Getting Fingerprints Abroad for an FBI Background Check

The information listed below is taken from US Department of State embassy websites for each respective country. The FBI Background Check requires fingerprints, which must be placed on a standard fingerprint form (FD-1164). The FBI will accept FD-1164 fingerprint cards on standard white paper stock. DO NOT print on regular letter paper, as your fingerprints will smudge and be rejected. The FBI now allows electronic submissions. This still requires the mailing of certain paperwork - the signed applicant information form, fingerprint card, and payment of $18 U.S. dollars per person must be sent to the following address: FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306

For more information on processing an FBI background check, also known as an Identity History Summary Check, please read through the FBI website. Please see travel.state.gov for guidance on authentication or legalization of documents. Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information. International TEFL Academy has put together this list for your convenience. Please visit each embassy website for the most up-to-date information. COUNTRIES

Argentina China Czech Republic Japan Mozambique Spain South Africa South Korea Taiwan

Thailand Turkey United Kingdom Vietnam

Don’t see the country you’re looking for? View a complete list of US Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions here. Not every embassy provides information on obtaining an FBI background check or fingerprinting abroad. Argentina

Information from the U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in Argentina U.S. Criminal History Check

Individuals requiring a U.S. Criminal History Check are required to apply to the FBI directly. U.S. Embassies are unable to provide this service. Information regarding the FBI Criminal History Check, including the required application forms, can be obtained from the FBI’s website

Fingerprints

Applications for an FBI Criminal History Check must include a set of your fingerprints on Standard Fingerprint Form (FD-1164). The fingerprint form may be picked up at the embassy by scheduling an appointment on-line or it can be downloaded from the FBI’s website and printed on standard white paper stock. The fingerprint impressions can be obtained, if you are in Buenos Aires, at the Registro Nacional de Reincidencia (Sector Orientación) on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm at Tucuman 1357, Buenos Aires. If you are in another province, please refer to the local police. U.S. Embassies are unable to take the ink-rolled fingerprints that the FBI requires.

China Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in China Getting Your Fingerprints Taken: Fingerprint Identification: An Overview. If fingerprints are required, U.S. citizens should be able to obtain fingerprint cards from their local police departments. U.S. Embassies and consulates do not provide this service. You may contact local Chinese organizations for fingerprinting services (149KB). This information is provided for reference only and should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation. Authentication of Police or FBI Certificates for Lack of a Criminal Record: Documents required for use abroad may require additional authentication after you obtain the local police seal or FBI certificate. See our guidance on authentication or legalization of documents.

Please also see here (PDF 205 KB) for more information on whether the U.S. Embassy in Beijing or the State Department in Washington, D.C. is the appropriate authority for your authentication request.

Czech Republic

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in the Czech Republic Getting Your Fingerprints Taken U.S. citizens and foreigners should be able to download the fingerprint cards from the FBI homepage. U.S. embassies and consulates do not generally provide this service. The Embassy is currently aware of only one provider of ink fingerprinting services in the Czech Republic: www.fingerprints.cz.

Japan

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in Japan The U.S. Embassy is not authorized to provide criminal history checks or respond to private requests to collect fingerprints from U.S. citizens for law enforcement or other purposes. Local police stations in Japan may be able to assist you with your fingerprinting needs, however it is not guaranteed. U.S. citizens currently in Japan or considering moving to Japan are advised to obtain fingerprints in the United States before departing or while returning for visits. Please visit the FBI website for further information.

Mozambique

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in Mozambique Applicants must obtain the FD-1164 at the Consular Section and go to the Policia de Investigação Criminal where they can take your fingerprints. There is a charge of 200 meticais for this service, payable to the PIC). PIC- Policia de Investigação Criminal is located at Rua John Issa, 33 in Maputo Payment of $18 U.S. dollars per request by certified check, money order, or by credit card using this form must be sent with your request.

You must seal and mail the completed fingerprint cards to an FBI office in the U.S. Any correspondence about the clearance will be between you and the FBI office exclusively. The U.S. Consulate will not follow up on your fingerprint clearance for you.

South Africa

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in South Africa You may collect fingerprint cards from the U.S. Consulate Johannesburg from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday. (The consulates in Durban and Cape Town do not provide fingerprint cards. Instead, please follow the instructions below to download and print your own fingerprint card).

You may download and print fingerprint cards (PDF, 74kb) on your own heavy card stock; DO NOT print on regular letter paper, as your fingerprints will smudge and be rejected. Take your fingerprint cards to a South African Police Service office, where your prints will be taken. The U.S. Consulate does not take FBI clearance fingerprints.

Payment of $18 U.S. dollars per request by certified check, money order, or by credit card using this form must be sent with your request.

South Korea

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in South Korea Fingerprints The Korean National Police Agency informed the U.S. Embassy that many larger police stations in Korea should be able to provide fingerprint services without charge. Please call your local police station to verify hours and procedures. You may have to go to another police station if your local police station does not have the necessary equipment or staffing. Alternatively, a good resource for fingerprints is the local immigration office in your city/region or the nearest local government office (“gu” office). Please visit the Korean National Police Agency’s official website to find a local police station closest to your residence.

You may download and print fingerprint cards (PDF, 74kb) on your own heavy card stock; DO NOT print on regular letter paper, as your fingerprints will smudge and be rejected.

Payment of $18 U.S. dollars per request by certified check, money order, or by credit card using this form must be sent with your request.

Spain

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in Spain If you are in Madrid, you may have your fingerprints taken at:

Policía Científica Calle Julián Gonzalez Segador s/n, Madrid Open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on Thursdays only for fingerprinting; telephone 915 828 370. If you are elsewhere in Spain, please contact the Consulate General Barcelona/Consular Agency near you in order to learn about the process in that area.

Taiwan Information from American Institute in Taiwan on U.S. Police Records for Americans in Taiwan

Take the fingerprint card to the National Immigration Agency (NIA).

A list of service centers can be found on the NIA’s website.

Thailand Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in Thailand

Take the fingerprint card to the Thai Police Clearance Service center for inking.

The Police Clearance Service Center Royal Thai Police, Building 24 Rama I Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Phone: 02-205-2168 or 2169 Website: pcscenter.sb.police.go.th Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

For information on how to obtain a U.S. criminal record check from a local/state police department or the FBI, click here (PDF 103KB).

Turkey

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in Turkey

U.S. citizens may obtain fingerprint cards from their local police departments in the United States or at FBI.gov. Local police authorities (Turkish Passport Police Department–Pasaport Polisi) in Turkey may be able to provide fingerprinting services. The U.S. Embassy and its Consulates in Turkey do not provide fingerprinting services.

United Kingdom

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in the United Kingdom Getting Your Fingerprints Taken U.S. citizens should be able to obtain fingerprint cards from their local police departments.

U.S. embassies and consulates do not generally provide this service. (Note: The U.S. Embassy in London does not provide this service. You may contact the National Fingerprint Centre at New Scotland Yard for assistance.

Please visit the website of the Metropolitan Police Service for further information and assistance.

Documents required for use abroad may require additional authentication after you obtain the local police seal or FBI certificate.

Please see travel.state.gov for guidance on authentication or legalization of documents.

Vietnam

Information from U.S. Embassy on U.S. Police Records for Americans in Vietnam The Embassy lists the International Organization of Migration (IOM) in Hanoi or Hi Chi Minh City for taking fingerprints. Hanoi: Level 13, CMC Building, Duy Tan Street Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi Tel/Fax: (024) 3736-6259 within Vietnam, (011) (84-24) 3736-6259 from the U.S. Email: [email protected]

Ho Chi Minh City: 1B Pham Ngoc Thach Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (028) 3822-2057 within Vietnam, (011) (84-28) 3822-2057 from the U.S. Email: [email protected]

The IOM office charges $65 per person for this service. Please note that IOM is the only office in Vietnam that provides this service for U.S. citizens.