How to Get an FBI Background Check in UK : A Complete Guide

If you're a UK resident and you need to evidence your criminal record status in the US, you would be required to get an FBI Background Check, otherwise known as an FBI Police Clearance or FBI Identity History Summary. 

Many UK residents require this certificate when applying for immigration, study abroad programs, US work visas, professional licensing or as part of an international job application. It is one of the most commonly requested documents when proving your criminal history status to government authorities, prospective employers and universities overseas.

The processes involved with obtaining an FBI check can be complex and often leads to confusion and errors. Typically, applicants in the UK get confused about the right fingerprinting forms (e.g. FBI FD-258 card), whether they need an apostille for international acceptance, delayed documents when sending overseas, and so on. An applicant's confusion can lead to trivial mistakes such as unclear fingerprints or missing information, resulting in rejection or considerable delays.

In this guide we're going to further identify what an FBI check is , who needs an FBI background check in the UK, the options available to apply for FBI background checks and a lot more about an FBI check.

An FBI Background Check, officially called an Identity History Summary, is a document that shows whether an individual has any criminal history recorded with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States.

The FBI check is generated by comparing your fingerprints against the FBI’s criminal justice database. If no record is found, the certificate will state that no criminal history exists. If records do exist, it will list arrest information, charges, and the outcome of those cases.

What does an FBI Background Check contain?

• Personal identifying details (name, date of birth, etc.)
• A summary of any arrests reported to the FBI
• Details of charges and dispositions (e.g., convictions, dismissals)
• Confirmation if no criminal record exists

Who needs an FBI Background Check in the UK?

UK-based individuals may need an FBI clearance for:

• U.S. visa or immigration applications (e.g., work permits, residency, green card processing)
• Professional licensing (teachers, healthcare workers, lawyers, financial professionals working in the U.S.)
• Adoption processes involving U.S. authorities
• Employment or study abroad in countries that request an FBI clearance certificate as proof of good conduct
• Long-term residency applications in countries like Spain, Portugal, or Canada, where U.S. citizens or residents must provide FBI checks

In short, the FBI clearance certificate is a vital legal document used internationally to confirm your background status.

If you are based in the UK and need an FBI police clearance, there are three main ways to apply. Each option has its own process, costs, and timelines - from mailing your application directly to the FBI, to using faster electronic channels, or choosing a third-party provider that manages everything for you.

Option 1: Apply Directly to the FBI by Mail

This is the traditional route many applicants take. Step-by-Step Process

Download and complete the FBI application form from the official FBI website.

Option 2: Submission via FBI-Approved Channels

The FBI authorizes a number of private companies, called approved channelers, to process requests electronically. Some of the well-known names include National Background Check, Accurate Biometrics, Biometrics4All, etc. This route is generally faster than mailing directly to the FBI, but UK applicants still face practical challenges. 

How It Works

• You must first get your fingerprints taken in the UK on the official FD-258 or FD-1164 card.
• These cards are then mailed to the U.S.-based channeler, as there is no fully digital submission option for fingerprints taken abroad.
• The channeler submits your request electronically to the FBI.
• Results are usually delivered faster, often within a few days via email.

Limitations

• Many channelers only return results to a U.S. mailing address or email, which complicates things for UK residents.
• They do not handle apostille or legalization, which is often required if the certificate is to be used outside the U.S.
• Applicants still need to arrange fingerprinting in the UK separately, which can increase the chances of mistakes or rejection.

A Better Approach

Some providers in the UK, for example, Globeia - use FBI-approved submission channels but also combine this step with fingerprinting and apostille support. This avoids the gaps left by standard channelers and makes the process smoother for international applicants.

Option 3: Using a Third-Party Service Provider

For many applicants in the UK, using a third-party provider is the most convenient option. These companies handle fingerprinting, FBI submission, apostille, and translation in one end-to-end service. What They Do

• Arrange professional fingerprinting in the UK to ensure FBI standards (FD-258 / FD-1164).
• Submit fingerprints securely to the FBI or an approved channeler.
• Manage apostille/legalization if your clearance needs to be recognized in the UK or abroad.
• Provide certified translations (if required).

Example: Companies like Globeia offer mobile fingerprinting appointments, so technicians come to you at your home, office, or coworking space. They then handle the FBI submission, apostille in the U.S., and delivery of your finalized document.

Let us explore step by step process for an FBI background check from the UK:

Step 1: Prepare Your Fingerprints

• You need to order an official FD-258/FD-1164 fingerprint card that the FBI requires for all background checks. 
• You can get fingerprints done at your local police department, at a private fingerprinting service, or utilizing third-party services such as Globeia, which will send trained technicians to ensure that the impressions are captured correctly.
• Using professional service significantly decreases the likelihood of fingerprint rejection by the FBI which happens quite often if a fingerprint is smudged, too light, or not rolled correctly prior to drying.

Step 2: Choose Your Submission Method

• Direct mail: Submit your fingerprints and application directly to the FBI. Slower due to international postage; errors in forms may require resubmission.
• Online submission via FBI-approved channels: Scan and upload your FD-258/FD-1164 card using approved providers; faster but requires careful formatting.
• Third-party provider (e.g., Globeia): Handles the entire submission for you, ensuring accuracy and faster processing, especially for applicants in the UK.

Step 3: Application Form and Identification

• Complete the Identity History Summary request form accurately.
• Provide proof of identity (passport or government-issued ID).
• Third-party providers can review your form for errors to avoid processing delays.

Step 4: Submission and Tracking

• Whether via mail or a third-party service, keep copies of all documents.
• Third-party providers often offer real-time tracking, so you know when your fingerprints and documents reach the FBI and when your check is processed.
• Direct submissions require constant follow-up and can lead to confusion or lost documents.

Step 5: Receive Your FBI Identity History Summary

• After processing, the FBI issues your Identity History Summary - commonly called the FBI Police Clearance.
• If you use a third-party service, documents are typically returned securely, sometimes faster than direct submission.
• Keep your FBI clearance safe; it may be needed for immigration, work, or professional licensing.

Step 6: Apostille (If Needed)

• While not required for use within the UK, an apostille is needed if your FBI clearance is submitted abroad (e.g., for visa, work, or study).
• Third-party providers can handle this step seamlessly, including translation into required languages if needed.
• This ensures your clearance is internationally recognized without extra trips or delays.

While an FBI background check is already recognized in the US, an apostille may be required for international use. Apostilles certify that the document is genuine, enabling foreign authorities to accept it without additional verification.

Countries That Commonly Require Apostille:

• European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Germany, and France.
• Middle East countries like UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
• Other countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention.

When Apostille Is Not Required:

• If you are only submitting your FBI clearance for use in the UK, an apostille is usually not needed.
• Domestic use, such as UK employment checks for US citizens, rarely requires additional authentication.

Using a provider that offers apostille services alongside fingerprinting and submission ensures you don’t need to coordinate multiple agencies or risk delays.

Obtaining an FBI background check from the UK can be straightforward, but several common hurdles often cause delays or errors:

• Fingerprint Rejection: The FBI is strict about fingerprint quality. Smudged, light, or improperly rolled prints on the FD-258/FD-1164 card can result in rejection, requiring a complete resubmission. Many UK applicants face this issue when attempting to do it themselves.

• Lost or Delayed Documents: International cases will naturally involve some delay. The process of mailing fingerprint cards and application forms can go wrong and the documents can experience delays or risks of being lost entirely. Missing documents can add undue drama to an already stressful experience and materially delay processing time. 

• Apostille Coordination: If you are obtaining an FBI clearance for international intents and purposes, you may need an apostille. Coordinating an apostille from the UK can seem complicated and coordinating this with different agencies and their mailing requirements can add to the confusion. 

• Incorrect Forms or Details: If you have the wrong forms, left fields blank, or you have provided the FBI with factual details that are wrong, the FBI can initiate a delay or a rejection of your application. Many applicants are unaware of specific requirements, such as FD-258 fingerprints. 

• Time-sensitive Applications: If you are applying for a visa, job, or educational purposes, delays in your FBI clearance may impact time limitations associated with obtaining a visa, or obtaining professional licensing. Timeliness is very important if you are consolidating time sensitive application requirements with the FBI.

• Filing an FBI background check from the UK may look simple, but small errors, like smudged fingerprints, filling out forms incorrectly, and the apostille, can cause significant delays. While completing the process yourself may appear to be the cheaper option, with rejections due to errors or omissions you can easily lose more time, effort, and frustration than it would be to use a third-party service.

• A trusted provider knows and specializes in working with the fingerprints required to meet FBI standards, and can take care of any apostille requests to be used internationally, so you do not have to deal with any multiple agencies or the risk of errors. The experience of the provider will also lower the rejection rate, ensuring your application is accepted the first time.

• In addition, third-party services will complete all the stages of the application process with ease. From collecting the correct fingerprints, to securely submitting them and following up, they will take care of the time-consuming process and will save you weeks of waiting and a lot of stress.

• For companies or individuals that have a deadline for work, study, or immigration reasons, the convenience, accuracy, and peace of mind a third-party service brings usually outweighs the extra cost. You will always worry when completing the process on your own. By paying a little bit more upfront you remove all the risk associated with getting your application submitted on time and without any unnecessary complications. 

Tips for a Successful FBI Background Check from the UK

• Ensure fingerprints are taken on the official FD-258 or FD-1164 card.
• Use rolled fingerprints to meet FBI standards and reduce rejection risk.
• Fill out the Identity History Summary request form accurately.
• Keep copies of all documents, including fingerprints and payment receipts.
• Plan for an apostille if your FBI clearance will be used internationally.
• Consider a trusted third-party provider for mobile fingerprinting, submission, and apostille handling.

Obtaining an FBI background check from the UK can seem complex due to fingerprinting requirements, form variations, and apostille needs. While it’s possible to apply directly or via online submission, many applicants face delays, errors, and rejected fingerprints when managing the process alone.

Using a trusted third-party service provider, like Globeia, offers a reliable alternative. They provide mobile fingerprinting across the UK, manage submissions for FBI and RCMP background checks, and handle apostille coordination for international use. By consolidating all steps under one roof, applicants save time, reduce errors, and ensure their documents are accepted abroad.

For professionals, expats, or anyone needing an FBI clearance from the UK, choosing a streamlined, expert service ensures a smoother, faster, and stress-free process - protecting your time and minimizing the risk of costly mistakes.