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FBI Background Check in Los Angeles

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FBI Background Check

Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan takes your fingerprints electronically and sends them to the FBI through an FBI-approved channeler, so you get your FBI background check (your Identity History Summary) without the mail-in wait. Whether it’s for a visa, residency abroad or a job, we can also take care of the federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State.

Price and turnaround

The FBI says electronic results can take up to 48 hours. In practice, almost all of ours come back the same day, usually within a few hours. For how long each step takes, from fingerprints to the apostille, see How Long Does an FBI Background Check and Apostille Take? on our FBI Apostille Los Angeles guide. Mobile appointments are quoted separately, since they include a travel fee.

For how the federal apostille works and what to expect, see our FBI apostille page.

FBI background check in Los Angeles: price and turnaround.

What an FBI Background Check Is

An FBI background check, officially called an Identity History Summary, is your federal criminal record, based on your fingerprints. It lists arrests across the United States, with details of each one: the charge and what happened in the case, known as the disposition. It can also pick up charges from abroad. If there’s nothing on file, it says so. People also call it an FBI clearance, an FBI rap sheet or a federal background check.

The FBI and each state keep separate databases, so the FBI check may not pick up everything that’s on a state record, such as your California record, and the level of detail can vary from case to case. In our experience, it’s usually very accurate.

You’ll usually need one for a visa, residency or citizenship abroad, for some jobs and professional licenses, or for an adoption.

How to Get Your FBI Background Check

Come to our Los Angeles office, or we’ll come to your home or workplace. We take your fingerprints electronically and submit them to the FBI through an FBI-approved channeler, which is what people mean by an expedited or express FBI background check. The FBI then emails you the details to log in and download your report, almost always the same day and usually within a few hours. It’s $80, or $300 if you also need the federal apostille.

If you’ve been told you “need fingerprints” but aren’t sure whether your request requires Live Scan or ink fingerprint cards, review our Live Scan vs FD-258 fingerprinting guide to determine which method your agency requires. For a broader overview, you can also review our fingerprinting services in Los Angeles page.

How Long an FBI Background Check and Apostille Take

An electronic FBI background check submitted through an FBI-approved channeler, also known as a DOCE submission, usually comes back within minutes or hours, and almost always the same day, whether we fingerprint you at our office or at your location. The federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State takes about 9 business days.

fbi background
FBI Background Check Form

 

Applying for a Visa or Residency abroad?

Most foreign countries require your FBI results to be Apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.

Get Your FBI Federal Apostille Here →

Importance of FBI Background Checks

An FBI Background Check (Identity History Summary) is the gold standard for vetting individuals for high-stakes decisions. In Los Angeles, Anshin Notary is the trusted provider for residents needing these checks for employment, professional licensing, or legal verification.

One of the most common requirements for an FBI check is international relocation. Whether you are applying for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, residency in Italy, or a Canadian visa, you will likely need your FBI results authenticated. We ensure your fingerprints are captured accurately the first time to prevent processing delays.

Country guides: Spain · Portugal · Korea · Mexico · Germany · Italy · Austria · Costa Rica · Panama · Thailand

For every step in detail, see our step-by-step guide to getting your FBI background check apostilled.

Frequently Asked Questions – FBI Background Check Los Angeles

An FBI background check is often required for employment, licensing, immigration, or personal verification. In Los Angeles, it’s commonly used for visa applications, adoptions, or verifying criminal record status. Our office provides same-day electronic fingerprint submissions, ensuring fast and accurate results that meet local and federal requirements.

An FBI DOCE (Departmental Order Copy of Record) helps ensure your FBI record is accurate and up to date. You may need one to review or challenge information, satisfy foreign visa or work requirements, adopt a child, or meet other international or legal obligations. Electronic FBI submissions are accepted for apostille processing, and we can handle both your FBI background check and apostille in one visit.

Most FBI background checks in Los Angeles are completed the same day. Results from digital submissions are typically ready within a few hours, and the FBI emails you a link to access them. If a printed copy is requested, USPS delivery takes about 5–7 business days. Our Los Angeles office also offers Live Scan fingerprinting for those seeking a review of their state arrest history as well as federal. 

The FBI NFUF (Non-Federal User Fee) process is used for federal, state, or humanitarian purposes. Common reasons include security clearance, public housing, firearm or explosives licensing, and employment with government agencies.

We provide all required forms during your appointment, including any attorney release forms for DOCE requests. No advance paperwork is necessary—our technicians handle it all on-site.

Bring one valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card. Out-of-state driver’s licenses are accepted, but the ID must be current and match the name on your application.

Please bring your valid government-issued photo ID and payment for the service. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash. If your submission involves an attorney request for a DOCE, the attorney must provide a signed letter on official letterhead.

Electronic results are usually ready within hours after fingerprinting. The FBI emails you access to your report, not the report itself. If you’re not sure what to do with those emails, see The FBI Sent Me Two Emails. Now What? Mailed copies typically arrive within 7–10 days. Our Los Angeles FBI background check service provides both digital and mailed delivery options for your convenience.

For immigration cases, only legal permanent residents (green card holders) applying for U.S. citizenship can file through an attorney. The attorney must submit the request on official letterhead, signed by both the attorney and the applicant. The FBI then mails the response directly to the attorney.

Reports may include criminal history, arrest records, employment and education verification, and other relevant data. Our Los Angeles County background checks comply with federal and California privacy laws, ensuring accuracy and security.

We prioritize confidentiality and data security. All fingerprint data is transmitted through encrypted, FBI-approved systems, and results are delivered through secure email links directly from the FBI.

Yes. Electronic FBI background checks are fully eligible for apostille certification. Once you’ve downloaded your report, our team can handle the FBI apostille process through the U.S. Department of State or a state-level apostille, depending on your destination country.

Yes. We offer both in-office and mobile fingerprinting services across Los Angeles. Our mobile technicians can visit your home, office, or organization for group fingerprinting sessions or individual appointments, using the same secure FBI-approved systems.

 

More on FBI and DOJ background checks

Key Points

Live Scan & Fingerprinting: Same-day mobile and in-office services, including FD-258 ink cards, for employment, licensing, immigration, and background checks.

FBI Background Checks: Secure fingerprint-based checks for jobs, visas, travel, and legal needs—expedited available.

Apostille & Authentication: California and federal apostille services for Hague and non-Hague countries.

International Document Services: Document preparation, translations, and processing for international use.

Notary Public Services: Mobile and in-office California notary. Appointment only.

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