FBI Fingerprinting for US Citizens Living in France

Need an FBI background check for a French residence permit, French nationality, a job, or an adoption? Get fingerprinted in France, mail us your card, and we handle the FBI check, the federal apostille, and a translation quote. No trip back to the US.

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We serve U.S. citizens abroad. You get fingerprinted locally and mail us your card. Our only office is in Downtown Los Angeles.

Who Needs an FBI Background Check in France?

French authorities, schools, and employers sometimes ask US citizens for an FBI Identity History Summary, the official US criminal record check. Common reasons include:

Residence permit (titre de séjour) applications and renewals
French nationality (naturalisation) applications
Jobs in regulated professions or work with children
International adoption
Professional licensing and some long-stay visa categories

Requirements change and vary by prefecture, consulate, and employer. Always confirm exactly what your office asks for, including how recently the document must be issued.

How It Works From France

Contact us first

Email [email protected] or message us. Tell us what the document is for, and we confirm the right steps before you start.

Get fingerprinted locally

Have your ink fingerprints taken on an FD-258 card. Some police stations, gendarmeries, and private providers in France can do this. We send you instructions so the card is completed correctly.

Mail us your card

Send the completed card to our Downtown Los Angeles office by tracked international mail.

FBI background check

We work with an FBI-approved Channeler, which submits your fingerprints to the FBI. FBI processing takes 7-9 business days after the FBI receives your card.

Federal apostille

France is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so French authorities accept a US Department of State apostille. The apostille takes about 10 business days after your FBI results are ready.

French translation (if required)

Many French offices require a sworn translation into French by a translator registered with a French court of appeal (traducteur assermenté). We quote translations individually. Email [email protected] or call/text 213.761.5883 after your order.

Timeline at a Glance

Mailing your card to Los Angeles	Depends on the carrier (tracked mail recommended)
FBI background check	7-9 business days after the FBI receives your card
Federal apostille	About 10 business days
Translation	Quoted individually

Start early. Many offices only accept a background check issued within the last few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get fingerprinted at the US Embassy in Paris?

No. US embassies and consulates in France do not take fingerprints for FBI background checks. You get fingerprinted locally on an FD-258 card and mail it to us.

Do I need an apostille for France?

In most cases, yes. France is a Hague Convention member, so French authorities expect a federal apostille from the US Department of State on your FBI document. A state apostille is not valid for an FBI document.

Does my FBI background check need to be translated into French?

Often, yes. Many French offices ask for a sworn translation (traduction assermentée). Check with your office. We quote translations individually.

Does MR Fingerprints have an office in France?

No. We serve US citizens in France. Our only office is in Downtown Los Angeles, inside the Oviatt Building at 617 S Olive St, Ste 806.

How long does the whole process take?

FBI processing takes 7-9 business days after the FBI receives your card, and the apostille adds about 10 business days. International mail and translation time come on top of that.

Ready to Start From France?

Tell us what your document is for and we will confirm the next steps.

Email [email protected]Citizens Abroad Page