Iowa
FBI Background Check Apostille in Iowa
How Iowa residents get their FBI Background Check authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, what the Iowa Secretary of State can and can’t do, timing and price.
Quick answer
There is no federal apostille office in Iowa. Federal documents like your FBI Background Check are authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — the Iowa Secretary of State can’t apostille them. We handle the Washington submission; you send the document by mail.
- Authenticated by
- U.S. Department of State
- Iowa apostille office
- Iowa Secretary of State, Des Moines
- Our nearest office
- Washington, D.C. (by mail)
- Price
- $399 per document, government fees included
FBI check vs. a Iowa background check
A background check from Iowa’s state criminal-records agency is a state document. It can only be apostilled by the Iowa Secretary of State in Des Moines — 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 Iowa check as well, that one follows the state route. We can advise on both.
About the FBI Background Check
How to apostille an FBI background check for use abroad.
What the Iowa Secretary of State can do
The Iowa Secretary of State in Des Moines issues apostilles for documents signed by Iowa officials — birth, death and marriage certificates from Iowa registrars, Iowa state-court records, and documents notarized by Iowa notaries. It has no authority over federal documents such as FBI reports, USCIS certificates or IRS letters.
State offices set their own procedures and fees, so confirm current requirements with the office before submitting a state document.
Getting it done from Iowa
We serve Iowa by mail from our Washington, D.C. headquarters, close to the Office of Authentications. There’s no need to visit an office in person.
| 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 |
Serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City and everywhere else in Iowa.
FBI Background Check in Iowa — FAQ
Can the Iowa Secretary of State apostille my FBI Background Check?
No. This is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can authenticate it. A state apostille on it would be rejected abroad.
Do I have to travel to Washington, D.C. from Iowa?
No. We handle the Washington submission for you. Most Iowa clients send their documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Iowa?
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.
Will a Iowa background check work instead?
Usually not. A Iowa check is a state document and foreign authorities asking for an FBI or nationwide record will reject it.
Related: FBI Background Check — full guide · All documents in Iowa · Federal vs. state apostille
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.