The Expat’s Guide to FD-258: How to Get FBI Prints While Living Abroad

U.S. expats requesting an FBI Identity History Summary Check need to arrange fingerprint collection and choose a submission method. Here are two challenges to plan for before starting your request.

Finding Fingerprinting Services Abroad

U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not provide fingerprinting services for FBI background checks. You may need to contact local police or a fingerprinting provider that can prepare fingerprint cards meeting FBI requirements.

Planning for International Mailing

You can start your FBI Identity History Summary request online and mail a completed fingerprint card to the FBI. International shipping and processing timelines vary, so allow enough time before your visa, residency, or document submission deadline.

The Expat Fast-Track

• The Problem: U.S. Embassies do not offer Live Scan. Physical mailing to the FBI takes weeks and risks loss in transit.
• The Solution: Get ink prints on an FD-258 card locally, then use Certifix Card Scanning to submit them digitally for 24-hour results.
• The “Pro” Move: Use our FBI Apostille Bundle to automate Department of State authentication.

Why Getting an FBI Background Check is Harder Overseas

For U.S. citizens in Europe, Asia, or South America, the IdHSC is a mandatory hurdle for work permits and residency. However, U.S. Embassies generally do not provide fingerprinting for civil purposes.

Step-by-Step: How to Get FD-258 Prints Abroad

If you are living overseas, you must use the physical FD-258 Fingerprint Card.

1. Source the Correct Materials

Do not use local police forms. You must use the official FBI FD-258 card.

• Expert Tip: We recommend our FD-258 Card kit, which includes pre-inked pads and Appendix F cardstock.

2. Locate a Local Official

In most countries, the Local Police or a Registered Notary can capture your ink prints.

• Europe: Visit the Policía Nacional (Spain) or the Questura (Italy).
• Asia: Visit the local Prefecture or Public Security Bureau.

3. The Print-to-Digital Hack

Mailing a card from abroad to the FBI is slow. Instead, mail your card to our U.S. hub once. We scan it and submit it electronically to the FBI.

What if my prints are rejected while I’m overseas?

This is the #1 fear for expats. If your prints are “non-discernible,” the FBI will reject them.

• The Certifix Safety Net:
  If you use our Card Scanning service and the FBI rejects it for quality reasons, we offer a discounted resubmission process.
• How to prevent it:
  Always capture two sets of cards. If the first card looks “light,” the second one might be the winner.

The Apostille Problem for International Visas

If you are applying for residency in a country that is a member of the Hague Convention (such as Spain or Portugal), a raw PDF is not sufficient. You need a Federal Apostille.

FBI Background Check & Apostille Timeline Comparison

You can manage your FBI background check and federal apostille request yourself or use a service that coordinates both steps. Processing times and responsibilities differ.

Self-Managed Process

DIY FBI Check + Mail-In Apostille

Within 5 Weeks State Department mail-in processing only

This is the published processing window after the U.S. Department of State receives your request. It excludes FBI processing, preparation, and shipping time.

Steps You Manage

1. Request an FBI Identity History Summary Check using an eligible submission method.
2. Submit your fingerprints and obtain your official FBI report.
3. Prepare the required apostille documents, Form DS-4194, payment, and return envelope.
4. Mail your application to the U.S. Department of State.
5. Track the request and receive your apostilled document.

View Official Apostille Instructions

Managed Service

Certifix FBI Check + Apostille Service

About 3 Weeks Certifix estimated total turnaround

Certifix currently estimates approximately 3 weeks for the combined service. Some requests may take 4 weeks or longer because of government processing and shipping.

How the Service Works

1. Enroll online and select the apostille service during checkout.
2. Visit a participating Certifix location for digital fingerprint collection.
3. Certifix submits your fingerprints electronically for FBI processing.
4. Certifix prepares the issued FBI report and manages apostille submission.
5. Receive email updates and delivery of your apostilled document.

Explore Certifix Apostille Service

Processing time information: These estimates cover different stages and are not guaranteed delivery deadlines. The DIY figure covers only State Department mail-in processing; the Certifix figure is its published estimate for the combined service. For applicants living outside the United States, confirm fingerprinting eligibility and document delivery options before enrolling. Check the U.S. Department of State's current processing guidance before planning around a deadline.

Technician’s Corner: The Tropical Tip

If you are in a high-humidity environment (e.g., Italy, Mexico), wait 30 minutes for the ink to dry completely before placing the card in an envelope. Smearing caused by moisture is the leading cause of rejection of international submissions.

Don’t Let Your Visa Expire While Waiting for the Mail

Living abroad is stressful enough. Let the experts handle your biometrics and document authentication.

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