FBI background check apostille for China
An FBI background check (Identity History Summary) for use in mainland China needs a single US apostille from the US Department of State — not consular legalization. Since the Apostille Convention took effect between the US and China on November 7, 2023, Chinese embassies and consulates no longer authenticate documents. Get the FBI summary ($18), do not notarize it, then send it to the State Department's Office of Authentications for the apostille. As of June 2026.
Compiled from official sources by Henry · independent · based in China
Common mistake → the current rule
What many sites still say: Many sites still tell US applicants to send an FBI background check to a Chinese embassy or consulate for legalization (the old three-step process), or claim China isn't in the Apostille Convention.
The current rule: China joined the Apostille Convention, in force with the US since November 7, 2023. A US FBI background check now needs only a US apostille from the US Department of State; Chinese embassies and consulates in the US stopped authenticating documents on that date.
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn
Apostille or consular legalization?
Apostille — not consular legalization. The FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document, so the apostille is issued by the US Department of State (Office of Authentications), not by a state Secretary of State.
How to apostille fbi background check for China, step by step
A plain-English walkthrough of the official general process — the apostille is issued by the US Department of State (Office of Authentications). We don't apostille, translate, collect or courier anything for you.
Get your FBI Identity History Summary
Request your Identity History Summary ("rap sheet") from the FBI — online via edo.cjis.gov, by mail, or through an FBI-approved channeler. It lists any arrest record on file or confirms none exists. Fingerprints go on form FD-1164.
- Cost:
- $18 per person, paid to the FBI; you cannot pay extra for faster service. A channeler charges its own additional fee. As of June 2026.
- Time:
- Online: within 48 hours of submitting electronic fingerprints at a participating US Post Office. By mail: up to 15 days, plus delivery. As of June 2026.
Source: fbi.gov
Do not notarize it
A federal document must not be notarized — the US State Department says a federal document is no longer valid for an apostille once it has been notarized. Keep the FBI summary exactly as issued.
Source: travel.state.gov
Send it to the US Department of State for the apostille
Submit the FBI summary to the US Department of State's Office of Authentications with Form DS-4194 and the fee. The FBI will not forward it for you — its instructions specifically say not to ask it to forward correspondence to the State Department for the apostille process.
Source: travel.state.gov · travel.state.gov · fbi.gov
Check what the China-side party needs before you rely on it
An apostille certifies the signature and seal, not acceptance. The Chinese Embassy recommends checking format, content, time limits and translation with the receiving party in China in advance — often your employer or the immigration authority, which may also set a validity window for the check.
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn
Does it need a Chinese translation?
An apostille only certifies the signature and seal; the Chinese Embassy's notice stresses it does not guarantee acceptance and recommends confirming translation requirements with the receiving party in advance. Employers and immigration authorities in China commonly require a certified Chinese translation of an FBI background check. Confirm the exact requirement with them before ordering one. As of June 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or consular legalization for an FBI background check for China?
An apostille. Since November 7, 2023, when the Apostille Convention entered into force between the US and China, a US FBI background check for use in mainland China needs only a US apostille. Consular legalization by a Chinese embassy or consulate was abolished on that date.
Who issues the apostille for an FBI background check?
The US Department of State's Office of Authentications, because the FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document. State Secretaries of State only apostille state-level documents. You submit it with Form DS-4194.
Should I notarize my FBI background check before getting the apostille?
No. The US State Department says a federal document is no longer valid for an apostille once it has been notarized. Send the FBI summary as issued, without notarization.
How much does an FBI background check cost?
The FBI charges $18 per person for an Identity History Summary as of June 2026, and you cannot pay extra for faster service. An FBI-approved channeler and the State Department apostille each charge separate fees.
Do I need to translate my FBI background check into Chinese?
Often, yes. The apostille does not include a translation, and Chinese employers and immigration authorities commonly require a certified Chinese translation. Because the apostille does not guarantee acceptance, confirm the translation and format requirements with the receiving party in China before ordering.
Where is this information from?
This page was verified on June 27, 2026 against official sources: the FBI Identity History Summary page, the US Department of State's apostille guidance, the Chinese Embassy in the US notice on the abolition of consular authentication, and the HCCH Apostille Convention status table. Links are in the sources section.
More on documents for China
Official sources
Every policy on this page was checked against these official pages. Always confirm with the source before booking.
- https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/identity-history-summary-checks
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/requesting-authentication-services.html
- https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/gz/202310/t20231025_11167576.htm
- https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41
- https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=353
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The apostille process is a legal procedure and requirements change without notice — always confirm the current process and what your receiving party in China needs with the official sources above, the relevant US authority, and the Chinese authority or employer before you act. Ready Set China is an independent information site — not a law firm, document agency, translation service, or government body — and does not apostille, translate, or handle documents on your behalf.