How to Obtain a Police Certificate in the USA?
Contents
Why is a Police Certificate Necessary?
If you’re an international citizen or a foreign national living or studying in the United States, you may be required to obtain a police certificate from the countries where you lived, worked, or studied in the past. A police certificate is also known as a Criminal Records Clearance or National Police Clearance Certificate.
Many countries, including the USA, require foreign nationals to obtain a police certificate to demonstrate their good standing in their country of origin or residency. This document can be necessary for various reasons, such as:
• Applying for a non-immigrant visa or residency status in the USA
• Applying for a passport renewal
• Seeking a police or immigration clearance in a specific country
• Joining the US military
• Adapting the USA to obtain an American driver’s license
• Studying or teaching in a specific country or university
Types of Police Certificates in the USA
In the United States, there are three main types of police certificates that may be required, depending on your situation and destination country:
• Local Police Clearance: This is issued by a local law enforcement agency (such as the FBI, state, or city police department).
• FBI Identity History Summary (Fingerprint) Check: This is an automated check of an individual’s fingerprint records by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Federal Court Records: Some countries require a certification from a US federal court showing no prior convictions.
How to Obtain a Police Certificate in the USA
The process of obtaining a police certificate in the USA may vary depending on the type of certificate needed, the applicant’s immigration status, and the required steps outlined below. However, we’ll provide an overview of the general procedures for obtaining a police certificate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
Determine if you need an FBI check:
Check with your intended country or institution of choice to confirm if they require an FBI check for immigration, naturalization, employment, or other purposes.- Collect necessary documents:
To complete an FBI check, you’ll typically need the following:- Original copies of:
- A completed Authorization and Request for the release of Federal Identify and Custody (Identity History Summary)
- Valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Recent copy of the FBI Request Letter or Order
- Original copies of:
- Prepare fingerprints:
To expedite the processing, bring the prepared fingerprint card and two separate checks or money orders payable to the US Treasury Department:
| Part I – Requester | Part II – Respondent (you) | Fingerprints (10 printed fields) |
|---|---|---|
| Name (and Address) | **Name**, **Age**, **Height**, **Eye Color**, **Sex**, **Weight** | A separate print field for each |
| Date Request | ||
| Data Retention | Data Request | Fingerprint Retention |
- Apply at a authorized fingerprint vendor: Identification and Enforcement Information Service (Identicare), **Electronic Systems for Government (ESF) Management, or Local Law Enforcement Agency.
Tips for the Police Certificate Application
To make your police certificate application successful and minimize the risk of any potential errors or complications, please be aware of the following tips and key information:
- Be precise: Ensure you use your true name (both full names and nickname).
- No gaps or inaccuracies: Report each job, residency, education, or international travel carefully and in order.
- Attach a signed and scanned application (for electronic filing)
- Confirm your status and processing status regularly to address any potential issues.
Concluding Remarks**
To conclude, obtaining a police certificate in the USA may involve different processes and forms for the respective countries’ clearance certificates, depending on individual circumstances and the issuing entity (Federal Bureau of Investigation or state/local agencies).
If you’re looking for information about how to obtain a police certificate or how it’s required by another country or institution, always contact your local authority for further clarification. Always refer to specific country laws or immigration laws to learn what types of documents, visas, and paperwork are essential.
