Description
Order an Expedited FBI Background Check Apostille, Federal Hague Apostille
- Faster than All Other Apostille Services with In-Person Drop Off Service at Federal Office of Authentications
- Average Turnaround Time is 7-10 business days (around 2.5 weeks) as of November 2024
- We Also Provide Non-Expedited Apostille Service, if you have extra time
- Direct Service with Dan Hickman, Ph.D.
- Unlike other services, you don’t have to trust your documents to an inexperienced employee.
- Dan has processed federal apostilles personally for over eighteen years.
- Dan orders and processes all federal apostilles personally, no outsourcing.
- Dan is available by phone, text, email 60+ hours per week and will always return emails/texts promptly.
- We will walk-in, drop off your background check(s) in-person at the federal authentications office in DC.
- This is the fastest non-emergency method to receive a federal apostille.
- Shipping from our office to you (or another address) can be added at checkout.
- We always scan/email all apostilles before shipping.
- We Never Provide State-Level or DC District-Level Apostilles in place of Federal Apostilles
- Order Processing Takes Only 5 Minutes with PDF Upload
- We Complete Form DS-4194 and All Necessary Paperwork
- Translation to Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian Available (Not Included)
- Better Customer Service, Call or Email Anytime (No Receptionists or 3rd Party Answering Services)
- No Gimmicks, No Fees, No Minimum Rates
- International Service: Worldwide Shipping Available
Dan Hickman, Ph.D., and his small US-based team is able to process federal apostilles for your FBI background check directly from the Federal Authentications Office in D.C. Dan completes nearly all of the apostille process personally; his team deals with accounting and other non-essential parts of the process.
What makes us different: we never charge extra/hidden fees, we provide simple pricing, and our service is always faster than all other US-based apostille services, guaranteed. Additionally, when you work with us, you will work directly with Dan Hickman, who has processed apostilles personally for over eighteen years.
As for processing time, we will walk-in, drop off your background check(s) in-person at the federal authentications office in DC, which is the fastest non-emergency method to receive a federal apostille. Current processing takes about 7-10 business days (not calendar days), which is about two weeks as the authentications office is not open on Fridays. We quote around two weeks as we have to receive the document and scan/ship back to you, and complete certified and sworn translations, when necessary.
Additionally, we do not overprice shipping as you will need the completed, apostilled background check shipped to you. We only charge what USPS, FedEx and DHL charge us and pass our discounts and shipping experience on to you.
NOTE: You must send your background check to us. Simply email or upload (at checkout) the official electronic, PDF version, that is, the document issued by the FBI or an approved channeler. If you did not receive the digital version, you will need to ship the original paper copy background check to us.
APOSTILLE PROCESSING TIME: Although the Federal Authentication Office’s website states that turnaround time may be over twelve weeks, we obtain most federal apostilles in 7-10 business days (around 2.5 weeks as of November 2024) with our acclaimed expedited ordering process.
DISCLAIMER: We are glad to provide this service and have ordered many federal apostilles in the past eighteen years, so there is a smaller chance of delays due to errors, and we always use expedited shipping. Using our services will save time, guaranteed; however, delays may occur in processing at the Department of State, and we are unable to control their processing times. We update processing times monthly.
TOTAL COST: In the United States, there are many agencies willing to process apostilles on your behalf for a fee; most charge $200+ per document, depending on the service selected. We charge only $195, including all federal fees and in-person drop off service of your document. Additionally, you will need to add shipping from our office to you, your attorney, on another address at checkout. The government will process your background check apostille and then we will pick it up in person, from which point we will scan/email/ship to you. We only charge what USPS, FedEx and DHL charge us.
FAQs, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- PDF vs Original Hard Copy, which is better? They are 100% the same and the finished product is 100% the same. The printed, mailed copy no longer has ink signatures, which is why the apostille is so important. If you submit the PDF, we will print and submit pursuant to government rules and regulations, and the apostille (signed/sealed) will be permanently attached to the printed background check.
- Should I notarize my background check? No, absolutely not. Notarized background checks will be rejected and returned. The website for the authentications office mentions notarization, but it is referring to state-level documents such as powers of attorney, etc. Documents issued by the federal government should not be notarized as the federal agent’s signature (Chris Ormerod) is what needs to be authenticated and validated, not that of the notary.
- Is there any way expedite the apostille process further? Yes, if you have a documented life or death emergency, you can petition for in-person same day service in DC; however, your appointment will need to be approved in advance by the Federal Office of Authentications, and if approved, you will need to travel to DC. Otherwise, our drop off and pick up service is as fast as it gets. Our goal is to get your background check to DC as quickly as possible; nonetheless, the government is required by federal law to process in order. Our system is designed to obtain your apostille as quickly as possible, and we do everything possible to make that happen.
- Do I need to select a shipping option at checkout? If you need the original, hard-copy apostille, yes. We always scan/email the apostilled background check; however, only a few countries will accept a digital, scanned version. If you need the original shipped to you, that is, more than just the scanned/PDF, please select a shipping option at checkout.
- Can I change my address after the order has been placed? Yes, of course. We always email/call/text once your document ships from DC to our office to confirm shipping details. At that point, you can adjust shipping methods, change the shipping address, request international shipping and so on. If you are unsure of the final destination of your apostille, just select “no shipping” at checkout and you will be able to adjust or add shipping once we scan/email the apostille to you.
SUBMISSION: You will need to send your FBI Background Check to us in one of two ways:
- EMAIL/UPLOAD: If you selected the electronic, email option from the FBI or an approved channeler, simply email or upload (after payment) the official PDF version to us. This file must be the PDF file issued by the FBI or a channeler, not a scanned version of the mailed, paper copy.
- MAIL/FEDEX: If you selected the paper copies from the FBI. You can mail or FedEx your FBI report to us. We will provide our mailing/shipping address by email.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: We are glad to ship your apostilled background check to any country in the world via FedEx or DHL. Paying $55 for international shipping at checkout is a deposit only; if the actual rate is less, we will refund the balance, if more, we will send an invoice before shipping. Rates will be calculated and confirmed before your apostille arrives to our office.
Any doubts, questions or concerns, call or email us. We never use call centers or answering services, and Dan takes a lot of calls, all day, every day. If you can’t get in touch, please try back in a few minutes or send an email. Most emails are answered in an hour or less.
Dan Hickman, Ph.D., Southeast Spanish, Inc., info@sespanish.com
877.374.0095 (office), 877.376.2085 (cell), 865.777.1177 (international)
Victoria & Thaddeus (verified owner) –
I found this service after years of trying to get my FBI Background check apostiled in time to turn it in before it expires. I saw another review of how they just trusted this random guy on the internet, and everything went amazingly. Somehow that was what convinced me. If only I had known about it sooner!! Dan set the right expectations for how the process works and he was super quick and responsive until the very end.
I will recommend him to anyone looking to get their apostilles expedited. His years of experience show in every interaction. I wish good, efficient services like this were easier to find in other industries. We can’t thank you enough, Dan!
Sarah De Los Santos (verified owner) –
Extremely convenient and fast service. Communication from Dan was timely, concise and to te point. I received my apostilled FBI background check quickly.
JoAnn Russell (verified owner) –
I cannot say enough good things about Dan Hickman and Southeast Spanish, Inc. I struggled for four months getting my fingerprints done for my Spanish Visa and I had to fly from France to the US just to get them for my FBI background check. I dreaded having to wait another 8 to 12 weeks more for the Apostille, so I tried Southeast Spanish, Inc. I emailed him my FBI report and he responded almost immediately and said he would send it in for the Apostille the same day.
My Apostille was returned to Dan in 18 days. Dan had it officially translated, I received an emailed copy and the originals were sent to me overseas via DHL.
I know of no other service that can get the Apostille done so quickly. I highly recommend Southeast Spanish, Inc. Thank you Dan.
Larissa R (verified owner) –
Wonderful service. Fast and reliable. Would definetely recommend, particularly if you are pressed for time and residing abroad!
Andreina –
“I am absolutely happy with the service I received from Dan. From the moment I reached out, he was responsive, knowledgeable, and proactive in addressing my FBI Appostille needs. The level of professionalism, expertise, and care was truly exceptional. I couldn’t be more grateful for his help and would highly recommend Dan to anyone looking for top-notch service. Thank you for an outstanding experience!” Also in my case, we received the appostille & translation in less than 3 weeks , much faster than expected .
Thanks Dan
Olga (verified owner) –
Excellent service!!! Highly recommend!
Jayne B (verified owner) –
Greetings, I can’t say enough great things about this company and service. I was dreading an 11-week Dept of State authentication until I found SES. SES knows how to expedite and I was thrilled to receive mine in just over 3 weeks, which SES stated it may take 3-5 weeks! Great company and very communicative at the right moments. I knew exactly when I would have my paper in hand especially as I chose expedited delivery. Worth every penny for peace of mind so I can submit my paperwork now on time for my appointment. Thanks Dan and everyone behind the scenes.
Matthew Clapp (verified owner) –
Super service! Very efficient, proactive, responsive, and FAST. This was the one bright spot of my visa process.
Elizabeth –
Dan’s customer service is out of this world! I had many questions and he answered every one of them promptly and accurately. Working with Dan to get my daughter’s background check apostilled and translated was stress-free. He sent very clear instructions for every step of the process, including where to get the FBI background check fingerprints done and submitted. I highly recommend Dan at Southeast Spanish.
Ronald (verified owner) –
Superb service by Dans business. Everything he writes on his website as to how things will occur dies occurr that way 100%. It took 16 days from when my packet and his office and Dan emailing me a copy of the apostillado. He answered all my emails promptly and did everything to act that he said he would. Your in excellent hands with his service. Do not doubt what he says. He fulfills it. More people need to have his ethic and integrity. I have absolute confidence in his service. You will too
Ron R (verified owner) –
The best decision I made in working with Dan on getting my FBI criminal check Apostilled. Within 5 minutes of submitting my payment, Dan immediately communicated with me and set the right expectations. My order was sent to Washington DC, U.S. Dept of State overnight that day. He advised it would take anywhere from 5 – 11 weeks. I got my Apostille back in 2 weeks. If you need a professional company to work with who will not over promise but do what we can to exceed your expectations, Southeast Spanish is hands down the way to go.
Kenneth Scott –
Was relieved to receive the federal apostille at the early end of the time window that Dan indicated to anticipate. Much appreciation for this service. I had been concerned that I would make an error if I submitted directly for this and then lose the time associated with a rejection (as happened frustratingly with a state apostille I tried myself). Much appreciation to Dan for his professionalism, great communication, and transparency on the process. Recommended.
Matt F (verified owner) –
Bought this service based on the reviews, and they were right. I’m yet another happy customer. My apostille arrived earlier than their own earliest estimate.
Steven Ellerbruch –
Highly recommended! I had a very positive experience using the services provided by Dan at Southeast Spanish. I wouldn’t waste my time calling anyone else for apostille services.
Viviana –
I’m very happy I went with this service. Dan promptly answered all my questions, promptly submitted my paperwork, and proactively informed me about the progress status. I highly recommend it!!!!