FBI Background Check from United Kingdom

Get Your FBI Background Check from the UK with Globeia

A DBS check only covers your time in the UK. If you've lived in the United States, you may also be asked to provide an FBI background check Also known as an FBI criminal record check or Identity History Summary check, UK authorities request this document to verify an applicant’s criminal history before approving legal, professional, or immigration applications.

Globeia helps individuals in the United Kingdom obtain their FBI background check from the UK with a fully guided, digital process. From mobile fingerprint capture on official FBI cards (FD-258 / FD-1164) to digital application submission, result delivery, and optional apostille services, Globeia UK coordinates the whole process through Globeia Inc. in the USA. You can rest assured there are no third-party vendors or intermediaries involved.

Starting from $90 USD

*The processing time depends on the type of application selected, mailing time, and any backlogs at the FBI.

Create an Account

Complete the Application

Complete Payment

Mail Original Fingerprints

Receive the results

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Fill the form, and Globeia will take care of the rest.

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FBI Background Check from the UK: Processing Time, Cost & Delivery

The process from submitting your FBI background check application to getting your report in the UK varies depending on your applicant status and the services you require. Before you start, setting clear expectations for the expected turnaround time, costs, required documents, and available delivery options, can be worthwhile.

FBI Background Check for

For Citizens / Green Card Holders

For Non-Citizens / Non-Green Card Holders

1. Turnaround Time

1-3 days after submission to the FBI*

2-3 weeks after FBI received the application*

2. Cost

$140 USD

$90 USD

3. FBI Apostille

Starting $110 USD

4. Additional Services

Apostille through US Department of State and translation if needed

US Department of State apostille coordination and translation if required

5. Delivery Options

Secure PDF or international courier to your address in UK (if requested)

Disclaimer: Processing times are estimates only. Final turnaround is determined by the FBI and may vary depending on the application method, applicant status, processing volumes, and any additional review requirements. Courier transit times are not included. Pricing varies according to the services selected.

How to Get an FBI Background Check from the United Kingdom

The entire application can be completed while you're in the United Kingdom. Here's how Globeia coordinates your application from the UK.

Step 1: Submit Your Online Application: Start your application by completing Globeia's secure SmartForm. Enter your personal information, select the purpose of your FBI background check, choose your preferred delivery method, and add any additional services if required. You’ll be prompted to complete the payment.

Step 2: Get Your Fingerprints: Get your fingerprints captured on the official FD-258/FD-1164 fingerprint card with the help of local authorities or private agencies. Globeia’s trained associates are available across the UK to provide fingerprinting at your doorstep. They will bring the right cards and materials.

Step 3: Mail Your Original Fingerprint Card: Mail your completed original fingerprint card to Globeia Inc. in the US using the shipping instructions provided through your SmartPortal. The FBI only accepts original fingerprint cards for processing.
If they were captured by our associate, you can skip this step, as we’ll coordinate the whole process after mobile fingerprinting in the UK.

Step 4: Application Review and Submission Coordination: Once your fingerprint card arrives, Globeia Inc. reviews your documents to confirm they meet FBI requirements before coordinating submission to the FBI. If you've requested additional services, such as a U.S. Department of State apostille or document translation, these are coordinated after your FBI results are issued.

Step 5: Receive Your FBI Identity History Summary: After the FBI completes processing, your Identity History Summary is delivered according to your selected option. You can receive a secure digital copy, international courier delivery to your address in the UK, or both, depending on the services you've chosen.

Steps to Obtain a FBI Background Check for United Kingdom

Submit Your Online Application

Get Your Fingerprints

Mail Your Original Fingerprint Card

Application Review and Submission Coordination

Receive Your FBI Identity History Summary

FBI-Compliant Fingerprinting in the UK

Unlike many UK background checks, the FBI still relies on ink fingerprint cards for most overseas applicants. This means the quality of your fingerprint card directly affects whether your application can be processed.

Applicants in the United Kingdom can have their fingerprints taken by a qualified fingerprinting provider or another authorised agency experienced in overseas fingerprinting. Alternatively, you can complete your fingerprinting at your home, office, hotel, or another convenient location with Globeia.

Our fingerprinting associates use official FD-258 and FD-1164 fingerprint cards and follow FBI fingerprinting standards to help ensure your application is ready for submission.

Common reasons FBI fingerprint cards are rejected

Smudged or blurred fingerprint impressions.

Fingerprints that are too light or over-inked.

Incomplete rolled impressions or missing fingerprints.

Incorrect or incomplete personal information on the fingerprint card.

Fingerprints captured on a non-compliant card.

Damaged, folded, or altered fingerprint cards.

By checking fingerprint quality before your appointment ends, Globeia helps reduce the likelihood of avoidable rejections and repeat appointments, giving you greater confidence that your application is ready for FBI processing.

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Planning Your FBI Background Check Application from the UK?

Preparing the right information before you begin can help your application move forward smoothly.

You may need an FBI Background Check if you're applying for:

Immigration, residency, or visa applications requiring proof of your U.S. criminal record history.

Employment with UK or international employers conducting overseas background screening.

Professional registration with licensing or regulatory bodies.

Adoption, legal proceedings, or other government applications.

Immigration or employment applications in another country after relocating from the United Kingdom.

Before you begin your application, have the following ready:

Completed FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprint cards with clear rolled fingerprint impressions.

A valid government-issued photo ID, such as your passport or UK photocard driving licence, for identity verification.

Your application details, including previous U.S. names or addresses (if applicable), and payment confirmation.

A UK delivery address if you'd like your original FBI Background Check or apostilled documents returned by courier.

Supporting documents for additional services, such as a U.S. Department of State apostille, certified translation, or proof of a legal name change where applicable.

Why Choose Globeia for Your FBI Background Check from the UK?

Globeia’s services combine cutting-edge technology with human expertise to ensure a seamless experience. Here’s what sets Globeia apart:

Trusted by 30,000+ applicants worldwide for international background checks, fingerprinting, and document legalization.

4.9-star Google rating, reflecting our commitment to accuracy, transparency, and customer service.

Mobile FBI fingerprinting across the UK, with appointments available at any location that’s convenient for you.

Digital-first approach using SmartForm which allows you to apply in minutes.

SmartPortal tracking, providing real-time updates as your application progresses.

With Globeia, you get trustworthy, time-saving, and hassle-free FBI application coordination that meet global standards and UK requirements.

Apostille, Authentication & Legalization for Your FBI Background Check

An FBI background check is accepted in its original form for many applications. But some immigration authorities, employers, licensing bodies, and government agencies may require the document to undergo additional legalization before it can be recognised internationally.

Do You Need an FBI Apostille from the UK?

It depends. If your destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your FBI Identity History Summary may need a U.S. Department of State apostille before it can be accepted by the receiving authority.
Once your FBI report is issued, Globeia coordinates the entire apostille process through the U.S. Department of State. Because applications are managed through Globeia's own Washington, D.C. office, located just minutes from the Office of Authentications, there are fewer handoffs between providers.

My destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention

Then you don’t need an apostille for authentication. Instead, your FBI background check must first be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and then legalized by the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
Globeia can coordinate this process on your behalf as well. We help ensure your FBI document follows the correct legalization pathway without you having to manage multiple government authorities or international service providers.

Benefits of Choosing Globeia

Fast Process

Choosing Globeia benefits you by completing your apostille quickly.

Without Error

With Globeia, you can experience 100% accurate results and avoid rejections due to mistakes.

Expert Partners

Globeia has associates in the state who will help in processing the documents quickly.

Highly Rated

Globeia's apostille services are highly rated in the USA, with 100% client satisfaction results.

Most Affordable Prices

Globeia offers the cheapest prices for apostille documents in all 50 states of the USA compared to others.

Frequently
Asked Questions

What is an FBI criminal record check for UK residents?

An FBI criminal record check, also known as an FBI identity history summary or FBI criminal record check, provides a complete criminal background report from the United States. UK residents need this for visa, immigration, employment, or residency applications to comply with legal and security requirements.

I’m not a UK citizen or resident. Can I still apply for my FBI background check through Globeia?

Yes, anyone physically present in the United Kingdom can apply, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Globeia’s process is location-based, so as long as you can complete your fingerprints in the UK and receive your result at a valid delivery address, your application can be coordinated without requiring UK residency.

Can I use the same FBI Identity History Summary for both my UK visa application and a job offer?

An FBI Identity History Summary is a comprehensive record of your federal criminal history and can be used for multiple purposes as long as it’s considered valid as per the requirements of each requesting authority. But some authorities require a check issued within a specific timeframe, so applicants should verify individual validity periods.

How long does it take to get an FBI criminal record check in the UK?

Standard FBI background checks from the United Kingdom take 2-3 weeks for non-citizens and 1-3 days for US citizens excluding the mailing period. But the processing times are entirely controlled by the FBI, so they can change. Additional time may apply for apostille or translation services.

Do UK immigration authorities accept the secure PDF version of my FBI report, or must I request a physical copy?

Acceptance varies by the specific UK authority; many now allow a digital PDF, but some still insist on an original physical document. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to confirm the required format, and Globeia offers both digital and international courier delivery to ensure the result matches what the requesting office demands.

Do I need to mail my original passport or photo ID to Globeia as part of the application?

No, original identity documents do not need to be mailed. Applicants submit clear, legible copies of valid government-issued photo IDs through the secure SmartForm for identity verification. The originals are only shown to the fingerprinting associate at the appointment for in-person validation.

My name has changed since I lived in the United States. How can I ensure my FBI check covers all my previous names?

Applicants must provide official proof of any name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll. Globeia includes this supporting documentation with the FBI submission so the resulting Identity History Summary accurately reflects all names used, preventing mismatches with immigration or employment records.

How can I track the real-time status of my FBI background check application?

Globeia provides a SmartPortal where applicants can log in to see live status updates for every stage, from fingerprint card receipt in the US through to FBI processing and result delivery. Notifications are also sent at key milestones so the applicant always knows the current progress without needing to call.

Do I need to provide my US Social Security Number to apply for the FBI background check?

No, a Social Security Number is not mandatory, especially for overseas applicants who never held one. The FBI application form may include a field for it, but it can be left blank when not applicable, and Globeia guides applicants through completing the form correctly without an SSN.

I need my FBI background check translated into a language other than English for a UK authority.Can you help?

Yes, Globeia can coordinate a certified translation of the FBI report into the required language. Once the Identity History Summary is issued, the translation is handled by qualified professionals familiar with official document standards, ensuring the translated document aligns with what the requesting authority expects.

Client Testimonials

We are honored to have served thousands of customers just like you who place their trust in our services.

Peter

"As a law firm in Lyon, we rely on Globeia for FBI and RCMP fingerprinting Lyon for our clients. Their Smart Portal and mobile fingerprinting Lyon make client submissions seamless, fast, and fully compliant."

Nicole Tal

"The FBI Criminal Record Check process was seamless with Globeia. They offer expert advice, secure processing, and the option for apostille if needed - all from Australia!"

Layla H

"Getting my RCMP fingerprints done for Canadian immigration used to be stressful. Globeia’s mobile fingerprinting service came to my office, captured everything accurately, and handled the submission. Fast, professional, and fully compliant!"

Laura K

"I needed an FBI Criminal Record Check for my U.S. visa. Globeia Berlin managed everything from document upload to secure mailing. Got my results in just 3 days - highly professional service!"

Liz Bannerman

"Fantastic Job done by Globeia! Thank you for the great service! You are fast and efficient! I'M IMPRESSED!!!!"

Globeia Offices

Canada

1185 Victoria Park Avenue, Scarborough, ON M4B 2K5, Canada

USA

1901 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Unit 801, Washington, DC, 20006-3405

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