How to Get an FBI Background Check from the U.S.

Spain requires every visa applicant over 18 years old to prove they have a clean criminal record. If you live in the US, you can prove a clean criminal record with a FBI Identity History Summary, often called an FBI background check. For more general information about FBI background checks, see our FAQ.

(If you're already living in Spain, click here.)

Part of the reason getting an FBI background check can be confusing is that there are a number of different ways to do it. The fastest and easiest way to secure a background check is to use an FBI-approved channeler and have your fingerprints taken digitally (called Live Scan) at a location near your home.

QUICK OVERVIEW

Here's a summary of what you'll do:

Create an account with a FBI channeler

Get fingerprints digitally scanned

Visit a Live Scan location near you

Receive FBI background check by email

Download your completed report

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

→ Step 1: Choose an FBI-Approved Channeler

Go to one of the following FBI-approved channeler websites below (Note: We have no affiliation with any of these companies):

→ Step 2: Find Live Scan Locations

See what Live Scan locations are in your area. Each site has a 'map view' where you can put in your zip code and see what Live Scan locations are close by.

→ Step 3: Create an Account

Create an account with one of the channelers you selected in Step 1.

→ Step 4: Submit Personal Details

Submit your personal details on the channeler's site. Make sure you enter all your information correctly as this information will be used in the background check.

→ Step 5: Schedule an Appointment (If Required)

Schedule an appointment. Some channeler sites require you to reserve a time slot, others do not. You can ignore this step if the service you've chosen from the list above does not require it.

→ Step 6: Pay the Fee

Pay the fee, which is about $50 per background check.

→ Step 7: Get Your Confirmation

Print or receive email confirmation. The confirmation will be in the form of a QR code. Screenshot it or print it out; you'll need it when you arrive for fingerprinting at the Live Scan location.

→ Step 8: Gather Your IDs

Most locations accept one government-issued photo ID, but bring both your driver's licence / state ID and your passport to avoid any hiccups.

→ Step 9: Visit the Live Scan Location

Go to the Live Scan location. You will show the employee your QR Code and your ID/passport. Then a technician will instruct you how to roll each finger on a digital scanner and transmit the prints to the FBI immediately.

→ Step 10: Monitor Your Inbox

Monitor your email inbox (and spam folder). Many applicants receive the digital copy of their background check within just a few hours. You should see it in your inbox within a few days at the latest.

IMPORTANT! You do not need to get a physical copy of the FBI background check mailed to your address. The digital copy the FBI will send you via email is sufficient. Once the background check arrives in your inbox, download and save it in a secure folder.

NEXT STEPS

Once you get your FBI background check, it must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State and translated by a sworn Spanish translator. We've published separate instructions on how to do that here.

If you have any questions, please let us know!