Applies to: US records for Spanish procedures; the receiving authority determines the certificate it needs.
Before you start
- Spanish visa/residence checklist and its certificate-age rules.
- Fingerprint submission and identity details for the FBI request.
- The issued record, authentication instructions and translation requirements.
The steps
Confirm the required record
Ask for the exact federal/state coverage and residence-history period required by the Spanish checklist. Do not replace a requested FBI record with a commercial background search.
Choose an authorised route
Request the FBI Identity History Summary through the official process or an eligible FBI-approved channeler. Check channeler eligibility and the result format before paying.
Submit usable fingerprints
Follow the FBI instructions, especially if submitting from abroad. Poor fingerprints can require another submission.
Check the returned record
Verify personal details and resolve material errors through the FBI correction process rather than editing the certificate.
Arrange the federal apostille
The FBI’s guidance directs applicants needing an apostille to the US Department of State. Do not assume a state-level notarisation substitutes for authentication of a federal record.
Translate and preserve
Use the translation format accepted by the Spanish authority and keep the full authenticated package.
Important details
No two-week promise
Issuing, authentication, delivery and translation are separate queues. Recheck current official processing information before relying on a travel date.
Protect your information
Send fingerprints and records only through the selected official or approved provider’s secure process. They contain sensitive personal information.
See the bigger picture
Pair these practical steps with the Spain-wide essentials.
Sources & next steps
Reviewed 30 September 2026. This independent guide provides general information. Requirements, fees and office arrangements can change; the responsible authority’s current instructions control your application. Commercial service links explain products, not official rules.