How to Get a USA Background Check from France

Most people applying for a USA background check from France are working against a deadline. Maybe it's a new job. Maybe it's a residency permit or a French authority asking for proof of your US record. Whatever the reason, the process is easier when you know what to expect. This blog covers how to apply, what to prepare, and how to avoid the mistakes that cause delays.

When someone asks for a USA background check in France, what they're actually requesting is your FBI Identity History Summary. This shows the official record of your criminal history, or lack of one, in the United States. The FBI runs a background check using your fingerprints against its databases and pulls everything linked to you that’s present in its system.

Specifically, the report may include:

• Arrests and criminal charges.
• Disposition information reported to the FBI.
• Convictions, sentences served, and probation records.

If your fingerprints don't match anything in the FBI's system, the report simply states that no record was found. That's a common outcome for people who were never booked or fingerprinted in the US. For many applicants, that's exactly what they need to prove.

The FBI's eDO portal can be used by France-based applicants for payment and application initiation only. However, electronic fingerprint capture through eDO is only available within the United States. France-based applicants must still collect rolled ink fingerprints on official FD-258/FD-1164 cards and mail them to the FBI regardless of whether they use the eDO portal.

What changes is how communication and tracking are managed. The digital path makes it relatively easier than the traditional mail-in process. Also, you will need to decide how much of the logistics you manage yourself. Some applicants handle everything directly. Others use a provider to take the fingerprints locally and submit them on their behalf.

Whichever path you choose, the sequence of steps you take will be the same.

1. Complete the Application

Fill out the FBI application form with your personal details. If you're using the eDO portal, you can do this online. Otherwise, download and print the form. Either way, double-check every field against your passport before moving on.

2. Pay the Fee

The FBI currently charges $18 per request, but the fee is subject to change. Payment options vary depending on whether you apply through the FBI's eDO system or by mail. Refer to the FBI's current instructions before submitting your application.

3. Get Fingerprinted in France

You need rolled-ink impressions on an FD-258 or FD-1164 card. This should only be done by a professional. Digital fingerprint capture is only available within the United States. All France-based applicants must submit rolled ink fingerprints on official FD-258/FD-1164 cards regardless of the method.

See what's available near you. Some police stations in France offer the service, though many don't. Private providers and mobile fingerprinting services are common alternatives.

4. Mail Your Fingerprint Card

Once your prints are on the card and the form is complete, courier everything to:

FBI CJIS Division - Summary Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306, USA

Use a tracked service like DHL or FedEx. International post without tracking makes it difficult to locate your package.

5. Wait for Results

Processing times vary and are completely controlled by the FBI. The FBI will send your report by the delivery method you selected - digital PDF or physical mail.

According to the US Embassy in Paris, they do not provide fingerprinting services for private requests. They also note that many local police stations in France no longer offer the service. Due to this, it has become difficult for US citizens to get fingerprints taken while living overseas.

So where does that leave you?

• Police Stations: If you want to try this route, call before you go. Ask directly whether they take rolled-ink fingerprints for a US background check and whether they can print onto an FD-258 or FD-1164 card.
• Fingerprinting Providers in Paris: There are several independent fingerprinting providers in Paris. They're more likely to be familiar with FBI standards. If you live in or near Paris, this option is worth exploring.
  Read More: Fingerprinting in Paris
• Mobile Fingerprinting Services: If visiting a fixed location doesn't fit your schedule, a mobile fingerprinting service by Globeia can be the most convenient choice. A trained associate comes to your home or office, brings the correct fingerprinting card, and captures your prints on the spot.

If you need further submission coordination, we can mail your prints and application to Globeia Inc. in the USA for submission to the FBI.

Getting Fingerprinted Outside Paris: What Changes?

If you live in Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, you have access to independent fingerprinting providers who handle FBI cards regularly. Outside these cities, options are limited.

In smaller cities like Bordeaux, Toulouse, or Strasbourg, you may find a provider with some searching. In rural areas, think Dordogne, Brittany, or the Alps, the nearest option could be hours away.

This is where mobile fingerprinting becomes more than a convenience. It's the only practical solution. A provider like Globeia travels to your location in France, so the service is the same whether you're in central Paris or a village in Provence.

The FBI publishes detailed guidelines on proper fingerprint recording. An experienced fingerprinting provider knows them. But how you prepare in the hours before your appointment matters just as much. Here's what you can do.

• Hydrate your skin. Dry skin flattens your ridges. Drink water and use a heavy moisturizer on your hands before bed. Skip lotion the morning of.
• Avoid harsh soaps and sanitizers. Alcohol, sanitizers, and dish soap strip your skin. Use mild soap only for 24 hours before your appointment.
• Cool your hands. Heat and sweat cause ink to bleed. Wash with cold water right before your session and dry thoroughly.
• Stay relaxed. Don't press or guide your fingers. Let the technician control the roll. Tension causes slips and smudges.
• Ask for a backup card. A second set of prints saves you from redoing everything if one gets rejected.

Avoid these mistakes for a smooth application process for a USA background check in France.

Once your package leaves France, you might want to check the status of your application. These are a few ways you can use to track:

• Courier tracking. If you used DHL, FedEx, or a similar service, track your package to confirm it reached the FBI.
• eDO confirmation email. If you applied through the eDO portal, the confirmation email you received after payment includes details for checking your application status online.
• Third-party portals. Some providers offer their own tracking system. Globeia's SmartPortal, for example, lets you follow your application from submission to result.

The FBI does not offer a public tracking portal for international mail-in applications. If you applied directly by mail and used standard post, your visibility is limited until results arrive.

Knowing how to get a USA Background Check from France isn't much of a struggle - preparation is key. Choose the application method that's right for you and make sure all the important steps are followed properly. Then ensure compliance with the FBI's specifications so that your submission is successful. You can also consider using a trusted third-party service provider like Globeia. Apply for a USA background check from France using Globeia’s service.