If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad and need an FBI background check — for a visa, residency application, citizenship by descent, teaching position, or professional license — you do not need to fly back to the United States to get it done. The entire process can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world. The key is knowing where to get fingerprinted and how to submit them correctly. This guide walks you through every step — from finding a fingerprinting location overseas to choosing between mail‑in submission and an FBI‑approved channeler — so you can get your FBI Identity History Summary without unnecessary delays in 2026.
What Is the FBI Identity History Summary and Why Do You Need It?
The FBI Identity History Summary — often called a "rap sheet" — is the official U.S. federal background check. It is a listing of information taken from fingerprint submissions retained by the FBI in connection with arrests, federal employment, naturalization, or military service. Foreign immigration authorities require this specific document because it is fingerprint‑based — meaning it cannot be falsified or confused with another person — and it is issued directly by a U.S. federal agency, which gives it the legal weight foreign governments require. It is accepted by foreign governments, embassies, consulates, international employers, and immigration authorities worldwide.
Whether you are applying for a long‑stay visa, permanent residency, dual citizenship, or an international teaching position, you will almost certainly need this document. And if you are living abroad when you need it, the process is entirely remote — you do not need to travel back to the U.S. to get fingerprinted.
Step 1: Get Fingerprinted at a Local Police Station or Private Service Overseas
This is the step that surprises most people. U.S. embassies and consulates do not provide fingerprinting services for FBI background checks. Instead, you must go to a local police station or a private fingerprinting service in your country of residence.
Most police stations worldwide will take standard ink fingerprints on a fingerprint card as a courtesy for official background check purposes. You typically do not need a special appointment — walk in, explain that you need ink fingerprints for a U.S. FBI background check, and an officer will assist you. Some countries also have private fingerprinting services that are experienced with FBI requirements. For example, in Latvia, the Latvian State Police Forensic Service Department can prepare the fingerprint card. In Italy, you can contact a local police headquarters (questura) or use private services in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence.
Before you go, ensure you have the correct fingerprint form. The FBI requires fingerprints to be placed on a standard fingerprint form FD‑258 commonly used for law enforcement purposes. You can download this form from the FBI website. Alternatively, you can use the FD‑1164 form, which is printable on standard paper — a practical option for international applicants who cannot easily obtain a pre‑printed FD‑258 card.
Step 2: Choose Your Submission Method — FBI‑Approved Channeler vs. Direct Mail
Once you have your fingerprint card completed, you have two main options for submitting your request to the FBI. The choice you make dramatically affects how quickly you receive your results.
| Aspect | FBI‑Approved Channeler | Direct Mail to FBI |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 24‑72 hours (expedited) to 5‑7 business days | 6‑16 weeks — sometimes longer during high‑volume periods |
| Fingerprint Submission | Electronic submission — no international mailing of cards | Mail physical fingerprint card to FBI CJIS Division in West Virginia |
| Additional Services | Often includes apostille coordination and translation | You handle apostille and translation separately |
| Best For | Urgent timelines, convenience, and those who want a streamlined process | Applicants in remote locations without access to a channeler |
Option A: FBI‑Approved Channeler (Recommended for Speed)
An FBI‑approved channeler is a private company authorized by the FBI to collect fingerprints and submit them electronically to the FBI's CJIS Division. Channelers submit fingerprints electronically, which are processed in a dedicated fast‑track queue — up to 15 times faster than mail‑in submissions.
Many channelers offer remote services specifically designed for U.S. citizens living abroad. For example, MR Fingerprints serves U.S. citizens in 60+ countries. The process typically works like this:
- Contact the channeler — they provide personalized instructions based on your country and visa type.
- Visit your local police station for ink fingerprinting on FD‑258 cards.
- Scan and email the completed ink card to the channeler.
- Results are delivered in 5‑7 business days — with a 48‑hour expedited option available.
Channelers can also coordinate your federal apostille and certified translation — delivering a complete, submission‑ready package. Expedited service through a channeler typically takes 2‑3 weeks total for the FBI report and apostille.
Option B: Direct Mail Submission to the FBI
You can also submit your fingerprint card and payment directly to the FBI by mail, bypassing any third‑party service. This method is slower and involves more manual steps, but it remains fully valid and, for applicants in remote locations without access to a channeler, it may be the only practical option.
To submit directly:
- Complete the application online through the FBI's eDO portal.
- Mail your completed fingerprint card (FD‑258 or FD‑1164) to the FBI CJIS Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
- Processing takes 6‑16 weeks — sometimes longer during high‑volume periods.
Note that some channelers, like Accurate Biometrics, state that per FBI requirements, applications submitted from outside the U.S. cannot be accepted or processed, and results can only be picked up within the United States or its territories. This reinforces the advantage of using a channeler for international applicants.
Required Document Checklist for Overseas Fingerprint Submission
Before you start, gather everything you need to avoid a wasted trip or a delayed application.
- Valid government‑issued photo ID — passport or driver's license (required for fingerprinting and identity verification).
- FBI fingerprint form — FD‑258 or FD‑1164. Download and print it before visiting the police station.
- FBI application — complete the online application through the FBI's eDO portal or the channeler's website.
- Payment — $18 for the FBI processing fee (credit card or money order). Channelers charge additional service fees.
- If applying by mail — the completed fingerprint card, payment, and a self‑addressed return envelope.
- If using a channeler — follow their specific instructions; they will provide a tailored checklist.
Estimated Fees and Processing Times
Understanding the costs and timelines helps you plan, especially if you have a visa deadline.
| Service | Typical Processing Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Check (direct mail) | 6‑16 weeks | $18 + mailing costs |
| FBI‑approved Channeler (standard) | 5‑7 business days | $40‑$100 (plus $18 FBI fee) |
| FBI‑approved Channeler (expedited) | 24‑72 hours | $50‑$120 (plus $18 FBI fee) |
| Federal Apostille (standard) | 4‑6 weeks | $20‑$50 |
| Federal Apostille (expedited) | 1‑2 weeks | $150‑$350 |
If you have a tight deadline, using a channeler with expedited processing and a service that handles apostille coordination can save you weeks. The total time from fingerprinting to receiving your apostilled FBI report with an expedited channeler service can be as little as 2‑3 weeks — compared to 14‑20 weeks if you do everything yourself by mail.
Common Mistakes That Can Derail Your Overseas Submission
Many applicants encounter unnecessary delays because of these frequent errors. Avoid them to keep your application on track.
- Assuming the U.S. embassy can take your fingerprints. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not provide fingerprinting services for FBI background checks.
- Submitting poor‑quality fingerprints. Smudged, incomplete, or poorly rolled cards are a common reason for rejection. Use a professional service if possible, and check the quality before leaving.
- Using a channeler that is not on the FBI's approved list. Only FBI‑approved channelers are authorized to submit fingerprints electronically. Verify the channeler's status on the FBI website.
- Mailing your fingerprint card to the wrong address. If you are using a channeler, mail the card to the channeler — not directly to the FBI. Mailing directly to the FBI puts you in the 6‑16 week standard queue.
- Not providing a valid government‑issued ID. You will need a passport or driver's license for identity verification at fingerprinting.
- Waiting too long to get the apostille. The apostille process can take 4‑6 weeks or more. Many applicants forget to factor this into their timeline and miss their visa deadline.
Before you submit anything, double‑check the consulate's specific requirements. When in doubt, contact them directly — it is better to ask upfront than to submit the wrong document and face delays.
Related Guides
- How to Get a US Background Check While Living Abroad
- What Shows Up on an FBI Identity History Summary?
- How to Get a Background Check Translated for a Foreign Consulate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get an FBI background check while living abroad without traveling to the U.S.?
A: Yes. You can complete the entire process remotely. You will need to get fingerprinted at a local police station or private service in your country of residence and submit your request either directly to the FBI or through an FBI‑approved channeler.
Q: Do U.S. embassies take fingerprints for FBI background checks?
A: No. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not provide fingerprinting services for FBI background checks. You must use local police stations or private fingerprinting services.
Q: What fingerprint form do I need for an FBI background check from overseas?
A: You need either the standard FD‑258 fingerprint form or the printable FD‑1164 form. Both can be downloaded from the FBI website.
Q: How long does an FBI background check take from abroad?
A: If you use an FBI‑approved channeler, results are typically returned in 5‑7 business days (standard) or 24‑72 hours (expedited). If you mail your fingerprint card directly to the FBI, processing takes 6‑16 weeks or longer.
Q: Can I use an FBI‑approved channeler if I am living overseas?
A: Yes. Many FBI‑approved channelers offer remote services specifically designed for U.S. citizens living abroad. They provide fingerprinting instructions, submit your prints electronically to the FBI, and can also coordinate apostille and translation.
Q: How much does an FBI background check cost from overseas?
A: The FBI processing fee is $18. Channelers charge an additional service fee — typically $40‑$100. Apostille and translation services are additional costs. Total costs can range from $60 to $500 or more, depending on the services you use and how quickly you need the document.