How to Apostille a Pennsylvania State police / background check (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Pennsylvania state police / background check, obtain a certified or signed copy from your state police / bureau of investigation. Then submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions for $15 per document. Mail processing takes about 5–10 business days; appointment. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $15 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions |
| Required copy | Obtain a certified or signed copy from your state police / bureau of investigation. |
| Mail time | 5–10 business days |
| Counter | appointment |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Obtain a certified or signed copy from your state police / bureau of investigation. In Pennsylvania, pennsylvania vital records come from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records.
Step 2 — Submit to the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $15 per document by check or money order. Appointment only, same-visit processing in Harrisburg.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- The receiving country actually required the FBI (federal) check instead
- The state agency's signature is not authenticable
Who typically needs this
Work visas that accept a state-level check.
Residency applications for some countries.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a state police / background check in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions charges $15 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my state police / background check?
No. Pennsylvania apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. The receiving country actually required the FBI (federal) check instead
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in Pennsylvania runs about 5–10 business days. A counter option (appointment) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a state police / background check apostille?
People who work visas that accept a state-level check or need it for residency applications for some countries. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your Pennsylvania state police / background check.
Other Pennsylvania documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.