Hello, hello!  It has been quite awhile since I’ve said anything regarding my Spanish citizenship, but that’s because it’s been FOREVER since I’ve heard anything.  If you’ve been following along on this journey, you know I have been applying for Spanish citizenship due to my family’s Sephardic heritage under the law that was enacted 3 years ago.  I have been in the thick of this process for about 2 years and last July I finally had the chance to sign my affidavit with my notary here in Madrid then…nothing.  Radio silence for almost 11 months until just last week, when I finally heard back!  I had been checking back over and over again, with no avail.  Finally, last week, a letter came in the mail said I have made it to the next step!  Hallelujah!  But…not quite done yet.  After receiving your letter (or e-mail, as was my mom’s case), there are still a few more steps.  Most immediately are the next things that need to be uploaded- both a NEW FBI background check (meaning the last one you got is not valid anymore [I think it has to be within the last 3 months]) and an apostilled (and translated) birth certificate (in my case).  To be clear, I did NOT get my birth certificate at apostilled at the beginning of the process.  In this post, I will tell you how to apply for your FBI background check and how to apositille and translate your birth certificate.  If you have any questions, please let me know!

How to Apply for an FBI Background Check

If you are reading this after May 2018, you’re in luck because they have FINALLY moved the certificate system online!  My mom went through this process just a few months ago and waited almost 5 months to hear the results of the background check, since she had to do it by mail.  Now, they have a system online that takes just 3-5 days (once your official fingerprints are received).  

1 // visit this website and enter your e-mail in the side bar on the right (scroll down): FBI Background Check online system

2 // Check your email where you will be sent a link to click to start the application.  You will also be provided a PIN number, which is used to access your application.  Click the link in your e-mail.

3 // Complete the application with your basic information, your home address, and how you want to receive updates.

4 // Get your fingerprints copied at the local police station.  Luckily, I did this a long time ago and still have the card at home, so I won’t need to do this again, but if you need to do it, contact your local police to make an appointment.  Take note of the regulations on your fingerprints:

• The FBI will process your request upon receipt of your completed fingerprint card in the date order it was received.
• Your fingerprints should be placed on a standard fingerprint form (FD-258) commonly used for applicant or law enforcement purposes. The FBI will accept FD-258 fingerprint cards on standard white paper stock.
• You must provide a current fingerprint card. Previously processed cards or copies will not be accepted.
• Your name and date of birth must be provided on the fingerprint card.
• You must include rolled impressions of all 10 fingerprints and impressions of all 10 fingerprints taken at the same time (these are sometimes referred to as plain or flat impressions). If possible, have your fingerprints taken by a fingerprinting technician. This service may be available at a law enforcement agency.
• Fingerprints taken with ink or via live scan are acceptable. If your fingerprints are taken via a live scan device, a hard-copy must be generated so the fingerprint card can be mailed to the FBI.
• To ensure the most legible prints possible, refer to the Recording Legible Fingerprints page. If fingerprints are not legible, the fingerprint card will be rejected. This could cause delays in processing and could also result in additional fees.
• The name on your response letter will match the name that you entered on your electronic DO request.
• If the last four digits of your Social Security number are needed on your response letter, then please ensure the full nine-digit or last four digits of your Social Security number is on the fingerprint card when submitting your request.

5 // Log back into the portal with the pin you had been provided in the beginning.  Make your payment online.  It was $18 and can be done through the portal linked above.

6 // They will send you a confirmation e-mail with all of your information.  PRINT THAT E-MAIL and put it in an envelope with your fingerprint card.

7 // Mail your fingerprints and print confirmation e-mail to this address: 

FBI CJIS Division
ATTN: ELECTRONIC SUMMARY REQUEST
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

8 // Receive your FBI Background Check in 3-5 business days (they will send you an e-mail and you can log into your account and download it as a PDF) (and via certified mail if you choose to do that).  

9 // According to the FBI website, your FBI background check is already apostilled (with their watermark and signature), but if you need it apostilled again, then Google what needs to be done.

How to Get Your Birth Certificate Apostilled and Translated (IN PENNSYLVANIA)

1 // Fill out this form (click here)

2 // Write a check or money order for $15.00 made payable to “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania”.  (FYI: money must come from a US institution, or, if from a foreign bank, it must include a routing number and be paid in dollars).

3 // Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your documents.  If you wish the order to be returned by a courier service, you must enclose a prepaid air bill with your order.  Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your documents.  If you wish the order to be returned by a courier service, you must enclose a prepaid air bill with your order. 

4 // Send your filled-out form, your birth certificate (original) and the payment to: