A practical guide for Americans in Colombia
You can obtain your FBI Identity History Summary while living in Colombia. The process starts with fingerprints and an FBI request; an apostille and Spanish translation may follow if the organization receiving your report requires them.
What is an FBI Identity History Summary?
It is the fingerprint-based record issued by the FBI, sometimes called an FBI background check or criminal record check. It shows information associated with your fingerprints in FBI records, if any. The FBI issues the result; a fingerprinting company collects prints or assists with the request. See the FBI’s explanation.
The key distinction
An FBI report, a U.S. state background check, and a Colombian police certificate are different documents. Ask the receiving organization which one it needs before you order.
Before you begin, confirm three things
- The required record: Does the organization specifically request an FBI Identity History Summary? Requirements differ by application; an FBI report is not automatically required for every Colombian visa.
- The required format: Does it want a federal apostille, an official Spanish translation, a digital file, physical documents, or a combination?
- The acceptable issue date: How recent must the report be when you submit it? The receiving organization sets its own document-age requirements.
For a visa, follow the instructions for your specific category and any additional request from the authority processing your application. For employment, licensing, or another purpose, follow that recipient’s instructions.
How to get the report from Colombia
Choose a submission route
You can start an electronic request directly with the FBI and mail a completed fingerprint card from Colombia. The FBI also lists approved U.S. channelers that transmit eligible fingerprint submissions electronically. Check a channeler’s intake and eligibility requirements before booking your appointment.
An online FBI application does not, by itself, transmit your fingerprints from Colombia. The FBI’s electronic fingerprint collection at participating U.S. post offices is available at those U.S. locations; the direct route also allows you to mail a fingerprint card.
Have your fingerprints taken
Choose a provider that can prepare prints for your intended submission route. Bring identification, check that your name and other identifying details match your application, and ask how the provider handles unclear or rejected prints.
For direct submissions, follow the FBI’s current fingerprint-card instructions. It accepts its downloadable FD-1164 card on standard white paper, and requires a current card rather than one used for an earlier request. A private fingerprinting provider may use another suitable card.
Submit the request and keep the issued result
For a direct request, complete the FBI application, pay the government fee, and follow its instructions for mailing the fingerprint card. The FBI lists a $18 direct-request fee as of this review; fingerprinting, shipping, channeler, apostille, translation, and assistance charges are separate. Check the current fee and delivery options.
If you use a channeler or an assisting provider, follow its identification, consent, and submission instructions. Retain the FBI-issued result in the form needed for any later apostille; do not assume a screenshot or altered copy will work.
Working with us
Fingerprint In Colombia offers fingerprint capture and FBI report assistance. Confirm appointment availability in your city, the submission route, and what your quote includes before booking.
When do you need an apostille or translation?
The FBI report and its apostille are separate documents. If the receiving organization requires an apostille, the FBI says its authenticated result may be sent to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications. The FBI does not issue apostilles. Check the State Department’s submission instructions and Form DS-4194 before sending anything.
Because the FBI report is a federal document, do not assume that a state apostille on a notarized copy is interchangeable with a federal apostille on the FBI-issued report.
If Spanish is required, find out which pages the recipient wants translated. Colombia’s Cancillería says an official translation completed in Colombia for use there does not itself need a Colombian apostille, although the underlying foreign document may need an apostille from its country of origin. It recommends apostilling the underlying document before translating it. Read the official translation guidance.
Our related businesses, Tu Apostilla and Idiomatic Affiliates, can help coordinate apostilles and translations. Request a quote for the specific document package your recipient requires.
Timing and avoidable delays
Allow for the whole chain: appointment availability, fingerprint quality, FBI processing, apostille processing if needed, translation, and delivery. The FBI says it does not expedite direct requests, although electronically initiated requests may move faster after fingerprints arrive. See its current timing guidance.
When comparing providers, ask for separate estimates for the FBI result and the complete apostilled and translated package. Share any filing deadline at the outset; an estimate is not a guarantee of delivery or acceptance by that date.
- Confirm the exact record and issuing authority before ordering.
- Use a current fingerprint submission with clear impressions.
- Budget time for the apostille and translation, if required.
- Check the recipient’s issue-date and file-format rules.
- Ask whether the apostille page must also be translated.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to return to the United States?
No. You can have fingerprints taken in Colombia and use an eligible submission route. Direct FBI applicants may mail fingerprint cards after starting the online request.
Will the U.S. embassy take my fingerprints?
No. The U.S. Department of State says its embassies and consulates abroad do not provide fingerprinting services.
Does an FBI report include an apostille?
No. The apostille, when required, is a separate U.S. Department of State process.
Does every Colombian visa require an FBI report?
Do not assume so. Check your particular visa category and the instructions from the authority handling your application.
Is $18 the total cost?
No. It is the FBI’s listed direct-request fee as of this review. Fingerprinting, shipping, channeler services, apostille, translation, and optional assistance can add costs.
About this guide: Prepared for Fingerprint In Colombia and reviewed in September 2026 against FBI, U.S. Department of State, and Colombian Cancillería guidance. Requirements can change; verify current instructions with the issuing and receiving authorities. Fingerprint In Colombia is a private service provider, not a government agency.