West Palm Beach, FL
FBI Background Check Apostille for West Palm Beach, FL Residents
How West Palm Beach residents get their FBI Background Check authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, the local details, timing and price.
Quick answer
West Palm Beach and Miami are the two offices where we handle FBI background checks end to end, in person — fingerprint capture, the FBI report, and the federal apostille, in one order. The apostille itself is issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.; we handle that submission for you.
Key takeaways
- Issued by Federal Bureau of Investigation (CJIS Division); apostilled only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
- Through us: $299 all-in for Hague countries (10–12 business days) or $399 with embassy legalization for non-Hague countries (15–17 business days).
- Do it yourself: Form DS-4194 and a $20 fee per document — processed within 5 weeks by mail, or 7 business days if you drop it off in Washington, D.C.
- County
- Palm Beach County
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- State apostille office
- Florida Department of State, Tallahassee
- Our nearest office
- West Palm Beach
FBI check vs. a Florida background check
A background check from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is a state document. It can only be apostilled by the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee — and foreign authorities asking for a nationwide or FBI record will reject it. The FBI Identity History Summary is the federal record they want, and it’s authenticated only in Washington, D.C.
If a foreign authority specifically asks for a Florida check as well, that one follows the state route. We can advise on both.
West Palm Beach: the local details
West Palm Beach is in Palm Beach County, within the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Florida state documents are apostilled by the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee.
West Palm Beach and Miami are the two offices where we handle FBI background checks end to end, in person — fingerprint capture, the FBI report, and the apostille. Book an appointment.
About the FBI Background Check
How to apostille an FBI background check for use abroad.
Getting it done from West Palm Beach
Our West Palm Beach office is open to the public by appointment — drop your document off in person, or send it by mail.
| Destination | Route | Our turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Hague Convention country | U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days |
| Non-Hague country | Authentication + embassy legalization | 15–17 business days |
Official sources: FBI — Identity History Summary Checks · U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · Florida Department of State — Apostilles & Authentications · HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (Hague countries) · U.S. Courts — Federal Court Websites.
Florida state documents (birth, marriage, state court, notarized) are apostilled by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Apostille Section · 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303 · 850-245-6053 · state fee $10 ($20 for Clerk of Court documents). We don’t provide state-level apostilles. Official page (checked October 2026).
How long does the FBI Background Check apostille take from West Palm Beach?
The U.S. Department of State is the only office that issues a federal apostille. Mailed in yourself, it is processed within 5 weeks of receipt; dropped off in person in Washington, D.C., within 7 business days. Through us it takes 10–12 business days, or 15–17 business days for a non-Hague country that also needs embassy legalization.
| Route | How | Processing time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail it yourself | Form DS-4194 + check to the Office of Authentications, Sterling, VA | Within 5 weeks of receipt | $20 per document + shipping |
| Drop it off yourself | 600 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C. — Mon–Thu, 7:30–9:00 AM, no appointment | Within 7 business days | $20 per document + travel |
| Emergency appointment | Only for a life-or-death family emergency with travel within 2 weeks | Same day | $20 per document |
| Through Federal Apostille USA | We review it, drop it off in D.C. and return it to you with tracking | 10–12 business days total | $299 all-in ($399 non-Hague) |
What does it cost in West Palm Beach?
The government fee is $20 per document, paid with Form DS-4194. Our all-in price is $299 per document, covering the government fee, review, D.C. drop-off and U.S. return shipping; non-Hague destinations are $399 with embassy legalization.
Government figures: U.S. Department of State — Request Authentication Services (checked October 2026).
FBI Background Check in West Palm Beach — FAQ
Is there an apostille office in West Palm Beach for an FBI Background Check?
No. The only office that can authenticate this document is the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. We handle that submission for West Palm Beach clients by mail.
Do I need to visit an office in West Palm Beach?
Only for the FBI check itself — fingerprints are taken in person, by appointment. If you already have your report, mail it to us and receive it back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from West Palm Beach?
About 10–12 business days for Hague Convention countries and 15–17 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, plus shipping.
How much does it cost?
$299 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Which federal court covers West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach is in Palm Beach County, within the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Related: All documents in West Palm Beach · FBI Background Check in Florida · FBI Background Check — full guide
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.