FBI criminal record certificate

Persons who have resided in the United States are frequently required to submit, in Spain or in Italy, the federal criminal record certificate issued by the FBI (Identity History Summary). Tramite Italia handles the procedure from Spain: fingerprints, the application to the FBI, apostille and sworn translation.

What it is

The Identity History Summary is the federal-level criminal record certificate issued by the FBI's CJIS Division on the basis of the applicant's fingerprints. The Spanish authorities require the federal certificate: a certificate issued by the police of an individual State is not sufficient.

When it is required

• In applications for Spanish nationality by residence, as the certificate from the country of origin or of previous residence.
• In immigration (extranjería) proceedings where criminal record certificates are required from the countries of residence in previous years.
• In applications for Italian citizenship by marriage or by residence, for United States citizens or persons who have resided in the United States. In such cases, certificates from the States in which the person has resided may also be required.

How the procedure works

• Fingerprints: taken in Spain on form FD-258 by the Policía Nacional or at an authorised centre. Availability of the service varies from one police station to another; the United States Embassy and consulates do not take fingerprints for this certificate.
• Application to the FBI: submitted directly to the FBI, bearing the applicant's signature. In order to obtain the apostille, the paper copy must be requested, as it bears the watermark and the signature of an FBI official.
• Apostille: issued by the U.S. Department of State, which is the sole competent authority for federal documents. An apostille issued by an individual State is not valid for the FBI certificate.
• Translation: for Spain, a sworn translation (traducción jurada) into Spanish of the certificate and the apostille is required; for Italy, a translation into Italian in accordance with the instructions of the office receiving the application.

Validity

The certificate does not bear an expiry date. The Spanish authorities normally accept it within six months of issue, although some offices require a shorter period. Since fingerprinting, issue, dispatch and apostille take several weeks, it is advisable to start the procedure taking into account the expected date of submission of the application.

Timescales and costs

The Firm provides a detailed, no-obligation quote covering all costs of the procedure: FBI and U.S. Department of State fees, shipping and sworn translation. The applicant provides the Firm with the FD-258 card bearing fingerprints taken by the police.

International procedures

Sources: FBI, Criminal Justice Information Services, Identity History Summary Checks · U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications · United States Embassy in Spain · Ministerio de Justicia, frequently asked questions on nationality · Real Decreto 1155/2024 · Italian Law no. 91 of 5 February 1992. Information only, updated September 2026.