Expedited Virginia FBI Apostille Services
Our Herndon office sits in Northern Virginia, a short drive from the U.S. Department of State office that issues every FBI apostille in the country. That is why Virginia clients get their apostilled FBI background check back in 10 business days: we carry it in by hand instead of mailing it.
Call (971) 514-3743 or request a quote.
- Ensure your documents are processed without delay
- Speak with our experts for personalized assistance
- Discover how we can expedite your apostille process
Why Richmond cannot apostille your FBI background check
The Secretary of the Commonwealth in Richmond authenticates Virginia documents only: vital records from the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia court records, and documents signed by a Virginia notary. An FBI background check is a federal document, so Richmond will not accept it. It has to go to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, DC.
Two points Virginia residents often get wrong:
- A Virginia State Police record check is not an FBI check. It covers Virginia records only. If the consulate asks for an FBI or national check, the State Police report will be refused.
- Living near DC does not mean same-day service. The Office of Authentications takes drop-offs only in a limited morning window and does not issue apostilles while you wait. We handle the drop-off and pick-up for you.
Need a Virginia document apostilled as well? See Virginia state apostille services.
How it works from Virginia
- Fingerprints. Book an appointment at our Herndon office (462 Herndon Pkwy, Suite 105), or bring an ink FD-1164 card from a local police department or fingerprinting vendor.
- FBI Identity History Summary. Fingerprints go to the FBI electronically. The result comes back as a PDF with the FBI watermark and a division official’s signature.
- Review. We check your name, date of birth and the signature block against your passport.
- Federal apostille. We complete Form DS-4194 and hand-carry your request from Herndon to the Office of Authentications. No DOJ certification step is needed.
- Return. Pick up in Herndon, or we ship by FedEx anywhere in Virginia or overseas.
Avoid Rejections
Avoid apostille rejections with our expert help.
Expedite Your Documents
State agents for same-day apostille service.
Security
We prioritize the security and confidentiality of your documents.
Translations/ Intl. Shipping
Certified translation and discounted shipping.
Virginia pricing and turnaround
| Service | Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Expedited FBI apostille (you already have the FBI result) | $390 | 10 business days |
| Expedited bundle: fingerprinting + FBI background check + apostille | $490 | 10 business days after FBI results |
| Standard FBI apostille | $195 | 7–8 weeks |
Where we serve Virginia clients
In person: our Herndon office, convenient to Reston, Sterling, Ashburn, Fairfax, Tysons, Arlington and Alexandria.
By mail, statewide: Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Charlottesville, Roanoke and Blacksburg. Email us the FBI PDF or mail a fingerprint card and we return the apostilled document by FedEx.
Why Virginians need an apostilled FBI check
Virginia has a large community of federal employees, contractors, military families and international professionals, and many of them are posted or relocating abroad. The destinations we see most are Spain, Italy, Panama and Mexico for residency and retirement, South Korea, Japan and China for work and teaching, and India and Australia for employment and family visas.
Most countries want the FBI check dated within the last 3 to 6 months. Certified translation can be added to the same order.
FAQ
Can the Secretary of the Commonwealth apostille an FBI background check?
No. Richmond only authenticates Virginia-issued and Virginia-notarized documents. FBI background checks must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.
How fast is an expedited FBI apostille in Virginia?
10 business days from the day we have your FBI result. Standard processing takes 7–8 weeks.
I live in Northern Virginia. Can I just take it to the State Department myself?
You can drop it off, but the office accepts walk-ins only during a short morning window on certain weekdays and you must return to collect it. We do both trips for you.
Is a Virginia State Police background check accepted instead?
Only if the foreign authority asked for a state-level check. If the request says FBI, federal or national, a State Police check will be rejected.
Do I need to come to Herndon?
No. Clients in Richmond, Hampton Roads and the rest of the state work with us by email and mail.
Start your Virginia FBI apostille
Call (971) 514-3743, message us on WhatsApp, or request a quote with your destination country and deadline.
