The FBI issues the report from its Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division in West Virginia. It is a federal document, so it does not go through the Texas Secretary of State, it goes directly to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC for authentication, or receives a federal apostille if the destination country is a Hague Convention member.
Other Services
FBI Background Check in Houston
Need an FBI background check Houston filing for work, immigration, or residency abroad? Fingerprints can be taken locally, Sam's Passport in Houston guides the Identity History Summary, then apostille or federal authentication. Call (713) 784-5501.
Outline
Sam’s Passport Inc. guides Houston clients through the FBI background check process for overseas use. We help with the application, point you to fingerprinting locations, and handle the apostille or authentication of your Identity History Summary once it arrives.
What is an FBI background check?
An FBI Identity History Summary (also called a criminal background check or police clearance) is a federal record of any arrests or convictions linked to your fingerprints in the FBI database. Foreign governments commonly require it for work permits, immigration, residency, and adoption.
When you need one
Common reasons Houston clients request an FBI background check:
Work visa or permitEmployers and labor ministries abroad require proof of no criminal record
Immigration or residencyPermanent residency applications in most countries require an FBI check
International adoptionHague and non-Hague adoption procedures require both parents’ FBI reports
Teaching abroadSchools and education ministries require background clearance
Business licensingSome countries require FBI clearance for foreign company directors
Dual citizenshipCitizenship-by-descent or naturalization applications
How the process works
- Apply online
Complete the FBI application at the FBI’s electronic departmental order (EDO) site or through an FBI-approved Channeler.
- Get fingerprinted
Submit fingerprints electronically at a participating U.S. Post Office or fingerprinting service in Houston. An FD-258 ink card is also accepted.
- Receive your report
The FBI mails the Identity History Summary to you. Channeler processing is typically faster (days vs weeks).
- Apostille or authenticateBring or ship the report to Sam’s Passport. We send it to Washington, DC for a federal apostille (Hague countries) or authentication + embassy legalization (non-Hague countries).
The FBI report is a federal document. It skips the Texas Secretary of State entirely and goes straight to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.
Fingerprinting in Houston
You can get fingerprinted at:
- Participating U.S. Post Office locations — electronic submission directly to the FBI
- Private fingerprinting services — available across Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties
- FBI-approved Channelers — electronic submission with faster turnaround
Sam’s Passport does not take fingerprints but can point you to the nearest location. Call (713) 784-5501 for current options.
Required documents
Once you have the FBI report, bring or ship it to Sam’s Passport for apostille or authentication.
What to send
FBI Identity History SummaryThe original sealed report from the FBI
Passport copyA color copy of your passport information pages
Driver licenseA copy of your driver license
Sam's Request FormCompleted Sam’s Request Form with destination country listed
Tell us the destination country. Hague countries need only a federal apostille; non-Hague countries need authentication plus embassy legalization.
Ship your documents
Please use FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Priority Overnight to ship your FBI report to Sam’s Passport Inc. Call before you ship so we confirm the correct authentication path.
Houston office
What to include
FBI reportOriginal sealed Identity History Summary
Copies of IDPassport information pages and driver license copies
Sam's Request FormWith destination country listed
Call before you shipConfirm Hague vs non-Hague path at (713) 784-5501
Clients nationwide can ship to our Houston office. Walk-in drop-off is also available at Suite 100.
Common questions about FBI background checks in Houston
What is an FBI Identity History Summary?
It is a federal record of any arrests or convictions linked to your fingerprints in the FBI database. Foreign governments commonly require it for work permits, immigration, residency, adoption, and business licensing.
Where do I get fingerprinted in Houston?
You can submit fingerprints electronically at participating U.S. Post Office locations, private fingerprinting services across the Houston metro, or through an FBI-approved Channeler. Sam's Passport can direct you to the nearest option.
Does the FBI report go through the Texas Secretary of State?
No. The FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document. It goes directly to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC for apostille or authentication — it skips the state step entirely.
Do I need an apostille or authentication for my FBI check?
If your destination country is a Hague Convention member, you need a federal apostille. If it is not a Hague member, you need U.S. Department of State authentication followed by embassy legalization. Call (713) 784-5501 and tell us the country.
How long does the FBI background check process take?
The FBI report itself takes about 3-5 days via a Channeler or 2-4 weeks by mail. After you receive it, apostille or authentication through Sam's Passport takes about 5-10 additional working days depending on service level.
Can I mail my FBI report from outside Houston?
Yes. Clients nationwide ship to our Houston office by FedEx or UPS Priority Overnight. Include Sam's Request Form, ID copies, and call (713) 784-5501 before shipping.