How to Get an FBI Background Check While Living in Spain
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Americans living in Spain can still get an FBI background check: have ink fingerprints taken on form FD-1164 or FD-258, request the check on the FBI's online portal ($18 fee), and mail the prints to the FBI. U.S. embassies and consulates no longer take fingerprints. Results are usually ready 4 to 5 business days after the FBI receives your prints. Blueprint Spain takes FBI fingerprints at our Madrid office by appointment, ships them to the U.S., and can handle the apostille and sworn translation afterwards.
If you're an American living in Spain, you can still get an FBI background check. There are two ways to do it.
OPTION 1: BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH US
This is the quickest and easiest way. Book an appointment at our Madrid office and we'll handle the whole process:
- We take your fingerprints.
- We mail them to the FBI and request your background check.
- We handle the apostille and sworn translation, if you need them.
Want to know more first? See our pricing, timelines, and services.
OPTION 2: DO IT YOURSELF
If you'd like to do it yourself, here's a summary of what you'll do:
Download & fill out FBI fingerprint form
Print two copies of form FD-1164 on white paper
Get fingerprinted at your local police station
Create online FBI request
Use the FBI portal and pay the $18 fee
Mail fingerprints to FBI
Send forms and confirmation to Clarksburg, West Virginia
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
→ Step 1: Download, print and fill out FBI fingerprint form
Start by printing two copies of the FBI fingerprint form FD-1164 on white paper. You can download the form here. The FBI also accepts the standard FD-258 fingerprint card, so you can use either one.
Double check that the information you provide on the form is correct.
→ Step 2: Get your fingerprints taken
You can try your local Spanish police station, but this has become hit or miss. Based on what our clients have told us recently, fewer police stations, especially in Madrid, are willing to take fingerprints for walk-ins. Many stations seem to be overloaded with regular immigration appointments right now.
If you'd like to try, call ahead or search online to see whether the police station nearest you offers this service. Bring your passport and the two blank fingerprint forms. Ask the officer to take your fingerprints on both forms. You want to make sure the prints are inked clearly, without smudges. The FBI only requires one set of fingerprints, but we recommend you send in both forms in case one set is smudged or unreadable.
TIP: Embassies and consulates do not ink fingerprint applicants anymore.
→ Step 3: Make an account and request FBI background check online
Visit the FBI's Electronic Departmental Order portal and create an online request for an individual background check. It will be called "Obtaining Your Identity History Summary". For a full walkthrough of the online portal, see our step-by-step guide to requesting your FBI background check online.
Complete the web form with all your personal information and pay the $18 fee by credit/debit card.
TIP: You only need the digital copy, which you can download via the FBI website once your background check is complete. Do not opt to have your results sent to you via USPS.
If you have any further questions about this process, you can also review our FBI FAQ page.
→ Step 4: Send the prints and confirmation to the FBI
Print out the confirmation email/page you received from the FBI showing that you have requested the background check and paid the fee online.
In one envelope, mail both fingerprint forms and the confirmation to the FBI's CJIS Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
FBI Mailing Address
FBI CJIS Division
ATTN: ELECTRONIC SUMMARY REQUEST
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
When the FBI receives your documents you should get an email notification.
→ Step 5: Download the digital copy of the FBI background check
The FBI will send you a PIN that allows you to access and download the digital copy of your background check. Processing typically takes about 4 to 5 business days from the date they receive your documents, although occasional delays can occur.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can the U.S. Embassy in Madrid take my fingerprints?
No. U.S. embassies and consulates no longer take ink fingerprints. You can book an appointment at our Madrid office or try a local Spanish police station.
Which fingerprint form should I use?
FD-1164 or FD-258. The FBI accepts either.
How long does it take to get an FBI background check from Spain?
About 4 to 5 business days after the FBI receives your fingerprints, plus mailing time from Spain.
How much does the FBI charge?
$18, paid by card when you request the check online.
Do I also need an apostille and translation?
Yes. Spain won't accept the FBI background check on its own. It must be apostilled and officially translated.
FINAL THOUGHTS
IMPORTANT! Remember, Spain will not accept the FBI background check on its own. You must have the background check apostilled and officially translated.
For information on how to get your FBI background check apostilled, please visit our apostille page.
If you have any other questions, please take a look at the FBI Background Check and Apostille FAQ page or send us a message below!