The FBI does not issue an apostille for FBI-issued background checks. The U.S. federal government handles all the apostilles for documents issued by its federal agencies, including the FBI. To be eligible for an apostille all background checks from the FBI must contain the appropriate signatures, names, and titles of the official and applicant signing the document. Without such information, the document cannot be approved for an apostille.
United States Authentication
Hague Conference and NNA Collaborate on Electronic Apostille Program
The Hague Conference on Private International Law is partnering with the National Notary Association (NNA) to introduce the Electronic Apostille Pilot Program (e-APP). The program is intended as a solution to reduce document fraud and business costs by streamlining business and fortifying security.
Apostilles are used all over the world for a variety of documents, including powers of attorney, contracts, and international adoptions. The apostille provides a “seal of approval” from the issuing country that all participating members can trust as accurate and authentic.
The e-APP offers a standardized, secure format for authenticating documents and relies on a paperless process. More than 90 states are currently participating in the e-APP program. The United States alone issues about 1,000,000 apostilles each year and is expected to do so with even more speed and security thanks to the e-APP.
The e-APP will save US residents both time and money by reducing the number of documents that are rejected by foreign countries, simplifying the process of using documents overseas.
Scam Artists Trick Homebuyers with Fake Apostille
A disturbing trend has emerged in home buying in Indiana and all over the country: scam artists tricking people into illegitimate home sales by using authentications from the Secretary of State to create the illusion that they own vacant property.
The scammers call themselves “sovereign citizens.” They refuse to follow the law, do not accept the American government as legitimate, and are recognized by the government as domestic terrorists.
They use apostilles and authentications that are meant to be used solely for international business or other transactions that have absolutely nothing to do with property. Many people are not even aware that they have been targeted until they try to buy and sell property, at which point they have already fallen victim to the scheme.
Although previously the Secretary of State did not have the authority to reject financing statements or liens, it is now able to reject fraudulent filings. This new power will protect home buyers, civic leaders, and members of law enforcement from being conned by criminals.