FBI Background Check

Published on September 25, 2024 . Last updated on June 04, 2026

Globeia

How to Get an FBI Background Check from Croatia

Obtaining an FBI Background Check while living in Croatia can feel more complicated than completing the same process from within the United States. Many applicants are asked to provide this document as part of an immigration application, employment screening, professional licensing process, residency application, or other official requirement, but are often unsure where to begin once they are outside the U.S.

The good news is that you do not need to travel to the United States to start the process. Fingerprints can be collected in Croatia and used as part of an FBI Identity History Summary application. The key is understanding the documentation requirements, fingerprint requirements, and any additional steps that may be needed depending on where the final document will be used.

Whether you are preparing documents for a government authority, employer, licensing body, or immigration program, understanding the process in advance can help reduce delays and avoid unnecessary resubmissions later in the application journey.

Why Are U.S. Authorities Requesting an FBI Identity History Summary?

An FBI Identity History Summary is often requested when an organization or government authority needs an official record review conducted by the United States. The document helps verify identity and provides information that may be relevant to the purpose of the application.

While the requirement is commonly associated with immigration, it appears in many different situations. Applicants living in Croatia may be asked to provide an FBI Identity History Summary for:

Immigration and residency applications.
Employment screening and onboarding.
Professional licensing and certification.
Adoption and family-related legal matters.
Volunteer programs and international placements.
Government or security-sensitive positions.

The reason for the request can vary, but the goal is usually the same: allowing the receiving authority to review an official record issued by the FBI as part of its decision-making process.

In some cases, the FBI Identity History Summary forms only one part of a broader documentation package that may also include translations, apostilles, or other supporting records.

What Information Does an FBI Background Check Contain?

An FBI Background Check is an official record issued by the FBI based on the fingerprints submitted with the application.

The document is used to confirm identity and report whether information associated with the applicant exists within the FBI's records. The exact content varies from person to person, depending on the records held by the FBI.

In general, the report is linked to:

The applicant's identity information.
Fingerprint-based record matching.
Information is maintained within FBI record systems.
The outcome of the FBI's record search.

For many applicants, the document serves as supporting evidence for immigration, employment, licensing, or legal processes where an official U.S. background verification is required.

It is important to remember that the FBI issues the Identity History Summary directly. Organizations requesting the document use it as part of their own review process and may have additional requirements beyond the FBI-issued report itself.

Can You Apply for an FBI Background Check While Living in Croatia?

Yes. You do not need to be physically present in the United States to apply for an FBI Background Check.

Many U.S. citizens, former U.S. residents, expatriates, and international applicants complete the process while living abroad. The application can be initiated from Croatia as long as the required fingerprints and application information are prepared according to FBI requirements.

For applicants outside the United States, the process generally involves:

Collecting fingerprints on the appropriate FBI fingerprint card format.
Preparing the required application information.
Submit the fingerprint records through the appropriate process.
Receiving the FBI Identity History Summary once the request has been completed.

Applicants should also consider whether the final document will require additional steps such as an apostille or certified translation, particularly when it is being submitted to a foreign authority.

Why Do Fingerprints Matter in the FBI Identity History Summary Process?

Fingerprints are the foundation of the FBI Identity History Summary process. Rather than relying only on names or personal details, the FBI uses fingerprints to match an application to the correct records within its systems.

This approach helps reduce the possibility of identity mismatches, particularly in cases where individuals may share similar names or personal information.

For this reason, the quality and accuracy of the fingerprint capture process are important. Smudged, incomplete, or improperly prepared fingerprints can create complications during record matching and may result in requests for new fingerprint submissions.

Element	Purpose
Fingerprints	Used to verify identity and search FBI records
Personal Information	Helps confirm the applicant's identity
Supporting Documents	Used to support the application where required

Although applicants often focus on the final report, the fingerprint collection stage is one of the most important parts of the process because it enables the FBI to conduct the identity-based record search that produces the FBI Background Check result.

What Additional Documents Might Be Needed Alongside an FBI Identity History Summary?

In many cases, the FBI Identity History Summary is only one document within a larger application package. Immigration authorities, employers, licensing bodies, and government agencies may request additional documentation before the application can be completed.

One of the most common requirements is an apostille, which may be needed when the FBI-issued document is being presented in another country. An apostille helps verify the authenticity of the document for international use under the applicable international framework.

Depending on the purpose of the application, applicants may also be asked to provide:

Certified translations
Copies of identity documents
Application-specific forms
Supporting immigration, employment, or licensing records

Documents That May Be Requested Alongside an FBI Identity History Summary

Document	When It May Be Needed
Apostille	International use of the FBI-issued document
Certified Translation	When documents must be submitted in another language
Identity Documents	To support identity verification requirements
Additional Forms	Depending on the receiving authority's requirements

Identifying these requirements early can help applicants coordinate document preparation and avoid unnecessary delays later in the process.

How Does Globeia Support FBI Identity History Summary Applications from Croatia?

For many applicants, the challenge is not simply obtaining fingerprints. It ensures that the correct fingerprint format is used, identity details are verified properly, and all supporting documentation is prepared for the intended application.

Globeia supports FBI Identity History Summary applications from Croatia through a structured process designed to help applicants coordinate these requirements before submission.

How the Process Works

The process begins with Globeia SmartForm, where applicants provide key information about their application and documentation requirements. This allows the appropriate fingerprint format and supporting requirements to be reviewed before the appointment takes place.

Once the booking is confirmed, a trained associate can meet the applicant at a home, office, hotel, coworking space, or other suitable location, depending on availability.

Before fingerprints are collected, identity verification procedures are completed. This may include document verification and Face ID verification checks where required, helping ensure that the applicant's identity details are accurately linked to the fingerprint records.

Fingerprints are then collected in the appropriate official fingerprint card format required for the application, such as FD-258 or FD-1164 for FBI Identity History Summary requests.

Following fingerprint collection, applicants may also require additional documentation support depending on where the FBI-issued document will be used. Globeia can assist with coordinating these requirements through a single point of contact, helping applicants avoid managing multiple service providers separately.

For U.S. applications, fingerprint cards may be mailed or couriered to Globeia Inc. in the USA for coordination of FBI Background Check applications.

Why Applicants Choose Globeia

Feature	Globeia
SmartForm pre-appointment intake process	Yes
Mobile fingerprinting appointments	Yes
Trained associates	Yes
Identity verification procedures	Yes
Face ID verification support	Yes
Fingerprint collection on FD-258 / FD-1164 cards	Yes
Letter of Identity Verification	Yes
Apostille coordination support	Yes
Certified translation support	Yes
Coordination of FBI Identity History Summary applications	Yes

Letter of Identity Verification

As part of the process, applicants may also receive a Letter of Identity Verification.

The Letter of Identity Verification is issued by Globeia and is not issued by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the FBI or any government authority.

The document serves as an additional record confirming that fingerprint collection and identity verification procedures were completed through Globeia's process.

Please note that Globeia does not directly apostille official government documents and does not perform apostille services on behalf of any government authority. All apostille and authentication requests are submitted by our company to the designated competent government authority on your behalf.

Conclusion

An FBI Identity History Summary is a common requirement for immigration, employment, licensing, legal, and residency-related applications, even when applicants are living outside the United States. While the process can be completed from Croatia, it often involves more than fingerprint collection alone, especially when additional requirements such as apostilles, translations, or supporting documentation are involved.

Understanding the requirements early, using the correct fingerprint format, and ensuring identity information is accurate can help reduce unnecessary delays and keep applications moving forward.

For applicants in Croatia, having access to mobile fingerprinting, identity verification support, and coordination services can make the process easier to manage, particularly when multiple documents or international authorities are involved.

FAQs

Which fingerprint card is used for an FBI Background Check?

The FBI generally requires fingerprints to be taken on official fingerprint card formats such as FD-258 or FD-1164, depending on the type of application. Using the correct format is important because incorrect or incomplete fingerprint cards may result in delays or rejection of the application.

Can fingerprinting be arranged at my home or office in Croatia?

Yes. Depending on availability, mobile fingerprinting can be arranged at residential addresses, offices, hotels, coworking spaces, or other suitable locations in Croatia. This allows applicants to complete the fingerprinting process without needing to travel to a fixed location.

Do I need fingerprints for every FBI Background Check application?

Yes. An FBI Background Check is based on fingerprint identification, which is used to match the applicant’s identity against records in the FBI system. Because of this, properly captured fingerprints are a required part of the application process and must meet quality standards for successful processing.

Will I need an apostille for my FBI Background Check?

In some cases, an apostille may be required depending on the country or authority requesting the FBI Background Check. It is typically needed when the document must be legally recognized for international use. Since requirements vary by destination, applicants should confirm this before final submission.

Do I need certified translations with my FBI Background Check?

Certified translations may be required if the receiving authority does not accept documents in English. This depends on the country and the purpose of the application, such as immigration, employment, or licensing. Translation requirements should always be checked in advance to avoid delays.

Is the FBI Background Check issued by Globeia?

No. The FBI Background Check is issued directly by the FBI. Globeia does not issue the document. Globeia supports applicants through fingerprint collection, identity verification, and coordination of related application services to help ensure the submission is prepared correctly.

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

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