New York City, NY
FBI Background Check Apostille in New York City, NY
How New York City residents get their FBI Background Check authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, the local details, timing and price.
Quick answer
There’s no federal apostille office in New York City. Federal documents like your FBI Background Check are authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. We handle that submission; you send the document by mail.
- County
- The five boroughs
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- State apostille office
- New York Department of State, Albany
- Our nearest office
- New York
FBI check vs. a New York background check
A background check from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services is a state document. It can only be apostilled by the New York Department of State in Albany — and foreign authorities asking for a nationwide or FBI record will reject it. The FBI Identity History Summary is the federal record they want, and it’s authenticated only in Washington, D.C.
If a foreign authority specifically asks for a New York check as well, that one follows the state route. We can advise on both.
New York City: the local details
New York City is in the five boroughs, within the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York — Manhattan and the Bronx fall under the Southern District; Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island under the Eastern District. New York state documents are apostilled by the New York Department of State in Albany.
Fingerprinting is the one step that happens locally — through New York City-area law-enforcement agencies or licensed providers, or electronically through an FBI-approved channeler. Everything after that we handle by mail.
About the FBI Background Check
How to apostille an FBI background check for use abroad.
Getting it done from New York City
Our New York office serves New York City directly, and most clients still send documents by mail.
| Destination | Route | Our turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Hague Convention country | U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days |
| Non-Hague country | Authentication + embassy legalization | 15–17 business days |
FBI Background Check in New York City — FAQ
Is there an apostille office in New York City for a FBI Background Check?
No. The only office that can authenticate this document is the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. We handle that submission for New York City clients by mail.
Do I need to visit an office in New York City?
No. New York City clients send documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from New York City?
About 10–12 business days for Hague Convention countries and 15–17 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, plus shipping.
How much does it cost?
$399 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Which federal court covers New York City?
New York City is in the five boroughs, within the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Related: All documents in New York City · FBI Background Check in New York · FBI Background Check — full guide
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