Your Complete Guide to FBI Background Checks in France

Are you a resident of Paris, France, and would like to request an FBI background check for an employment position, immigration purposes, to facilitate adoption, or for international travel? Completing the process from France could feel overwhelming, given all the forms, fingerprinting requirements, supporting documents (apostilled), and international mail logistics. This is precisely why we've created this complete guide to help you navigate the process in a simple, straightforward, actionable way. In this guide, you will learn:

• What an FBI background check is and why it’s needed in France.
• Step-by-step instructions to request your FBI record, including both direct FBI submissions and trusted third-party services (like Globeia).
• Fingerprinting options in Paris, from in-person locations to convenient mobile services.
• Processing times, so you can plan ahead.
• Tips, common mistakes, and FAQs specifically for residents in Paris and across France.

An FBI Criminal Record Check, or Identity History Summary, is a document created by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation that lists an individual's crime history in the United States, including arrests, convictions, and other instrumental criminal records that are identified to your identity. 

For Parisian residents, and others living across France, this is often required for international employment, visas, adoptions, or employment licensing, and is regarded by U.S. authorities as an official and trusted record of crime history, which when apostilled is accepted by foreign governments such as France. 

Unlike local French police certificates, which only report incidents that took place in France, an FBI check requires a full U.S. wide crime record, which is important for individuals who have lived, studied, or worked in the United States.

To acquire a background check from the FBI while living in France means that you will need to submit a fingerprint application to either the FBI directly or via one of their partners. This can be done while sitting in your own home watching Netflix if you live in Paris. 

Important Notes for Residents of France: 

• Fingerprinting is required to be submitted for the FBI. Prints can be collected locally in Paris from approved agents or they may also be completed through mobile print services. Mobile services would then send the prints to the FBI safely. 
• An apostille or translation may be necessary for the French authorities to recognize your FBI record. 
• If you apply to the FBI directly it may take a number of weeks to process; alternatively, trusted worldwide services may be able to provide support to process faster, ship safely and provide accurate completion of the form. 
• This process will provide official verification of your criminal history (if any) from the United States, as needed and be an accurate reference for professional, legal and hazardous dashboards in France.

FBI background checks are increasingly requested by French authorities and employers in Paris for multiple purposes:

• Employment: Many multinational companies, international schools, and security-sensitive employers in Paris require a U.S. criminal history check for candidates who have lived or worked in the U.S.
• Immigration and Visas: Certain visa categories, such as long-term work or family visas, may require applicants to provide an FBI background check as proof of good conduct.
• Travel or Residency Abroad: Some countries require proof of U.S. criminal history even for French residents traveling internationally.
• Professional Licensing and Adoption: Professions like healthcare, education, or law, as well as adoption processes in France, often require a verified FBI criminal record to meet regulatory standards.

Essentially, if you have any history or connection with the U.S., an FBI check ensures that your international applications and legal processes in France proceed smoothly.

While both an FBI background check and a French police record provide information about a person’s criminal history, they differ significantly in scope, purpose, and coverage:

1.Geographical Coverage:

• A French police certificate only covers criminal convictions and records within France.
• An FBI criminal record check covers criminal history throughout the United States, including arrests, convictions, and other identity-related criminal information.

2.Purpose and Recognition:

• French police records are typically required for domestic procedures, such as employment in France, professional licensing, or adoption within France.
• FBI checks are needed when French residents have lived, studied, or worked in the U.S., or when international authorities, employers, or visa programs require verification of U.S. criminal history.

3.Format and Authentication:

• French police certificates are issued by the Ministere de la Justice and usually do not require fingerprinting.
• FBI checks require fingerprints and can be apostilled for legal recognition in France or other countries.

For residents in Paris, understanding this distinction ensures that you request the correct document for your specific legal, professional, or immigration needs.

For residents of Paris and across France, obtaining an FBI background check requires careful preparation to ensure your application meets the FBI’s strict requirements. The process involves verifying identity, submitting fingerprints, and ensuring the document can be recognized for legal purposes in France.

Who Can Apply from France

• Any French resident, including citizens, permanent residents, or individuals living in Paris, who needs a criminal record check for U.S. purposes can apply.
• Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens; however, an FBI background check only includes criminal history recorded in the United States.
• Typical applicants include:

Required Identification: To request an FBI background check from Paris or anywhere in France, applicants must provide government-issued identification to verify their identity. This may include a passport, national ID, or other official documents recognized by the FBI or the submission channel.

The identification provided should be current, legible, and consistent with the details on your fingerprint card and application forms. Ensuring accurate and valid ID helps prevent delays or rejection of your FBI background check.

Fingerprinting Requirements: Fingerprinting is a mandatory step for all FBI background checks:

• The FBI requires either standard FD-258/FD-1164 ink fingerprint cards or digital fingerprint submissions.
• In Paris, fingerprints can be collected:

-At accredited fingerprinting agencies.

• Fingerprints must be clear and complete to avoid rejection by the FBI.
• The fingerprint card is submitted along with the FBI application (either directly by mail or through a trusted service).

Apostille and Legalization for Use in France: If you need your FBI background check for official purposes in France, such as employment, visa applications, or adoption:

• The FBI-issued record must be authenticated with an Apostille under the Hague Convention.
• In most cases, the U.S. department of State provides the Apostille for FBI checks.
• Once apostilled, the FBI background check is legally recognized by French authorities and can be translated into French if required.
• Apostille ensures your document is accepted across France, including Paris, without additional legalization steps.

Residents of Paris and across France have multiple options for obtaining an FBI background check. Each method has its advantages and limitations, depending on your timeline, comfort with paperwork, and need for additional services like apostille or translation.

Option 1: Direct Application to the FBI

You can apply directly to the FBI either online or via mail:

• Online Submission via FBI Channels: Some applicants can submit fingerprints digitally through FBI-approved systems.
• Mail Submission from France: Applicants can send the FD-258/ FD-1164 fingerprint card and completed application forms to the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in the U.S.
• Required Forms: Includes the FD-258/FD-1164 Fingerprint Card and applicant information form.

Option 2: Using Trusted Third-Party Services (e.g., Globeia)

Third-party services act as intermediaries between Paris-based applicants and the FBI, guiding the entire process from start to finish. How They Help:

• Assist with filling forms correctly.
• Coordinate fingerprint collection locally or via mobile services in Paris.
• Handle international mailing securely.
• Provide apostille and translation support for use in France.

Pros:

• Most convenient option: Handles all steps in one package.
• Faster and more reliable: Reduces risk of rejected fingerprints or incomplete forms.
• End-to-end support: Apostille, translation, and delivery included.
• Example: A Paris resident applying for an international visa can complete the process entirely online, have fingerprints collected locally, and receive an apostilled FBI record without needing to manage multiple submissions.

Cons:

• Slightly higher cost than direct FBI submission.
• Requires trusting a third-party provider, though reputable services maintain strict privacy and security standards.

Option 3: FBI Channeler Services

FBI Channelers are FBI-approved companies that submit applications on your behalf while still maintaining official FBI processing.

Fingerprinting is a required step for an FBI background check. There are several options for residents in Paris and France generally, for both a location to be fingerprinted in person, and also having the fingerprinting brought to you, ensuring the location is convenient and meets FBI requirements. 

• In-Person Fingerprinting Locations

In-person fingerprinting provides options for residents in Paris to have their fingerprints taken at a location approved for this purpose, typically a police station or private fingerprinting agency. A police station will likely collect the fingerprint, possibly under a policy for FBI-compliance, however, it is acknowledged that such a service will be limited, if available at all, and possibly only on a restricted basis. 

Private fingerprinting agencies specifically collect fingerprints for FBI compliance and are sometimes familiar with their international application process. However, there are several fingerprint agencies located in the districts near the center of Paris, who are approved to collect fingerprints, and provide mailing, for your FBI-compliant fingerprints. 

• Mobile Fingerprinting Services in Paris

Mobile fingerprinting services provide the most convenience for residents of Paris. A certified technician will come to your home, office, or other preferred location to collect FBI-compliant fingerprints. This is especially helpful for busy professionals and corporate clients with multiple submissions. Mobile fingerprinting services follow strict FBI standards and often work with trusted third-party providers for secure submission and tracking, as well as any additional steps (e.g., apostille or translation). 

Mobile fingerprinting eliminates the hassle of travel, saves time, and simply makes the simpler process better suited to those individuals or organizations overseeing multiple applicants in Paris. 

• Digital Fingerprints vs Ink Cards

The FBI accepts both traditional ink fingerprint cards (FD-258) and digital fingerprints for background checks. Ink cards are the traditional, accepted method, but care must be taken in the inking process to avoid smudged or rejected ink cards. Digital fingerprints are taken electronically and securely and then transmitted to the FBI. This reduces errors and speeds up the process. 

When allowing digital fingerprints and other preferred methods of ink cards, we simply need you to choose the method that works best to ensure your FBI background check application goes as smoothly as possible while also meeting all of the official requirements.

Applying for an FBI background check while living in Paris or elsewhere in France involves a few structured steps. Following them carefully ensures your request is processed smoothly and accepted by French authorities.

Step 1: Collect Your Fingerprints

• Have your fingerprints taken on the FBI’s official FD-258/FD-1164 card. In Paris, this can be  done at certain police stations, private fingerprinting agencies, or via mobile fingerprinting services.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

• Complete the required FBI forms with your personal details. Make sure the information matches your identification documents and fingerprint card exactly. Copies of government-issued ID may be required, depending on how you apply.

Step 3: Submit to the FBI

• You can send your application directly to the FBI by mail, use an FBI Channeler, or rely on a third-party service provider. Third-party services often handle secure submission and guide you through additional requirements, making the process simpler for Paris residents.

Step 4: Request Apostille

• If you need your FBI background check for official use in France, it must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. This step confirms the document’s authenticity for international recognition. Many applicants in Paris choose third-party providers who can handle the apostille on their behalf.

Step 5: Translate into French (if required)

• For legal or administrative use in France, the FBI background check usually needs a certified French translation. Ensure the translation is accurate and notarized, so it is accepted by employers, immigration authorities, or courts in Paris.

If you need to use your FBI background check for official purposes in France, the documents must first be authenticated with an Apostille under the Hague Convention. An Apostille attests to the authenticity of the original document issued by the FBI and makes it legally acceptable to French authorities. 

Translation Requirements (French Translation of FBI Check)

French authorities typically require FBI background checks to be translated into French. The translation should be certified or notarized, ensuring it accurately reflects the content of the original FBI document. For residents in Paris, many third-party providers like Globeia or professional translators can handle this step, often as part of a full-service package that includes apostille and secure delivery. Proper translation ensures your FBI record is accepted for job applications, visas, or legal procedures in France.

• Incorrect or Inconsistent Application Details: Ensure names, dates, and personal information match across forms, fingerprint cards, and identification.
• Fingerprint Rejections: Avoid smudged, incomplete, or unclear fingerprints by using trained technicians or mobile services in Paris.
• Incomplete Applications: Double-check that all required forms and signatures are included before submission.
• Delays Due to International Mailing: Plan ahead for postal transit times and consider expedited or tracked mailing options.
• Apostille and Translation Issues: Use trusted services to handle apostille and certified French translation to prevent legal or administrative delays.
• Lack of Guidance: Seek assistance from reputable providers to navigate the process efficiently and reduce errors.

• Select the appropriate submission method: mail, in-person, or mobile, depending on convenience and timelines. 
• Plan around any visa or employment deadlines to avoid timeliness issues.
• Keep copies of everything related to the process, including fingerprints and forms, for your records and future use.
• You may want to consider utilizing a trusted organization like Globeia to streamline the process and help ensure compliance with the French and FBI requirements.
• Confirm that any translation or apostille is properly completed to allow for acceptance in Paris and throughout France.

Completing the FBI background check from Paris can feel complicated, but it can be a simple process if you plan well, provide an accurate set of fingerprints, and submit the documents appropriately. You have the option to apply for a background check directly or you can work with an FBI channeler or trusted third-party company like Globeia. These options all require the same basic elements of fingerprints, apostille, or French translation to ensure it will be accepted for a job, visa, immigration or adoption. 

With careful preparation, avoiding common mistakes, and professional support when needed, residents of Paris should expect a successful and easy approach to their FBI background check and be confident with the end result.