Proof of a ‘clean’ criminal record is one of the major prerequisites to get your Spanish visa approved. This holds true for all types of visas. At the stage of documentation, every expat is required to submit a police check or criminal records.
This article was compiled to guide American expats looking to do a background check or criminal history record for Spanish visas.
Please note the FBI requires every candidate to submit their fingerprints for the purpose of the history check. As such, I will divide the article into two sections – obtaining your fingerprint and submitting a request.
Obtaining your Fingerprint
- American expats yet to leave their home country can get their fingerprints at state law enforcement agencies, or local counties at a fee. You could also get your fingerprints at some private printing companies.
- There are several options available to American expats already in Spain. Those in Madrid are required to get their fingerprints at Policia Cientifica. Fingerprinting services are scheduled for Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Expats in Barcelona are required to visit Policia de la Generalitat – Mossos d’Esquadra Unitat Territorial de Policia Cientifica for their fingerprints. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm. While Expats in other locations are required to contact the Consular Agency near them to learn about the necessary steps.
Submitting a Request
Submitting a request to the FBI can be done through any of the ways explained below.
1. Online Submission
To use this option, simply visit https://www.edo.cjis.gov/ and follow the steps under the section tagged ‘Obtaining Your Identity History Summary.’
PS: You will receive a response electronically and an option to receive a response by First-Class Mail via the U.S. Postal Service.
2. Submission via Mail
Candidates using this option are expected to follow some essential steps.
- Each person must complete and sign an applicant information form. One form cannot be used by a couple or a family.
- A complete mailing address, e-mail address (if available) and telephone number must be included in the mail.
- Pre-paid Priority Mail, United Parcel Service, FedEx account numbers and other self-addressed envelopes are unacceptable.
- Each person’s fingerprint (all 10 fingerprints) must be placed on a standard fingerprint form (FD-258). FD-258 fingerprint cards on standard white paper stock will be accepted by the FBI.
- The fingerprints must be current fingerprints, not previously processed cards or copies.
- Each fingerprint card must contain the owner’s name and date of birth.
- Payment for each fingerprint must be made through Credit Card Payment Form or a money order or certified check for $18 USD payable to the Treasury of the United States.
- Candidates who are unable to pay the $18 fee must request for a waiver of the fee, which should include a claim and proof of indigence.
- Please note you will receive a response by First-Class Mail via U.S. Postal Service indicating you have no prior arrest data or a ‘rap sheet’ (also called Identity History Summary) if you do have an Identity History Summary on file at the FBI
- Upon completion and review of the above steps, candidates are required to mail signed applicant information form, fingerprint card, and fee payment to:
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306
3. Submission via FBI-Approved Channeler
You could also employ the services of an FBI-approved Channeler that is capable of submitting your request on your behalf. The Channeler receives your fingerprint and other relevant data and forwards the request to the FBI. The aim of this process is to expedite the delivery of Identity History Summary information on behalf of the FBI. Please note this may attract an additional fee.
Criminal Record Authentication
All candidates must have the Hague Apostille affixed on their documents. This process is relevant for authenticating your criminal record for use in Spain.