--- title: Getting your FBI Clearance for an International Adoption description: Getting your FBI clearance for your international adoption dossier can seem daunting, but it's easy if you follow the right steps! image: https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Getting_your_FBI_clearance_international_adoption.jpg --- ![holding-hands-918990_960_720-2](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hs-fs/hubfs/holding-hands-918990_960_720-2.jpg?width=959&name=holding-hands-918990_960_720-2.jpg "holding-hands-918990_960_720-2") # Family Connections, Inc. Blog #### Let us help you. # [Getting your FBI Clearance for an International Adoption](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/getting-your-fbi-clearance-for-an-international-adoption) ![close](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2432204/AK-UI%20Builder/close-button.svg) ### Categories - [adopt a child (88)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopt-a-child) - [adoptees (18)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptees) - [adopting older children (6)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopting-older-children) - [adopting the older child (5)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopting-the-older-child) - [adoption (230)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption) - [adoption attorneys (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-attorneys) - [adoption choices (71)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-choices) - [adoption costs (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-costs) - [adoption dossier (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-dossier) - [adoption from foster care (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-from-foster-care) - [adoption help (86)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-help) - [adoption information (49)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-information) - [adoption law (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-law) - [adoption options (73)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-options) - [adoption paperwork (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-paperwork) - [adoption profile (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-profile) - [adoption questions (17)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-questions) - [adoption resources (24)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-resources) - [adoption services (97)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-services) - [adoption support (18)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-support) - [adoptive families (43)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-families) - [adoptive family (40)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-family) - [adoptive parent (39)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-parent) - [adoptive parents (13)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-parents) - [affording adoption (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/affording-adoption) - [Belize Adoption (9)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/belize-adoption) - [Binghamton (36)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/binghamton) - [birth families (15)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-families) - [birth family (11)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-family) - [birth mother (86)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-mother) - [birth parent (72)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-parent) - [Bulgaria Adoption (10)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/bulgaria-adoption) - [creating a profile (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/creating-a-profile) - [domestic adoption (106)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/domestic-adoption) - [expedited (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/expedited) - [families waiting to adopt (20)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/families-waiting-to-adopt) - [Family Connections, Inc. (5)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/family-connections-inc) - [family profile (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/family-profile) - [foreign adoption (38)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/foreign-adoption) - [Hague Accredited Adoption Agency (41)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/hague-accredited-adoption-agency) - [home study services (77)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/home-study-services) - [home study services for international adoption (60)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/home-study-services-for-international-adoption) - [home visit (8)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/home-visit) - [Honduras adoption (7)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/honduras-adoption) - [how to afford adoption (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/how-to-afford-adoption) - [Hungary (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/hungary) - [Hungary adoption (8)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/hungary-adoption) - [in a hurry (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/in-a-hurry) - [international adoption (117)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/international-adoption) - [international adoption dossier (9)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/international-adoption-dossier) - [Jamaica adoption (4)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/jamaica-adoption) - [medical needs of adopted children (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/medical-needs-of-adopted-children) - [new york state adoption (11)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/new-york-state-adoption) - [open adoption (39)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/open-adoption) - [Pakistan adoption (8)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/pakistan-adoption) - [paperwork (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/paperwork) - [positve adoption language (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/positve-adoption-language) - [post adoption contact agreements (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/post-adoption-contact-agreements) - [post adoption supervision (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/post-adoption-supervision) - [pregnancy help (5)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/pregnancy-help) - [primary providers (7)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/primary-providers) - [public foster care (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/public-foster-care) - [questions (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/questions) - [Rochester (38)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/rochester) - [school (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/school) - [social worker home visit (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/social-worker-home-visit) - [Syracuse (51)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/syracuse) - [tax credit (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/tax-credit) - [transition (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/transition) - [Ukraine adoption (8)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/ukraine-adoption) - [unplanned pregnancy (5)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/unplanned-pregnancy) - [what is a home study (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/what-is-a-home-study) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Popular Stories [Writing Adoption Reference Letters](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/writing-reference-letters-for-adoption) Aug 18, 2015 [What Names Do You Put In The Aka Or Alias Section Of Forms?](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/what-names-do-you-put-in-the-aka-or-alias-section-of-forms) Mar 22, 2016 [Writing Adoption Reference Letters: Tips and Examples](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/writing-adoption-reference-letters-tips-and-examples) Jan 23, 2024 [Adoption Reference Letters - How To](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/adoption-reference-letters-how-to) Dec 18, 2015 [Common Terms in Adoption](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/common-terms-in-adoption) May 17, 2016 Categories | Subscribe | Populars - ** - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fgetting-your-fbi-clearance-for-an-international-adoption) - [**](https://www.twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fgetting-your-fbi-clearance-for-an-international-adoption) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/getting-your-fbi-clearance-for-an-international-adoption) - [**](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fgetting-your-fbi-clearance-for-an-international-adoption) Written by Jessie McNaughton on February 23, 2016 When [adopting internationally](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/bid/235592/Adoption-Services-for-International-Adoption), you will sometimes have to go through an FBI clearance process.  The FBI calls this an [Identity History Summary Check](https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks), but it is also known as a criminal clearance or getting your “rap sheet.”  For instance, if you adopt from Ukraine you will have to add an FBI criminal clearance to your [dossier](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/bid/214251/Preparing-Your-International-Adoption-Dossier).  This can feel intimidating at first, but it is a relatively straightforward process if you know the sequence of events.    ![Getting_your_FBI_clearance_international_adoption.jpg](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Getting_your_FBI_clearance_international_adoption.jpg?width=598&name=Getting_your_FBI_clearance_international_adoption.jpg "Getting_your_FBI_clearance_international_adoption.jpg") **1.  Fill out an application.** To begin, you must fill out an application for the FBI.  This form can be found [here](https://forms.fbi.gov/identity-history-summary-checks-review/q384893984839334.pdf), or if you are our client we will provide you a copy.  **Each adult (over 18) in your household will have to fill out an application and be fingerprinted.**   **2.  Get fingerprinted.** Next, you must be fingerprinted.  In New York, you can find a fingerprinting location at [http://www.identogo.com/FP/NewYork.aspx](http://www.identogo.com/FP/NewYork.aspx). You can also call your local, county, or state law enforcement agencies to ask if they will take your prints for you.  Agencies will charge a fee for fingerprinting services, which will vary by agency.  You can either get inked prints on paper or an electronic reading- either one is acceptable.  If you get electronic scan fingerprints, make sure you ask for a paper copy.  You can find the official fingerprint form [here](https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/fd-258-1).   **3.  Mail application, fingerprints and payment to the FBI.** Next, you will send in your applications.  Attach your fingerprints to your completed application.  Send the applications, fingerprints and a check or [credit card payment form](https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/credit-card-payment-form) for $18.00 *per person* to:   **FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request**** **1000 Custer Hollow Road** **Clarksburg, WV 26306****   **4.  Get your results. ** The FBI will mail your results back to you via first-class mail.  The results will include any criminal history, or lack thereof, that you have.  Processing could take up to 15 weeks.  If you want to get your results faster, you can go through an FBI approved channeler.  Channelers are agencies that the FBI has a working relationship with who you can hire to expedite your clearance.  They do charge an extra fee, and this is the only way you can get your results faster.  You can learn more about them [here](https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/fbi-approved-channelers).   **GETTING AN APOSTILLE**  When your results are returned to you, you will have to get them apostilled by the Department of State.   **5.  Fill out another form. **  To begin, completely fill out the [Request for Authentication Service Form](http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/183033.pdf) from the Department of State. Be sure to specify the document’s country of use in Section 4.   **6.  Mail in form, FBI results, SASE & payment to the Department of State.** Then, mail in your FBI Identity History Summary Check along with the Request for Authentication Form, a check made out to the U.S. Department of State for $8.00 *per document* and a self-addressed stamped envelope for use in returning your apostilled documents to you. Mail the complete package to:   **Office of Authentications** **U.S. Department of State** **CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT** **44132 Mercure Cir, P.O. Box 1206** **Sterling, VA  20166-1206**** ** ** ** **7.  Wait. Again. Then deliver apostilled documents to your agency.** They will mail your apostilled documents back to you.  When they arrive, give them to your adoption agency to add to your dossier.  The Department of State has more detailed information on apostilles [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal-considerations/judicial/authentication-of-documents/apostille-requirements.html).   Although there are a few steps and even more waiting, the FBI clearance process is fairly straightforward as long as you follow the correct sequence of events.    ********************************************************************  **In closing, here is a checklist for getting your FBI criminal history check results and getting the results apostilled:** ** ** 1. Get all adult household members fingerprinted. (Form [here](https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/fd-258-1).) 2. Fill out an Identity History Summary Checks Review application for each adult household family member. (Form [here](https://forms.fbi.gov/identity-history-summary-checks-review/q384893984839334.pdf).) 3. Send in your fingerprints, application and $18.00 (check or [credit card payment form](https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/credit-card-payment-form)) per person to: **FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request**** **1000 Custer Hollow Road** **Clarksburg, WV 26306**** 1. Wait for your results to be returned to you.   When the FBI results are returned: 1. Fill out the [Request for Authentication Service Form](http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/183033.pdf). 2. Send the following to the Department of State:             Request for Authentication Service Form             FBI Identity History Summary Check Review(s)             $8.00 per document (check only)             Self-addressed stamped envelope                          To this address: **Office of Authentications** **U.S. Department of State** **CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT** **44132 Mercure Cir, P.O. Box 1206** **Sterling, VA  20166-1206** 1. Wait for the apostilled documents to be returned to you. 2. When documents are returned, forward them to your primary provider to be added to your dossier.   If you have any questions about the process or filling out the forms, don’t hesitate to ask your adoption agency for guidance.  It is better to ask for help than fill something out incorrectly and have to wait even longer for your documents to come back!   [![Click Here to Download Your Free Guide to International Adoption!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/159841/6aa829b0-df9e-42a5-8ecc-f2f7142ce69e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/159841/6aa829b0-df9e-42a5-8ecc-f2f7142ce69e) ![Subscribe](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2432204/99%20Template%20Pack/Background%20Images/message.svg "Subscribe") ### Subscribe to Stay Connected ### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. ### You may also like: ## [The Benefits of International Adoption](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/the-benefits-of-international-adoption) International adoption and how it can transform lives. ## [Adoption Home Study Visit and What to Expect](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/adoption-home-study-visit-and-what-to-expect) Understand and prepare for your adoption home study visit to ensure a smooth adoption process. ## [Debunking Adoption Myths](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/debunking-adoption-myths) Uncover the truth behind common misconceptions about adoption and learn why they are not always accurate. ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2432204/hubfs/99%20Template%20Pack/newsletter_bg.jpeg?width=2000&name=newsletter_bg.jpeg) ## Subscribe to Stay Connected There is always more to learn when it comes to adoption! ### Subscribe to Email Updates    [I'm Pregnant](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/im-pregnant/) / [Waiting Families](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/waiting-families/) / [I Want to Adopt](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/i-want-to-adopt/) / [Resources](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/resources/) / [Our Staff](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/our-staff/) / [Contact Us](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/contact-us/) / [Blog](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/)    Call Today!  607-756-6574   © 2019 Family Connections, Inc. All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 5555 156 Port Watson St. Cortland New York 13045