Filed in person at the Florida Department of State
(850) 900-3443 · Mon – Fri · 9 AM – 7 PM

FDLE Background Check Apostille.

Start Online Order → 📞 (850) 900-3443
5–7
Business Days
From the day we receive your documents.
$190
Starting Price
State fee and shipping included.
125+
Countries Recognized
Every Hague Convention member state.
50
States We Serve
Florida documents, nationwide.

FDLE vs FBI — which background check do you need?

The #1 source of confusion in this category. Here's the rule: FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) is the state-level background check; the FBI Identity History Summary is the federal-level check. They're different documents, processed by different agencies, apostilled by different authorities. The Florida Department of State apostilles FDLE records. The U.S. Department of State apostilles FBI records. We handle the FDLE side. Most foreign visa applications request the FDLE check; some (especially Middle East work visas and certain residency programs) require both.

The FDLE certified background check is what we apostille. It's a name-based Florida criminal history record check, issued on FDLE letterhead with an embossed agency seal. To order it: visit fdle.state.fl.us, select "Florida Criminal History Record Check," and request the certified version ($24, 1–2 weeks by mail). The standard PDF download from FDLE's website is NOT certified and cannot be apostilled — it has no embossed seal. You need the mail-order certified version.

Once you have the certified FDLE check in hand, we apostille it in 5–7 business days. Most foreign governments require the FDLE check to be dated within 3–6 months of submission, so plan accordingly — don't order the FDLE check months in advance of the apostille and then sit on it. The apostille itself doesn't expire, but the underlying FDLE record has a freshness window set by the receiving country.

Who needs an apostilled FDLE check.

These are the most common reasons Floridians apostille their FDLE background checks.

Middle East Work Visas

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman all require an apostilled background check for the work visa application. The FDLE check is the standard for Florida residents.

Asia & Pacific Work Visas

Singapore, Korea, China, Japan, and Hong Kong require apostilled background checks for foreign worker visas, especially in regulated sectors (healthcare, education, finance).

EU & UK Work Visas

The UK Skilled Worker visa, Germany's Blue Card, France's Talent Passport, Spain's Highly Qualified Professional visa, and most EU work routes require apostilled background checks.

Foreign Residency Programs

Portugal's D7 and Golden Visa, Spain's non-lucrative and digital nomad visas, Mexico's temporary residency, Costa Rica's pensionado, Italy's elective residency — all require an apostilled background check from the applicant's state of residence.

International Adoption

Foreign adoption agencies require apostilled FDLE background checks for both prospective adoptive parents as part of the home study and dossier package.

International Teaching

International schools and universities — especially in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Europe — request apostilled FDLE checks as part of the employment contract package.

Pick the way that fits your life.

All three options end the same way — your apostilled documents back in your hands in 5–7 business days, filed in person at the Florida Department of State.

Office Drop-Off

$190
Per Document · WPB Office

Drop off in person at 500 S Australian Ave, Suite 6088B. Pay at the counter, pick up the finished apostille at the same office.

  • ✓ 500 S Australian Ave, Suite 6088B
  • ✓ Mon – Sun · 9 AM – 7 PM by appointment
  • ✓ Document review at drop-off
  • ✓ Pay in person — card, ACH, cash
  • ✓ No shipping required
See Drop-Off Details →

Online Order

$190
Per Document · Order Anywhere

Order from anywhere in the U.S. We email you a pre-paid FedEx QR code — drop your envelope at any FedEx location.

  • ✓ Order online 24/7
  • ✓ Pre-paid FedEx QR code emailed
  • ✓ No printer needed
  • ✓ FedEx return shipping included
  • ✓ Same 5–7 day turnaround
Start Online Order →

Four steps. One week.

The same procedure for every order — whichever option you choose.

— Step One —
01

Place Your Order

Choose drop-off, mobile pickup, or online — whichever fits your week. Pay $190 per document up front (online) or at the appointment.

— Step Two —
02

Send Documents

Hand them to us, give them to our pickup specialist, or drop your FedEx envelope. Same destination either way.

— Step Three —
03

We File in Person

Our Tallahassee back-office team walks your documents in person to the Florida Department of State counter.

— Step Four —
04

Apostille Returned

We return the finished apostille the same way you sent it. 5–7 business days, every order.

Common questions.

Visit fdle.state.fl.us, navigate to "Florida Criminal History Record Check," and select the certified version with embossed seal ($24, 1–2 weeks by mail). The standard PDF download from the online check is NOT certified and cannot be apostilled — you specifically need the certified mail-order version.
FDLE is the Florida state-level criminal history check; the FBI Identity History Summary is the federal-level check. They're different documents, issued by different agencies, apostilled by different authorities. FDLE checks are apostilled by the Florida Department of State (us). FBI checks are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. (different process — we don't handle FBI apostilles).
FDLE side: 1–2 weeks by mail to receive the certified check. Apostille side: 5–7 business days once we have it. Total: 3–4 weeks from start to finish. Plan ahead — if your visa deadline is in 5 weeks, you need to order the FDLE check today.
The apostille itself doesn't expire, but most foreign governments require the underlying FDLE check to be dated within 3–6 months of submission. Italy, Germany, and the UAE typically require 3 months; Portugal and Spain allow 6 months. Check your destination country's exact requirements.
No — FDLE requires the applicant to submit their own request with personal identifying information and a signature. We can guide you through the form on a phone call. Once you receive the certified result by mail, send it to us and we handle the apostille.
Depends on the destination country. Some require only the state-level FDLE check (most common). Some require only the FBI federal check. A few (UAE, Saudi Arabia, certain Asian countries) require both apostilled separately. Check your specific visa requirements or call us — (850) 900-3443.

FDLE Background Check Apostille in every Florida city.

We serve customers across Florida. Tap your city for a dedicated fdle background check apostille guide for your area.

More from My Florida Apostille.

Get your fdle background check apostille started.

Order online, drop off in West Palm Beach, or schedule mobile pickup in Palm Beach or Broward. 5–7 business days. State filing fee and shipping included.

Call Now Order Now