records in America are held at two distinct levels, and they are not automatically consolidated into one database. This is one of the most important facts about US background checks for international purposes, because it determines whether you need one document, two, or potentially more, and it directly affects both the cost and the timeline of your process.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains the Interstate Identification Index (III), a database of criminal history records submitted by law enforcement agencies across the country. An FBI background check, formally known as an Identity History Summary, searches this federal database and produces a record of any federal-level arrests, charges, and convictions associated with your fingerprints.
FBI background checks are commonly required for:
The FBI's own direct submission channel exists, but it is slow and involves mailing original fingerprint cards to the United States with a wait of several weeks. For clients with time-sensitive requirements, we work through our US-based partners who can significantly accelerate the process through in-person submission channels that are not available to members of the public submitting by post from abroad.
Many criminal records in the United States are held only at the state level and are not reported to the FBI's federal database. This means an FBI background check alone may not capture incidents that occurred at the state level, particularly minor offences, arrests without conviction, or cases processed entirely through a state court without a federal component. In practice, a person who has a clean FBI record may still have a state record, and many foreign authorities are well aware of this gap and require both.
State background checks are obtained from the relevant state agency, which varies by state but is typically the state police, department of public safety, or a designated bureau of criminal investigation. Some states route these requests through local police departments or county sheriff offices, adding another layer of coordination. A state-level background check is typically required when:
Obtaining a US background check from outside the United States involves a defined sequence of steps. Each step has specific requirements, and errors at any stage can require the process to be restarted. We manage each of the following on the client's behalf, coordinating across the steps so that the overall timeline is as short as possible and each stage is completed correctly the first time.
Both federal and state background checks in the United States require fingerprints. These must be taken on a standard FD-258 fingerprint card, which is the FBI's official fingerprint submission card. The prints must be of acceptable quality: smudged, incomplete, or incorrectly rolled prints are a common reason for rejection that adds weeks to the process. This is not a formality. The quality of the fingerprinting is often what determines whether an application proceeds smoothly or is returned for resubmission.
We arrange for fingerprinting to be carried out locally, either at our offices in Istanbul or through a network of authorised fingerprinting locations, depending on the client's location. The completed, signed FD-258 cards are then submitted to the relevant US authority as part of the background check application. The FD-258 card must be physically completed with inked and rolled prints. Digital fingerprint submissions are not accepted for the types of background check most commonly required for international use. Clients should not attempt to create a card themselves or use a service not experienced with FBI submission standards, as rejected prints will add weeks to the process.
Once the fingerprint card is completed, it is submitted to the relevant authority alongside the required application form, consent documents, and the applicable fee.
For federal (FBI) checks, the application is submitted to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. For state-level checks, the application goes to the designated state agency. Each state has its own submission requirements, processing fees, and timelines, and some states impose residency or other eligibility requirements that must be addressed in the submission. We have established submission procedures for the states most commonly involved in international requests, and for states we encounter less frequently we obtain the current requirements from the agency directly before submitting.
Processing times at both the federal and state level vary considerably. Standard FBI processing takes several weeks. State processing times range from a few days to several months, depending on the state and its current backlog. The range is wide, and a client who needs a California check and a New York check simultaneously may receive one in days and wait weeks for the other.
Where the client is working to an external deadline, such as an immigration submission, a visa appointment, or a citizenship ceremony, we actively follow up with the relevant authority and, where available, use expedited processing channels through our US-based partners. For certain states, our partners are able to submit walk-in applications directly at the relevant agency, which dramatically reduces processing time compared to postal submissions.
Once the background check document is issued, it will typically need to be apostilled before it is accepted by a foreign authority. An apostille is a form of international certification established under the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 (the Apostille Convention), which confirms the authenticity of the document's issuing authority for use in another member state of the Convention. Without an apostille, most foreign immigration, citizenship, and licensing authorities will not accept the document at all, regardless of how authentic it is.
For US background check documents, the apostille is issued by the Secretary of State of the relevant state (for state-level documents) or by the US Department of State in Washington DC (for federal-level documents). There is a critical point that many clients are not aware of: an apostille obtained for use in a specific country is not automatically straightforward to use in a different country. Some US state Secretaries of State specify the destination country on the apostille itself, and if that country differs from where the document is actually being submitted, a foreign authority may raise questions. We ensure that the apostille obtained is appropriate for the specific country where the document will be used, and where a document will be used in more than one country, we plan this from the outset.
Not all countries are members of the Apostille Convention. Where the destination country is not a member, a different legalisation process, typically through the relevant consulate or embassy, will be required instead of an apostille. We advise clients on the correct certification route for each destination country before the process begins, so that no time is spent obtaining the wrong form of authentication.
Where the background check certificate will be submitted to an authority in a country whose official language is not English, a sworn or certified translation is required. The translation must be produced by a certified translator recognised by the relevant authority. We arrange certified translations of US background check documents into Turkish, Italian, French, German, Arabic, and other languages as required. The translation is produced together with the apostilled original and delivered as a single coordinated package, ready for submission to the relevant authority without any further steps for the client.
The apostille process for US criminal record documents deserves particular attention, because it involves more complexity than is often appreciated, and errors at this stage are common even when the underlying document was obtained correctly.
| Document Type | Who Issues the Apostille | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary (federal) | US Department of State (Washington DC) | Several weeks (standard); faster via our partners |
| State criminal record certificate | Secretary of State of the relevant state | Varies by state: days to weeks; faster via our partners |
| Local police clearance letter | Secretary of State of the relevant state | Varies by state; faster via our partners |
A state-level document, such as a criminal record certificate from the California Department of Justice or the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, is apostilled by the Secretary of State of that specific state, not by the federal Department of State. This distinction matters because the application must go to the correct authority, and submitting to the wrong body will result in rejection and delay. The federal Department of State apostilles federal documents; the relevant state Secretary of State apostilles state documents. These are entirely separate processes with separate submission addresses, fees, and timelines.
Some US state Secretaries of State issue apostilles that specify the destination country on the apostille itself. While under the Hague Convention an apostille is generally valid for use in any member state, in practice some foreign authorities examine the stated destination on the apostille and may raise questions if it differs from the country where the document is being submitted. We ensure the apostille is obtained in the correct format for the intended destination from the outset, and where the same document needs to be used in more than one country, we advise on the most practical approach, which may mean obtaining separate apostilles for each destination.
Apostille applications submitted by post or through online intermediaries are processed in queue order and can take several weeks at both the state and federal level. Our US-based partners are able to submit apostille applications in person at certain Secretary of State offices, which allows walk-in or same-day apostille processing in a number of states. For clients working to tight deadlines, such as an Italian consulate appointment, a Turkish naturalization ceremony, or a visa submission window, this service can be the difference between meeting and missing a critical date. We assess whether walk-in submission is available and appropriate for each specific state as part of the initial engagement.
While we handle background check requests from all US states, the following are the states most frequently involved in international requests, either because of their large populations of international residents or because of specific requirements imposed by particular foreign authorities. Where a client has lived in multiple states, we coordinate simultaneous or sequential requests to all relevant states, managing the process as a single consolidated engagement rather than requiring the client to handle each state separately.
| State | Common Requesting Authority or Context |
|---|---|
| California | Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis), Turkish naturalization, UAE residence |
| New York | Italian citizenship, UK disclosure applications, Turkish immigration |
| Texas | Gulf region employment and residence permits, naturalization applications |
| Florida | Latin American immigration and citizenship applications, Turkish residence permits |
| New Jersey | Italian consulate applications, European immigration |
| Illinois | Naturalization in Turkey and EU member states |
| Washington | Tech sector employment in Turkey and Europe requiring background checks |
| Georgia, Virginia, Maryland | Federal employment applications, naturalization in Turkey |
Foreign nationals applying for Turkish citizenship through five years of legal residence, or for certain categories of residence permit, are typically required to provide a certificate of good conduct from every country in which they have previously resided for a significant period. For those with US residence history, this means obtaining either an FBI background check, a state-level check, or both, depending on the specific requirements of the Turkish Immigration Directorate or the naturalization commission at the time of the application. The requirements can be more detailed than the applicant initially anticipates, and we assess them specifically before beginning the process rather than making assumptions.
Applicants for Italian, Greek, or other EU citizenship through descent, known as jure sanguinis or a similar principle depending on the country, who have lived in the United States are regularly required to provide a US background check, apostilled and translated into the language of the relevant EU member state. Italian consulates in particular are systematic in requiring both a federal FBI check and a state-level check for each state of US residence, and the process must be completed in a specific sequence and format before the consulate will accept the application. We have handled a significant number of Italian citizenship by descent matters involving US background checks and are familiar with the specific requirements of the Italian consular network.
Many regulated professions in Turkey, the UAE, and elsewhere require disclosure of criminal records from all countries of previous residence or citizenship. Employers in the financial services, legal, and healthcare sectors, as well as government agencies and security-regulated environments, frequently impose this requirement as a condition of appointment. The format, certification level, and translation requirements differ between employers and between countries, and we confirm these requirements from the relevant employer or licensing authority before beginning the process so that the document produced is in exactly the format that will be accepted.
Adoption proceedings, custody disputes with an international dimension, and other family court matters in Turkey and elsewhere may require a US background check as part of the documentation the court requires from the parties. Courts typically specify their own requirements as to the level of check, the apostille, and the translation, and these must be followed precisely because courts are less forgiving of documentation errors than administrative authorities, which may ask for corrections informally.
We manage the entire background check process on the client's behalf, from first instruction through to delivery of the final document. The client does not need to travel to the United States at any stage, and does not need to correspond directly with any US federal or state agency. The key elements of our service are:
7.1. Do I need to travel to the United States to obtain a US background check?
No. The entire process can be managed from outside the United States. Fingerprinting is arranged locally, and all submissions, follow-up, apostille, and translation are handled by our team and US-based partners. You do not need to visit a US embassy, consulate, or government office at any stage of the process.
7.2. What is the difference between an FBI background check and a state background check?
An FBI background check searches the federal Interstate Identification Index and captures records that have been reported to the federal database by participating state and local agencies. A state background check is obtained directly from the relevant state authority and may include records that were never reported to the federal system, particularly minor offences or cases handled entirely at the state level. Many foreign authorities require both a federal and a state check for each state of US residence, precisely because they are aware of this gap between the two levels.
7.3. What fingerprint card is required?
Both federal and state US background checks require fingerprints on an FD-258 fingerprint card, which is the FBI's standard submission card. The prints must be physically inked and rolled, not digital. Quality matters: rejected fingerprints add weeks to the process and require the card to be resubmitted. We arrange fingerprinting on the correct card at our offices or through authorised locations, using experienced technicians who are familiar with FBI submission standards.
7.4. How long does the process take?
Timelines vary depending on the authority involved and whether expedited processing is available. FBI processing typically takes several weeks through standard channels. State processing times range from a few days to several months depending on the state and its current backlog. Where we use our US partner network for walk-in submission at state agencies or Secretary of State offices, processing can be significantly faster than postal submission. We provide realistic timeline estimates at the outset based on the specific states and type of check required, so that the client can plan around the process rather than being surprised by it.
7.5. What is an apostille and why is it required?
An apostille is an international certification established under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961 that confirms the authenticity of a document's issuing authority for use in another member state of the Convention. Most foreign immigration, citizenship, and licensing authorities will not accept a US background check document unless it has been apostilled by the appropriate US authority, either the Secretary of State of the relevant state for state documents or the US Department of State for federal documents. A document without an apostille is not accepted as an official document in most international contexts.
7.6. Can I use the same apostilled document in multiple countries?
Under the Hague Convention, an apostille is generally valid for use in any member state. However, some US state Secretaries of State specify the destination country on the apostille, and some foreign authorities scrutinise this. If you need to use the same background check in more than one country, we advise on the most practical approach, which may mean obtaining separate apostilles or ensuring the original apostille is obtained in a format accepted by all intended destinations. This is a planning question that is best addressed at the start rather than after the first apostille has already been obtained.
7.7. I lived in multiple US states. Do I need a separate check for each?
This depends on what the requesting authority requires. Many foreign immigration and citizenship authorities require a background check from every US state in which you resided for more than a specified period, and some require a check from every state regardless of the length of residence. We assess the specific requirements of the relevant authority and coordinate simultaneous or sequential requests to all necessary states as a single managed process, so that the client is not dealing with each state independently.
7.8. Can the apostilled document be translated for use in Turkey, Italy, or another country?
Yes. Once apostilled, the document can be translated by a sworn or certified translator into the language required by the destination authority. We provide certified translations into Turkish, Italian, French, German, Arabic, and other languages. The translation is delivered together with the apostilled original as a single complete package ready for submission, with no further steps required from the client.
Obtaining a US background check from outside the United States is a multi-step process that involves coordinating between fingerprint collection, federal or state submission, apostille certification, and translation, across two countries and multiple authorities. Each step has its own procedural requirements, and errors at any stage can require the process to restart from the beginning, which is why the most important decision is getting the sequence right from the outset rather than fixing mistakes later.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we manage this process end-to-end on behalf of clients who have lived in or hold ties to the United States and now need to produce this documentation for Turkish, European, or other international purposes. We bring knowledge of US federal and state submission procedures, an established US partner network for expedited walk-in submissions at state agencies and Secretary of State offices, and experience of the apostille and translation requirements for the specific countries and authorities most commonly involved, including the Turkish naturalization commission, Italian consulates, UAE immigration, and Gulf region employers.
If you need a US background check, FBI clearance, state criminal record certificate, apostille, or certified translation for use in Turkey, Italy, the UAE, or elsewhere, please contact us to discuss your situation and timeline. We will assess what is required, provide a realistic timeline, and manage every step from fingerprinting to delivery.
