Expedited North Dakota FBI Apostille Services
Taking a job overseas, retiring abroad or applying for a foreign residency visa from North Dakota? Apostille Authentications handles the federal apostille on your FBI background check by email and courier, with no trip out of state. You send us the FBI result, and the apostilled document is back in your hands in 10 business days.
Call (971) 514-3743 or request a quote.
- Ensure your documents are processed without delay
- Speak with our experts for personalized assistance
- Discover how we can expedite your apostille process
Why Bismarck cannot apostille your FBI background check
The North Dakota Secretary of State, at the Capitol in Bismarck, authenticates two kinds of paper: documents notarized by a North Dakota notary public and certified copies of official North Dakota records. That covers vital records, court papers, business filings, diplomas and adoption documents. An FBI Identity History Summary is a federal record, so it falls outside that office’s authority. The apostille has to come from the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, DC.
Two problems we see with North Dakota orders:
- A BCI record check is not an FBI check. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation, part of the Attorney General’s office, issues a criminal history record check that covers North Dakota records only. If your consulate or employer asks for an FBI, federal or national check, the BCI report will not satisfy them.
- A notary stamp does not turn it into a state document. Having a North Dakota notary sign your FBI result and sending it to Bismarck gets you a state certificate on the notary’s signature. Foreign authorities expecting a federal apostille on an FBI check generally refuse that.
Need a North Dakota birth certificate or diploma apostilled as well? See state apostille services.
How it works from North Dakota
We do not have an office in North Dakota. The whole service runs remotely, and nothing original has to be mailed to us.
- Fingerprints. Get an ink FD-1164 card from your local police department, sheriff’s office or a fingerprinting vendor. The BCI does not take fingerprints itself and refers people to local law enforcement, so call your department first to ask about hours and fees. You can also start the request on the FBI’s eDO site and check whether a participating U.S. Post Office is within reach.
- FBI Identity History Summary. Submit your request to the FBI and pay the $18 FBI fee. The result is issued as a PDF carrying the FBI watermark and a division official’s signature.
- Email and review. Send us the PDF. We compare the name and date of birth against your passport before anything goes to Washington.
- Federal apostille. We prepare Form DS-4194 and our Herndon, Virginia office hand-carries the request to the Office of Authentications. There is no DOJ certification step. The FBI result goes straight to the Department of State.
- Return. FedEx to your address in North Dakota, or direct to your address overseas. DHL is available for international deliveries.
Avoid Rejections
Avoid apostille rejections with our expert help.
Expedite Your Documents
State agents for same-day apostille service.
Security
We prioritize the security and confidentiality of your documents.
Translations/ Intl. Shipping
Certified translation and discounted shipping.
North Dakota pricing and turnaround
| Service | Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Expedited FBI apostille (you already have the FBI result) | $390 | 10 business days |
| Standard FBI apostille | $195 | 7–8 weeks |
Where we serve North Dakota clients
By email and FedEx, statewide: Fargo, West Fargo, Bismarck, Mandan, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, Dickinson and Jamestown, plus every smaller town in between.
Distance is the real obstacle in North Dakota. If you live well outside the larger cities, the nearest place to be fingerprinted may be your county sheriff, and an ink card mailed to the FBI takes longer than an electronic submission. Plan the fingerprint step early. Once the FBI PDF exists, where you live no longer matters, because that file reaches us by email in seconds.
Why North Dakotans need an apostilled FBI check
Common destinations for our North Dakota clients include South Korea and Japan for teaching positions, a frequent path for graduates leaving Fargo and Grand Forks. Australia comes up for work and skilled visas, including people with oil and gas experience from the Williston and Dickinson area. Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica are typical for retirement and residency, and Germany and Spain for work, study and long-stay visas.
Spanish-speaking countries will ask for a Spanish translation alongside the apostille. Certified translation can be added to the same order. Most authorities want an FBI check issued within the last 3 to 6 months, so check your deadline before you request it. More detail is on our FBI apostille services page.
FAQ
Can the North Dakota Secretary of State apostille an FBI background check?
No. The Secretary of State in Bismarck authenticates documents notarized by a North Dakota notary and certified copies of North Dakota records. An FBI background check is a federal document and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.
How fast is an expedited FBI apostille for North Dakota residents?
10 business days from the day we receive your FBI result by email. Standard processing takes 7–8 weeks.
Is a North Dakota BCI criminal history check accepted instead of an FBI check?
Only if the foreign authority asked for a state-level check. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation report covers North Dakota records only. If the request says FBI, federal or national, you need the FBI Identity History Summary.
Do you have an office in Fargo or Bismarck?
No. We serve North Dakota remotely. You email the FBI PDF, our Herndon, Virginia office takes it to the Department of State, and the apostille comes back by FedEx.
Where can I get fingerprinted in North Dakota?
Local police departments and sheriff’s offices take fingerprints, usually for a small fee. We do not provide fingerprinting in North Dakota.
Start your North Dakota FBI apostille
Call (971) 514-3743, message us on WhatsApp, or request a quote with your destination country and deadline.
