Living, working, or studying abroad often means proving your identity, background, or credentials to foreign authorities. Schools, employers, visa offices, and immigration authorities routinely ask for certified U.S. documents—but getting those documents while you’re abroad can feel confusing, time-consuming, and almost impossible.
The good news is that you can handle everything remotely. With the proper steps, you can request new documents, have them apostilled, secure an FBI background check, and receive all final certifications without ever returning to the U.S.
Discover how remote document authentication works and how Beverly Hills Apostille helps you get fast, compliant, and reliable processing from anywhere in the world.
How Apostilles Work When You’re Outside the U.S.
An apostille serves as official verification that a U.S. document is genuine and valid for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Instead of appearing in person at a state office or the U.S. Department of State, you can give a qualified service provider physical access to your documents through secure mailing, digital submission (when applicable).
Types of documents U.S. citizens commonly apostille from abroad:
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates
- University transcripts and diplomas
- Power of attorney forms and agreements. (must be notarized first)
- Corporate records, partnership documents, and business filings
- Driver’s license copies or passport copies (must be notarized first)
- FBI background checks and other federal documents
As long as the document originates from the United States and meets state or federal authentication requirements, you can obtain an apostille while living overseas.
Step-by-Step: How To Get an Apostille Outside the US
You can complete the entire apostille process remotely with the right preparation. Follow these steps to get an apostille from overseas:
1. Identify the Issuing Authority for Your Document
Apostilles must be processed through the correct state or federal office.
- State-level documents. Vital records, notarized documents, and academic records must be sent to the Secretary of State in the state where they were originally issued.
- Federal documents. FBI background checks and naturalization certificates should be sent to the U.S. Department of State.
If you’re unsure which office applies, a professional apostille service can confirm the correct jurisdiction.
2. Gather the Correct Version of Your Document
Some countries require original certified documents; others may accept notarized copies.
Examples:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates—must be recently issued with a raised seal.
- Diplomas—usually require registrar certification before apostille.
- Passport or driver’s license copies—must be notarized as a true copy of the original by a notary public.
Request fresh copies if yours are outdated or damaged.
3. Notarize Documents Abroad if Needed
For documents that require notarization, such as powers of attorney, affidavits, or certified copies, you have two options:
- Visit a U.S. embassy or consulate. They issue U.S.-standard notarizations that are widely recognized by foreign authorities. Professionals typically recommend this option to ensure your document meets all acceptance requirements.
- Use remote online notarization (RON). Many states authorize remote notarization for U.S. citizens abroad. You can appear over video, verify your identity, and receive a digitally notarized document.
Once your document is notarized, it becomes eligible for an apostille through the state in which it was issued. Please note that some limitations apply, and certain states still require original wet signatures in order to issue an apostille.
4. Ship Documents Securely to Your Apostille Provider
Once your documents are ready, send them to your apostille provider using secure, trackable delivery:
- Mail original documents that require physical certification, including vital records, court papers, and notarized forms.
- Email digital files such as electronically issued PDF (e.g., FBI background checks).
- Use DHL, FedEx, or UPS for reliable, trackable international shipping.
As an apostille provider for expats, we confirm exactly which items must be mailed or emailed so nothing is missing from your package.
5. Wait for the Apostille To Be Issued and Returned to You
Processing times depend on the state and whether expedited service is available. Some states issue apostilles within 1–2 days, while federal apostilles through the U.S. Department of State take longer.
When you work with us to apostille documents abroad, we outline exact timelines, prepare all required filings, and coordinate delivery so your apostille arrives without delays.
How To Obtain a Remote FBI Background Check
Many visa and residency offices won’t accept your application until you provide a certified and apostilled FBI background check.
How to do it remotely:
1. Get Your Fingerprints Taken Abroad
To request your FBI report, you must first complete an FD-258 fingerprint card abroad by visiting one of the following:
- Foreign police station
- Authorized fingerprinting agency
- U.S. embassy or consulate
- Private biometrics provider that serves expats
Once completed, you can mail the card to an FBI channeler for apostille or submit it directly to the FBI for processing.
2. Choose Your Submission Method
Request your FBI background check in one of two ways:
Electronic Submission (Fastest)
Must be a US Citizen or GreenCard holder and US resident
- Register with an FBI-approved channeler.
- Upload your information and pay the fee.
- Mail your FD-258 fingerprint card to the U.S. channeler’s office along with a request form and a copy of a valid ID.
Direct FBI Submission
- Create an account through the FBI’s Identity History Summary portal.
- Pay the processing fee.
- Mail your fingerprint card to the FBI.
Electronic delivery is accepted in many countries, but always confirm whether the local authority requires a printed or apostilled copy.
3. Receive Your FBI Results Electronically
Once processed, you receive a secure digital PDF. This FBI report is valid for apostille overseas as long as it remains unaltered. If a foreign government requires a paper version, you can print it on standard letter paper and forward it as instructed.
4. Submit Your FBI Results for Apostille
Finally, you need to submit your federal background check to the U.S. Department of State. A professional apostille service can help you apostille an FBI background check remotely by:
- Printing your FBI report if a paper copy is needed
- Preparing the required federal submission forms
- Delivering the file to the U.S. Department of State
- Shipping the completed apostille back to your address overseas
This process provides you with a fully authenticated FBI report that meets the requirements for immigration, employment, and residency purposes in foreign countries.
Get Professional Apostille Help From Anywhere in the World
Beverly Hills Apostille completes apostilles and federal authentications quickly, accurately, and entirely by mail or secure digital submission. Whether you’re getting an apostille while abroad or submitting an FBI background check, our team manages every required step across all 50 states and federal offices.
We handle submissions daily, offer expedited processing when available, and manage every step to ensure your documents arrive quickly and accurately.
Contact Beverly Hills Apostille to start your remote apostille or FBI background check.
FAQs
Can I get an apostille if I’m living outside the United States?
Yes. Mail your U.S.-issued documents to an apostille provider, who will submit them to the proper state or federal office on your behalf. Beverly Hills Apostille supports clients worldwide with this process.
How do I get fingerprinted for an FBI background check while abroad?
Visit a police station, biometrics agency, or U.S. embassy to complete the FD-258 fingerprint card. Then mail the fingerprint cards, along with the required forms, to Beverly Hills Apostille for processing of the background check and apostille
Can I receive my apostilled documents electronically?
You will most likely need the original apostille to submit with your application, but we can provide a digital scan for your reference while the original is shipped to you overseas.
What if my destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
You need consulate legalization instead of an apostille. We can manage this process for you to ensure your document is accepted overseas.
Can I use the same service for both state and federal documents?
Yes. Beverly Hills Apostille provides U.S. apostille services for expats for all 50 states and processes federal documents, including FBI background checks, through the U.S. Department of State.
