2026-08-13 · Apostille

FBI Background Check Apostille for Use in China

FBI records are federal documents and generally follow the U.S. Department of State process, not a state process.

Start with the issuing authority

The correct Apostille path depends on who issued or notarized the document. State and local records generally go through the competent state authority; eligible federal records generally go through the U.S. Department of State.

Prepare an eligible document

Do not notarize a government certified copy unless the responsible authority specifically requires it. Private documents may need notarization and, in some states, county certification.

China-side use

An Apostille replaces the authentication chain for covered public documents. It does not determine whether a receiving organization will require a translation, recent issuance date, or other supporting evidence.

Official sources

1. HCCH Apostille Convention status table
2. U.S. Department of State Apostille requirements