How We Helped a California Couple Obtain and Apostille a Criminal Background Check for Their Pensioner’s Visa

When Juan and Linda, a retired couple from sunny California, decided to move to Ecuador for a quieter, more affordable lifestyle, they were thrilled. They imagined days spent enjoying the beautiful Andes Mountains and vibrant local culture. But before they could pack their bags and book their flights, there was one last hurdle to clear: the paperwork. Specifically, they needed a criminal background check from the State of California and an apostille to authenticate it. That’s where we came in, ready to guide them every step of the way.

Understanding Eligibility

First, we explained the requirements for a California DOJ criminal background check. Since this document is personal, only Juan and Linda could request their records. Thankfully, meeting the eligibility requirements was straightforward.

Live Scan Fingerprinting

The next step was to schedule their fingerprinting appointments. We found a nearby Live Scan provider for them, and they both went in with their IDs and paperwork in hand. The staff at the fingerprinting center made the experience quick and easy, and within minutes, their fingerprints were electronically sent to the DOJ.

Understanding the DOJ Process: From Transcript to Certified Letter

Receiving the first DOJ transcript in the mail

A few weeks later, Juan and Linda received their first letter from the California Department of Justice. However, to their surprise, it wasn’t the official background check they were expecting—it was a transcript letter summarizing their request. Confused and unsure of what to do next, they called us right away.

Clarifying the Process

When Juan and Linda reached out, I explained that the transcript letter was a standard part of the process and confirmed that the DOJ was processing their fingerprints. I reassured them that the actual background check document would follow soon. However, they needed to take an additional step: contacting the California Department of Justice to request a certified copy of their background check.

Requesting the Certified Copy

I guided Juan and Linda to email the DOJ directly. In their email, they included their request for a certified copy of the background check, ensuring it would be signed and official. We helped them draft the email, which included:

Their full names and contact information.
The tracking or reference number from the transcript letter.
A clear request for the certified copy to be mailed to their home address.

A few days after sending the email, Juan and Linda received confirmation from the DOJ that their certified copies were on the way. When the documents arrived, they were relieved to see the proper signatures and official seals required for the next steps.

Whats Next? The Apostille

Once the certified copies of their DOJ criminal background checks arrived, signed by Anthony Molina, Juan and Linda promptly sent them to our office closest to their location. With convenient offices in both Los Angeles and Sacramento, California, we ensured the process was as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Our associates wasted no time, processing the apostille within 24 hours. This efficiency meant the documents were fully authenticated and ready for international use, meeting all legal requirements for their relocation.

Receiving the Apostilled Documents

When the apostilled documents arrived, Juan called us with excitement. “It’s all done! We’re ready to go,” he said, his voice filled with relief and happiness. We double-checked the apostilles to ensure they were properly attached and gave them the green light to proceed with their visa applicationWith their apostilled documents in hand, Juan and Linda were thrilled to know they could now move forward with their plans to begin their new chapter in Ecuador..

Steps to Obtain Your California Criminal Background Check

Step 1: Submit Request Form and Fingerprints Begin by visiting the CA DOJ Criminal Record Division. Here, you will find the request form and instructions for fingerprinting. Complete the form meticulously and follow the provided fingerprinting guidelines. Once completed, send your form and fingerprints to the DOJ for processing.

Step 2: Transcript Retrieval After submission, anticipate a waiting period of approximately 2-3 weeks to receive your criminal record transcript. It’s important to note that this initial transcript is not eligible for apostille. You will need to request a certified letter for the apostille process.

Step 3: Certified Letter by Anthony Molina Upon receipt of your transcript, contact the CA DOJ via email at vi**************@do*.gov to request a certified, signed letter from Anthony Molina. Allow another 2-3 weeks for this certified letter to be processed and mailed to you. This document is essential as it is the version that can be apostilled.

Step 4: Secretary of State Apostille Process Once you have the certified letter, the final step involves having it apostilled by the California Secretary of State. To facilitate this, mail us original certified letter to our office, and we will handle the apostille service for you.

What if I am already abroad?

If You’re Abroad and Need a California Criminal Report:

Fingerprinting
Get fingerprinted at an authorized fingerprinting agency in your current location. Consult with a lawyer, facilitator, or expert to find a reliable agency.
Fingerprint Cards
Obtain at least two fingerprint cards per submitting agency to serve as backups in case one set is rejected.
Submission Process
Submit your fingerprint cards to the relevant authority in California, such as the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or the FBI, following their specific guidelines.

If you require further processing for apostille certificates, let us know—we can handle this for you within 24-48 hours.

Fingerprint Card Printing Recommendations:
FD-285 Fingerprint Template

Card Stock Paper: We recommend printing your fingerprint cards on card stock paper to ensure durability and better-quality prints.
Regular Paper Option: While some agencies may accept submissions on regular printing paper, it’s crucial to note that acceptance depends on the legibility of the prints. If the prints are unclear, they may be rejected, leading to delays.
Quality Matters: For the best results, always verify the requirements of the submitting agency to avoid potential issues with your fingerprint submissions.

Download the FD-258