How to Retrieve and Apostille a
State of California
DOJ Criminal Background Check
Navigating the process of retrieving a California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) criminal report for apostille can be intricate. This guide breaks down each step to ensure you obtain the necessary documentation correctly and efficiently.
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: You must get fingerprinted at an authorized fingerprinting agency in your current location. Consult with your lawyer, facilitator, or another expert to identify a reliable fingerprinting location.
Fingerprint Cards: It is recommended to obtain at least two fingerprint cards per submitting agency to ensure there are backups in case one set is rejected. Cards are
Submission Process: Your records will need to be properly submitted to the relevant authorities in California. Make sure to follow the guidelines provided by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or the FBI, as applicable.
- 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.
After Obtaining Your California Criminal Report
After Obtaining Your California Criminal Report:
Submission for Apostille: Once you have successfully retrieved your state criminal report, you can send it to us for the apostille process.
Apostille Processing: We will handle the authentication and apostille of your criminal report, making it valid for international use in your destination country.
Document Verification: Before mailing your documents, we can send scanned copies for your review. This allows you to verify with your lawyer or facilitator that everything is accurate and meets the necessary requirements.
Mailing Your Documents: After verification, you can mail the original documents to us via DHL with a secure tracking number to ensure safe and timely delivery.
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