How to Get an FBI Background Check While Living in Spain
Even if you're in Spain, Americans living abroad can still request an FBI background check. In this article we'll explain exactly how you can do that.
QUICK OVERVIEW
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 fingerprints taken at local police station
Visit your local police station with passport and forms
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.
Double check that the information you provide on the form is correct.
→ Step 2: Get your fingerprints taken
Many Spanish police stations will roll your fingerprints without an appointment. You can call ahead or search online whether the police station nearest your house offers this service.
This should be completely free.
Bring your passport and the two blank FD-1164 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 for one set of fingerprints, but we recommend you send in both forms in case one set is smudged or unreadable.
Afterwards, the officer will stamp and sign both forms and give them back to you.
TIP: Embassies and consulates do not fingerprint applicants anymore, so the local police station is your only option inside Spain.
→ 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".
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 that will be sent to your email. 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: Receive the background check via email
The FBI will send you a digital copy of the background check via email. The turnaround time is around 15 days upon receipt of your documents.
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!