An FBI-approved channeler is a private company under contract with the FBI to submit Identity History Summary requests on your behalf. You give your fingerprints through the channeler, it submits them, and it returns the FBI’s result to you, usually faster than applying to the FBI directly by mail.
Channelers differ in the ways that matter for a check going abroad: where you can be fingerprinted, how quickly they return results, whether you get an electronic result only or can also have a paper copy, and what they charge. Those details change, so check them with the company before you order rather than relying on any published comparison, ours included.
For an apostille, what counts is the FBI’s own result inside what the channeler sends you, not the channeler’s cover page. A printed copy of that result can generally be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. If your destination wants a paper original mailed by the FBI, apply to the FBI directly instead. See how to get an FBI background check.
At a glance
The twelve approved channelers
| Company | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Accurate Biometrics |
| 2. | Biometrics4ALL, Inc. |
| 3. | Digital Trusted Identity Services, LLC |
| 4. | Fieldprint, Inc. |
| 5. | IDEMIA Identity & Security USA (IdentoGO) |
| 6. | Inquiries Acquisition, LLC (ScreenID) |
| 7. | National Background Check, Inc. |
| 8. | National Credit Reporting |
| 9. | STS SID, LLC (First Advantage Biometrics) |
| 10. | Telos Identity Management Solutions (Telos ID) |
| 11. | TRP Associates, LLC |
| 12. | VetConnex |
From the FBI’s list of approved channelers, last updated 27 May 2026. The FBI adds and removes companies, so confirm on its page, linked below, before ordering. We are not affiliated with any channeler.
What to check before you order
- Fingerprinting near you, or whether it accepts an ink card if you are abroad.
- Delivery format. Electronic only, or a paper copy too. If your destination wants the paper original, choose accordingly or go to the FBI directly.
- Turnaround and total price, including the fingerprinting fee, which is often separate.
- That it is a Departmental Order request, the personal Identity History Summary, not an employment screening product with a similar name.
Getting a channeler result apostilled
- Send us the FBI result as issued, electronic or paper. We check it carries the FBI’s content and signature before submitting.
- Do not add anything. Notary stamps or handwritten notes get it refused.
- It goes to the U.S. Department of State, never a state Secretary of State. See FBI background check apostille.
- Non-Hague destinations need embassy legalization after that. See embassy legalization.
How it works
Step 1
Choose a channeler
Check fingerprinting, delivery format and total price.
Step 2
Give fingerprints
At the channeler’s location or a partner.
Step 3
Get the FBI result
Keep it exactly as issued.
Step 4
Federal apostille
Upload or send it to us; we take it to the U.S. Department of State.
FBI-Approved Channelers: common questions
Is a channeler check as valid as one from the FBI directly?
The result is the same FBI Identity History Summary. Channelers only submit your request and pass back the FBI’s answer.
Can a channeler apostille the result for me?
No. Only the U.S. Department of State can apostille an FBI check. Some channelers partner with apostille services; you can also send the result to us.
Which channeler is fastest?
It changes with demand and location. Compare current turnaround on each company’s own site before ordering.
Official sources
Requirements, fees and processing times are set by the authorities below and can change without notice. Verify anything time-critical directly with them.
FBI, list of approved channelers
Ready to get started?
Have your result? Book the federal apostille online, or upload it for a free check first.
Related: How to get an FBI check · FBI check apostille · Visa guides