FBI Background Check in Tokyo: Fingerprinting & Submission Guide 2026

You need an FBI Background Check in Tokyo but do not know where to begin. You have to submit your fingerprints to the FBI but you cannot simply walk into a local police station and request for FBI fingerprinting. Where should you go?

In this guide, we will discuss all you need to know about the complete FBI fingerprinting in Tokyo and the application submission process from start to finish, including:

• How and where to get fingerprinted for the FBI in Tokyo?
• Step-by-step FBI application process.
• Easier and more organized way to submit your FBI Background Check application with Globeia
• FBI Apostille requirement and application

Terms Tokyo FBI Background Check Applicants Should Know Before Beginning the Process

The FBI application uses terminology that may be unfamiliar if you are arranging the process from Japan. Knowing the key terms can make it easier to communicate with a fingerprinting provider and understand the documents you receive.

Also Read: What Is an FBI Background Check

Why Getting Fingerprinted for the FBI in Tokyo Is More Complicated Than You Think

The main challenge in getting fingerprinted for an FBI Background Check in Tokyo is finding a professional service provider near you who can capture the impressions suitable for the FBI submission: 

Japanese Police May Not Complete the FBI Fingerprint Card 

Japanese police authorities may be able to take your fingerprints. But can they really complete the FBI fingerprint card in the manner required for your application? Not necessarily. Before visiting a police station, confirm whether it will fingerprint you on the FD-258 and complete the relevant sections of the card.

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo Cannot Provide FBI Fingerprinting

The U.S. embassy cannot be an alternative for obtaining your FBI fingerprints. The U.S. Department of State states that U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not provide fingerprinting services.

The FBI's Direct Electronic Fingerprinting Option Is U.S.-Based

The FBI's direct electronic submission option allows applicants to have their fingerprints submitted electronically at participating U.S. Post Office locations. This option is not available through Japanese post offices in Tokyo.

Once you know the limitations of the usual fingerprinting routes, the next step is finding a provider that can prepare your fingerprints specifically for an FBI submission:

Private Professional Fingerprinting Providers

A private fingerprinting provider in Tokyo experienced with U.S. background checks can complete your fingerprints on the required FBI fingerprint card. They can help you avoid common preparation issues that later result in delays and rejections. Remember to ask specifically for FBI fingerprinting rather than assuming that a general fingerprinting service will meet your requirements. 

Before booking an appointment, confirm that the provider:

• Handles FBI fingerprinting for applicants in Japan
• Works with the required FD-258 or applicable FBI fingerprint card
• Has experience with international FBI applications
• Reviews the completed card before you leave
• Can explain the available submission options from Japan

Mobile Fingerprinting in Tokyo

Mobile fingerprinting is another service you can opt for if you can not travel to the fingerprinting office. A professional associate visits  your home, workplace, or hotel in Tokyo, allowing you to complete the fingerprinting appointment at a location that suits you.

Also Read - Fingerprinting in Tokyo for International Background Checks

Tokyo applicants can begin their application online or submit it by mail. However, in both cases, your physical fingerprint cards must reach the FBI in the United States.

Step 1: Start Your FBI Application 

The FBI provides two ways to begin your Identity History Summary request:

Electronic request through eDO:

Begin the application through the FBI's electronic submission system by providing your personal information, and paying the applicable fee online. After submitting the request, you receive confirmation and instructions for sending your fingerprint card.

Mail-in request:

Complete the FBI's applicant information form and prepare it with your fingerprint card and required payment for mailing to the FBI.

Step 2: Get Your Fingerprints Taken in Tokyo

Get your fingerprint impressions captured through a professional fingerprinting service provider in Tokyo, on the official FBI card suitable for your application.

Step 3: Prepare Your FBI Application Package

Once your application and fingerprints are ready, bring all the required documents together according to your chosen submission method.

• Your completed fingerprint card
• FBI application or electronic submission confirmation
• Required payment documentation
• Other information requested by the FBI

Note: Do not send scanned copies in place of the original fingerprint card when the FBI requires the physical card.

Double-check the following details before mailing the fingerprint card:

• Personal information
• Required signatures, certifications, and other official sections
• Any instructions specific to your chosen FBI submission method
• The physical condition of the card before international shipment

Step 4: Send the Fingerprint Card from Tokyo to the FBI

The completed fingerprint card must be mailed from Tokyo to the FBI in the United States.

Step 5: Wait for FBI Processing

The FBI can begin processing once it receives the required materials. Your processing time depends on the submission method and whether the FBI can process the fingerprints successfully.

If the fingerprint impressions cannot be used by the FBI, you may need to arrange another fingerprint appointment in Tokyo and send a new card to the United States.

Also Read: How Long an FBI Background Check Takes

Step 6: Receive and Check Your FBI Result

Once your request is processed, review the Identity History Summary for accuracy. Check your personal details and make sure the document meets the requirements of the organization requesting it.

Also Read: What Does an FBI Background Check Show

Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970. Whether an apostille is required depends on the specific Japanese authority requesting your FBI document, and not on Japan's Hague membership alone. Therefore, always confirm the authentication requirements with your requesting authority.

You may need to get an Apostille and a Japanese translation particularly if you are applying for:

• Permanent Residency (Eiju-ken) at the Tokyo Immigration Services Agency (Shinagawa).
• A Spouse Visa or certain highly-skilled professional visas.
• Legal proceedings, child adoption, or corporate licensing in Tokyo.

How to Apostille an FBI Background Check from Tokyo

An FBI Identity History Summary can only be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State (Authentication Office) in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo cannot do this for you.

Tokyo applicants who need their FBI result apostilled have two options without travelling to the United States: 

• The DIY Route: Print your electronic FBI PDF, mail it to the Department of State in the U.S. via Japan Post (EMS), enclose a pre-paid return courier voucher, and wait for 6 to 10 weeks.
• Using Private Coordinators like Globeia: You can use a specialized private coordinator like Globeia.
• For a Step-by-Step Process Read: How to Get an FBI Background Check Apostille 

Globeia’s FBI Apostille Service

Globeia coordinates in-person drop-off at the US Department of State's Office of Authentications in Washington DC. It reduces apostille processing to a few days instead of 6-10 weeks by standard mail.

How to Get a Certified FBI Translation in Tokyo

Although Japan does not have a strict system of "sworn, court-certified translators, like European countries, Japanese immigration often requires a highly accurate translation of both the background check and the Apostille certificate.

Who Can Translate an FBI Background Check?

Translation requirements vary by receiving authority. Some Japanese authorities accept translations prepared by the applicant, and others may require a professional or certified translator. Confirm the exact requirement with the requesting authority before arranging translation.

What Should the Japanese Translation Include?

If a Japanese translation is required, the translation should accurately reflect the information on your FBI Identity History Summary and any other document the receiving authority asks you to translate.

Before submitting it, check whether the authority requires:

• A complete Japanese translation of the FBI report
• Translation of the apostille as well
• The translator's name and signature
• A specific translation format or declaration

Requirements can vary between authorities in Japan. Confirm the exact format before having your FBI documents translated.

This is how Globeia brings the major FBI Background Check requirements together so Tokyo applicants can manage the process through one coordinated service.

Now you understand the key steps for completing an FBI Background Check from Tokyo, from arranging compliant fingerprints to submitting your documents to the FBI. Since errors can lead to delays or repeat fingerprinting, many Tokyo applicants choose to work with a professional provider such as Globeia.

Globeia can assist with FBI-compliant fingerprinting, document review, and coordinating the submission process from Tokyo to the United States.

Need FBI Fingerprinting in Tokyo?

Get your fingerprints captured professionally and submit the application through an organized workflow with Globeia’s FBI fingerprinting and coordination services in Tokyo.

Book your Tokyo FBI fingerprinting appointment with Globeia today.