Ohio
FBI Background Check Apostille in Ohio
How Ohio residents get their FBI Background Check authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, what the Ohio Secretary of State can and can’t do, timing and price.
Quick answer
There is no federal apostille office in Ohio. Federal documents like your FBI Background Check are authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — the Ohio Secretary of State can’t apostille them. We handle the Washington submission; you send the document by mail.
Key takeaways
- Issued by Federal Bureau of Investigation (CJIS Division); apostilled only by the U.S. Department of State — the Ohio Secretary of State can’t apostille it.
- Through us: $299 all-in for Hague countries (10–12 business days) or $399 with embassy legalization for non-Hague countries (15–17 business days).
- Do it yourself: Form DS-4194 and a $20 fee per document — processed within 5 weeks by mail, or 7 business days if you drop it off in Washington, D.C.
- Authenticated by
- U.S. Department of State
- Ohio apostille office
- Ohio Secretary of State, Columbus
- Our nearest office
- Chicago
- Price
- $299 per document ($399 non-Hague), government fees included
FBI check vs. a Ohio background check
A background check from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is a state document. It can only be apostilled by the Ohio Secretary of State in Columbus — 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 Ohio 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 Ohio Secretary of State can do
The Ohio Secretary of State in Columbus issues apostilles for documents signed by Ohio officials — birth, death and marriage certificates from Ohio registrars, Ohio state-court records, and documents notarized by Ohio 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 Ohio
We serve Ohio by mail from our Washington, D.C. headquarters, close to the Office of Authentications; our nearest office to Ohio is Chicago. 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 Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and everywhere else in Ohio.
Official sources: FBI — Identity History Summary Checks · U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · Ohio Secretary of State — Apostilles & Authentications · HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (Hague countries).
Ohio state documents (birth, marriage, state court, notarized) are apostilled by the Ohio Secretary of State · 614-728-9200 · state fee $5. We don’t provide state-level apostilles. Official page (checked October 2026).
How long does the FBI Background Check apostille take from Ohio?
The U.S. Department of State is the only office that issues a federal apostille. Mailed in yourself, it is processed within 5 weeks of receipt; dropped off in person in Washington, D.C., within 7 business days. Through us it takes 10–12 business days, or 15–17 business days for a non-Hague country that also needs embassy legalization.
| Route | How | Processing time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail it yourself | Form DS-4194 + check to the Office of Authentications, Sterling, VA | Within 5 weeks of receipt | $20 per document + shipping |
| Drop it off yourself | 600 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C. — Mon–Thu, 7:30–9:00 AM, no appointment | Within 7 business days | $20 per document + travel |
| Emergency appointment | Only for a life-or-death family emergency with travel within 2 weeks | Same day | $20 per document |
| Through Federal Apostille USA | We review it, drop it off in D.C. and return it to you with tracking | 10–12 business days total | $299 all-in ($399 non-Hague) |
What does it cost from Ohio?
The government fee is $20 per document, paid with Form DS-4194. Our all-in price is $299 per document, covering the government fee, review, D.C. drop-off and U.S. return shipping; non-Hague destinations are $399 with embassy legalization.
Government figures: U.S. Department of State — Request Authentication Services (checked October 2026).
FBI Background Check in Ohio — FAQ
Can the Ohio 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 Ohio?
No. We handle the Washington submission for you. Most Ohio clients send their documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Ohio?
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?
$299 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Will a Ohio background check work instead?
Usually not. A Ohio 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 Ohio · Federal vs. state apostille
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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.