Tampa, FL
FBI Background Check Apostille in Tampa, FL
How Tampa 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 Tampa. 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
- Hillsborough County
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- State apostille office
- Florida Department of State, Tallahassee
- Our nearest office
- Miami, West Palm Beach
FBI check vs. a Florida background check
A background check from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is a state document. It can only be apostilled by the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee — 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 Florida check as well, that one follows the state route. We can advise on both.
Tampa: the local details
Tampa is in Hillsborough County, within the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Florida state documents are apostilled by the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee.
Florida clients can have fingerprints captured at our West Palm Beach office, where we handle FBI checks end to end.
About the FBI Background Check
How to apostille an FBI background check for use abroad.
Getting it done from Tampa
We don’t have an office in Tampa — and you don’t need one. Tampa clients send documents by mail, and our nearest office is Miami and West Palm Beach.
| 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 Tampa — FAQ
Is there an apostille office in Tampa 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 Tampa clients by mail.
Do I need to visit an office in Tampa?
No. Tampa clients send documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Tampa?
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 Tampa?
Tampa is in Hillsborough County, within the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Related: All documents in Tampa · FBI Background Check in Florida · FBI Background Check — full guide
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