FBI Background Check from Italy: Requirements, Process, and Timeline

An FBI background check is not a document you can simply download or request from an office in Italy. Even though you're living in Italy, the process still revolves around the United States. Your fingerprints have to meet FBI standards, your application has to reach the FBI, and in many cases, the final document needs additional authentication before another country will accept it. That is why the process often feels longer than people expect. There are several small steps that have to happen in the right order, and each one affects the next.

This blog explains the complete process of getting an FBI Background Check from Italy, the documents you'll need, expected timelines, where to get fingerprinted in Italy, and more!

Over the years, we have seen FBI background check requests from the following groups of people living in Italy:

US Expats Living in Italy

US retirees, digital nomads, and expats applying for or renewing Italian residency permits (Permesso di Soggiorno) or long-stay visas.

Italian Citizenship Applicants

Individuals residing in Italy who are applying for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) or through marriage to an Italian citizen.

US Citizens & Expat Professionals Working Remotely / US Federal Contractors 

Italians / Foreign Nationals Moving to or Working in the United States

Italian citizens or foreign nationals who previously lived, studied, or worked in the US and now need an FBI Criminal Record Check for US immigration (Green Card, K-1 Spouse Visa, H-1B, work visas) or foreign visas for third-countries like Canada, Australia, UK, UAE.

Do You Need an FBI Background Check?

If you see "criminal record check," "Criminal Record Check," or "background check" in the list of required documents, do not assume you automatically need an FBI background check. Ask yourself these questions first.

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, there is a good chance an FBI background check is the document you need. If you are still unsure, check the official application instructions carefully. The document list will usually state whether they require an FBI Identity History Summary, a police certificate from the United States, or a criminal record certificate from another country.

Do I Need Both?

It depends on what the organization or government has asked you to submit.

If you only need to show your criminal record from the United States, an FBI Identity History Summary is enough. If you only need to show your criminal record from Italy, you will need the Certificato del Casellario Giudiziale. Some immigration programs, visa applications, and international jobs ask for police or criminal record certificates from every country where you have lived for a certain period of time. For example, if you lived in both Italy and the United States, you may be asked to provide both documents.

Just carefully read the application instructions. If they specifically ask for an FBI background check, an Italian criminal record certificate cannot replace it. Likewise, if they ask for an Italian criminal record certificate, an FBI Identity History Summary will not be accepted instead.

People confuse an Italian criminal record certificate with an FBI background check because both are used to prove your criminal record. But they are issued by different countries and search completely different databases. The table below explains the main differences so you know which document you actually need.

If you are applying from Italy, the process is simple as long as you complete each step in the correct order. Most applicants choose the online application because it is faster and easier to track, but the FBI also accepts paper applications.

Step 1: Register Your Request Online

Start by visiting the FBI eDO portal and creating your request online. Fill in your personal details, review your information carefully, and pay the application fee. The FBI charges $18 USD for each Identity History Summary request.

Once your payment is successful, you will receive an order confirmation email. Save this email and print a copy because it contains your FBI Request Confirmation Number, which must be included with your fingerprint package.

The online application is the easiest option for most people because it speeds up the process and allows you to receive your results electronically if you choose that option.

If you prefer, you can also apply by mail. In that case, download the FBI Identity History Summary Request Form, complete it manually, and include it with your fingerprint cards. If you apply by mail, payment can be made using either of these methods:

• Credit Card Payment Form
• Certified US Check or US Money Order payable to Treasury of the United States

Step 2: Obtain FD-258 or FD-1164 Fingerprint Cards

The FBI accepts fingerprints submitted on FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprint cards.

If you are printing the cards yourself, download them from the official FBI website and print them on heavy white card stock so they remain flat during fingerprinting and shipping. Many private fingerprinting providers in Italy also keep original fingerprint cards in stock. If you are visiting one of these providers, they will usually supply the card for you.

It is a good idea to carry at least two or three blank fingerprint cards to your appointment. If one set of fingerprints is unclear or smudged, the technician can immediately take another set without delaying your application.

Step 3: Get Fingerprinted in Italy

Once you have your fingerprint cards, the next step is to have your fingerprints taken. You can usually choose one of the following options:

Private Fingerprinting Providers: Many applicants use private fingerprinting technicians because they are familiar with FBI fingerprint requirements. You can book an appointment with a provider in cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, Turin, and other major locations. Some providers also offer mobile fingerprinting services.

Questura or Carabinieri: Some local Questura or Carabinieri offices may take ink fingerprints as a courtesy if you bring your own FD-258 fingerprint cards. But they are not legally required to provide this service, and availability varies from one office to another. It is best to contact the office in advance before visiting.

Before leaving your appointment, check that all fingerprint boxes are complete and free from smudges or missing areas. If your fingerprints are not legible, they can get rejected by the FBI. Check here how to ensure legible fingerprints.

Step 4: Mail Your Fingerprint Package to the FBI

After fingerprinting, prepare your package carefully before shipping it to the United States. Your package should include:

• Your completed FD-258/FD-1164 fingerprint card or cards
• A printed copy of your FBI Order Confirmation Email or your completed paper application form
• Any required payment documents if you are applying by mail

Place the fingerprint cards flat between two pieces of stiff cardboard inside a strong envelope. Do not fold the fingerprint cards. Send the package using a tracked international courier such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, or Poste Italiane's international tracked service.

Mail it to:

FBI CJIS Division - Summary Request

Keeping your tracking number allows you to confirm when the FBI receives your fingerprints.

Step 5: Retrieve Your FBI Identity History Summary

Once the FBI processes your request, you will receive your FBI Identity History Summary. If you applied through the FBI EDO Portal and selected electronic delivery, you can usually download your report online as soon as it is available. If you requested a paper copy, it will be mailed to the address you provided during your application.

Review the document carefully to make sure all your personal information is correct before using it for your visa, immigration, or employment application.

Step 6: Obtain a US Federal Apostille

Many countries, including Italy, are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. If you are submitting your FBI background check to an authority in one of these countries, they may require it to have a US Federal Apostille before they will accept it as an authentic document.

Since the FBI Identity History Summary is issued by a U.S. federal agency, it must be apostilled by the US Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. A state apostille cannot be used for an FBI background check. To obtain the apostille, you will generally need to:

• Submit the physical FBI Identity History Summary to the US Department of State
• Office of Authentications.Pay the $20 USD federal authentication fee for each document.
• Wait for the apostilled document to be returned to you.

Read About FBI Apostille in Rome

Step 7: Get the Document Translated, if Required

Some immigration authorities, employers, universities, or government offices ask for a certified translation of the FBI background check if it is not in their official language. For example, Italy requires the document to be translated by a certified or sworn Italian translator (traduzione giurata) before it can be accepted. So, you need to arrange such translations before submitting your FBI background check along with the rest of your application documents.

There are several private fingerprinting providers across Italy that help people apply for FBI background checks, foreign police certificates, visas, and international employment clearances. These providers are usually located in major cities where there is a higher demand from expats, international students, and professionals.

If you are searching online, these are the areas where you are most likely to find international fingerprinting providers in Italy:

• Rome: Centro Storico, Prati, Parioli, EUR, Monti, Campo Marzio, Esquilino
• Milan: Porta Nuova, CityLife, Centro Storico, Brera, Porta Garibaldi, San Babila, Navigli
• Florence: Santa Maria Novella, San Giovanni, Oltrarno, Campo di Marte, Rifredi
• Naples: Chiaia, Vomero, Centro Storico, Posillipo, Mercato
• Turin: Centro, Crocetta, San Salvario, Lingotto, Santa Rita
• Bologna: Centro Storico, San Donato, Santo Stefano, Murri, Bolognina
• Venice: Mestre Centro, San Marco, Cannaregio, Marghera

If you live outside one of these cities, you may not have to travel very far. Many fingerprinting providers accept clients from nearby towns, and some also offer mobile fingerprinting by appointment. A technician will travel to your location anywhere in Italy to record your ink prints.

Learn How to Prepare for Your Mobile Fingerprinting Appointment

Tip: Most fingerprinting providers work by appointment, so it is a good idea to contact them before visiting. Ask whether they can take fingerprints on the FBI-compliant FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprint cards, do they keep a stock of them or not, whether they provide ink or digital fingerprinting, and whether they also help with international courier shipping, apostille services, or document review if you need them.

The total time depends on more than just the FBI's processing time. You also need to account for fingerprinting, international shipping, and any extra steps like an apostille, legalization, or certified translation. If you are applying for a visa or another official process with a deadline, it helps to plan the entire timeline instead of focusing only on the FBI.

*These are typical timelines. Actual processing times can vary depending on courier services, government workload, holidays, and the requirements of the country requesting your FBI background check.

How to Plan Your FBI Background Check from Italy if You Have a Deadline

The easiest way to avoid last minute stress is to work backwards from your document submission date.

For example, let's say your visa office has asked you to submit your FBI background check by 31 March. This is how your process should look:

• 20 to 24 January: Book your fingerprinting appointment and gather the required documents.
• 24 to 27 January: Complete fingerprinting and send your application to the FBI using an international courier.
• Late January to early February: The FBI receives your fingerprints and begins processing your application.
• Mid February: Download or receive your FBI Identity History Summary.
• Late February: Apply for an apostille if the destination country requires one.
• Early March: Get a certified translation if required and prepare the rest of your application.
• Before 31 March: Submit your complete application with enough time to spare.

This example leaves a buffer in case your courier is delayed or a government office takes longer than expected. If your application requires an apostille or legalization, it is a good idea to start 6 to 8 weeks before your deadline.

The most common mistake people make is waiting until they have collected every other document before starting the FBI background check. Since several steps depend on processing and international shipping, it is usually one of the first documents you should plan for when you know you will need it.

Getting an FBI background check is more than just submitting fingerprints. You need to make sure your fingerprints are taken correctly, your application reaches the FBI safely, and your document goes through any additional steps required by the receiving authority, such as an apostille or certified translation. If even one step is missed or delayed, it can affect your application.

This is why many applicants choose to work with a reliable service provider who can coordinate the entire process from start to finish. This is how Globeia helps.

Convenient Doorstep Fingerprinting Across Italy

You do not have to spend time looking for a fingerprinting provider near you. Globeia's associates can travel to your location anywhere in Italy and take your fingerprints using FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprint cards. They carry the required equipment and are familiar with the fingerprint quality expected for FBI applications. This helps reduce the chances of rejected fingerprints and saves you the effort of visiting multiple locations.

Book your fingerprinting appointment in Italy here.

Physical Processing Office in the United States

Globeia also has a dedicated processing office, Globeia Inc., in the United States. Your fingerprint cards are securely couriered to our U.S. office, where our team reviews the documents and prepares them for submission to the FBI.

Because our staff handles FBI background check applications regularly, they are familiar with the process and can help ensure that your application is submitted correctly.

Already have your fingerprints?

Many people in Italy have already completed fingerprinting through a local provider. However, not every fingerprinting service also handles submission to the FBI. If your fingerprints have already been taken, you do not have to book Globeia's fingerprinting service. Simply courier your completed fingerprint cards to our US office, and we will take care of the remaining steps, including FBI submission and further processing.

Faster Apostille Processing

If your destination country requires a US Federal Apostille, you can request this service at the beginning of your application so the entire process is handled in one workflow. Globeia's US office is located just a few blocks from the US Department of State, allowing our team to physically submit documents for apostille processing instead of relying only on mail. This helps reduce the FBI apostille turnaround time to 10 days.

Translations in More Than 50 Languages

If your receiving authority requires a translation, Globeia can arrange certified or sworn translations after the apostille has been completed. We offer translations in English, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and more than 50 official languages through our network of professional and authorized translators.

Secure Delivery Back to Italy

Once your FBI background check has been processed and any required apostille or translations have been completed, Globeia securely ships the final documents to your address in Italy. You receive your FBI background check together with any requested apostille and translations, ready to submit to the immigration authority, employer, university, or government office that requested them.

Start your FBI Background Check Process with Globeia.

When people search for an FBI background check, they usually focus on one question: "How do I get it?" The better question is "What does the authority receiving it actually expect?" The answer to that determines almost every step that follows, from the fingerprint card you use to whether the document needs an apostille or a certified translation. Once those requirements are clear, the rest of the process is mostly about following the steps in the right order.