Apostille for China · Apostille guide

FBI Criminal Record Clearance for China: 6 Document Questions to Check Before Applying for Apostille

Distinguish between FBI Identity History Summary, state records, electronic documents, Apostille and Chinese translation to avoid sending federal documents to the wrong authority.

First confirm which record the Chinese recipient wants

The "U.S. Criminal Record" is not a single document. The FBI Identity History Summary is a federal level identity history summary; records from state police or local police are from a different source. Before applying, the receiving unit should indicate the name of the document, whether it accepts electronic or paper copies, whether the issuance date is limited, and whether Apostille is explicitly required.

Why can’t FBI documents be processed as ordinary state documents

FBI documents carry federal agency watermarks and official signatures, and should be judged according to the federal document path when used cross-border. The U.S. Department of State's Criminal Records Instructions separates FBI records from local police records and notes that an Apostille may be required for overseas use. Do not turn over FBI documents to the New York Secretary of State just because the applicant lives in New York.

Six checks before application

1. Whether the recipient requires FBI records or state/local records;
2. Whether the spelling of name, date of birth and ID are consistent;
3. whether the downloaded PDF is complete, and whether the watermark and signature are visible;
4. whether the recipient accepts electronic printouts;
5. Apostille Whether the country of use filled in the application is correct;
6. Whether the entire Chinese translation and translator's statement are required.

How materials come together as a set

It is recommended to retain original versions of FBI documents, Apostille pages, complete translations, recipient requirements, and order records. Don’t just take a screenshot of the “no record” result, and don’t put a separate normal notary stamp on the FBI document. The final order of submission shall be subject to the written requirements of the Chinese receiving unit.

Common rework points

The most common issues are mistaking state records for FBI records, missing pages in the PDF, inconsistent name spelling with the passport, and unnecessary notarization first. Apostille proves the origin of a signature or seal and does not amount to drawing new conclusions about a person's background.