Michigan
FBI Background Check Apostille in Michigan
How Michigan residents get their FBI Background Check authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, what the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal can and can’t do, timing and price.
Quick answer
There is no federal apostille office in Michigan. Federal documents like your FBI Background Check are authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal can’t apostille them. We handle the Washington submission; you send the document by mail.
- Authenticated by
- U.S. Department of State
- Michigan apostille office
- Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal, Lansing
- Our nearest office
- Washington, D.C. (by mail)
- Price
- $399 per document, government fees included
FBI check vs. a Michigan background check
A background check from the Michigan State Police is a state document. It can only be apostilled by the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal in Lansing — 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 Michigan 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 Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal can do
The Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal in Lansing issues apostilles for documents signed by Michigan officials — birth, death and marriage certificates from Michigan registrars, Michigan state-court records, and documents notarized by Michigan 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 Michigan
We serve Michigan 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 Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing and everywhere else in Michigan.
FBI Background Check in Michigan — FAQ
Can the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal 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 Michigan?
No. We handle the Washington submission for you. Most Michigan clients send their documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Michigan?
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 Michigan background check work instead?
Usually not. A Michigan 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 Michigan · 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.