FBI Police Clearance Certificate
A FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Police Clearance Certificate is an "FBI Report" documenting results of a criminal background check that the requesting applicant may or may not have. The FBI Police Clearance Certificate typically details whether or not the applicant has a criminal record in the United States and is usually required as part of a Visa process by the respective foreign agency. There are cases where the Police Certificate (FBI Report) may also include foreign criminal history information where it has been disclosed to the FBI.
Agency Reporting Levels
Depending the country and/or agency a Police Clearance Certificate can be viewed as an equivalent of a Police Record, Police File, Police Check, Identity History Summary Checks, or even a Criminal History Check. An important fact to remember here is that these names are commonly used by local, state and federal agencies.
Be sure to double check with your requesting agency that you are obtaining the specific "agency level" report. A Police Clearance Certificate for your local police department is not the same as obtaining one from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
How Long Are Police Certificates Valid?
There is no set period of time for which a FBI Police Clearance Certificate is considered to be valid. The FBI Police Certificate is only truly accurate on the date of the criminal background check was actually conducted on (date of issue). Foreign Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates or other government authorities usually require applicants to provide their FBI Police Certificate that has been issued within the past six (6) months.
Contact Information for the FBI Police Clearance Certificate
FBI, Criminal Justice Information Services Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306, USA
Who Can Apply?
Anyone who has lived in the United States for any length of time, regardless of nationality can apply for a FBI Police Clearance Certificate. In some circumstances, applicants might be required to provide a FBI Police Certificate as part of a Visa Immigration process even they have not lived in the United States.
National Live Scan Association
Members of the National Live Scan Association (NLSA) can assist those seeking to get fingerprinted in obtaining their FBI Police Clearance Certificates. Based on the urgency of time, obtaining FBI Police Clearance Certificates be accomplished via Ink Card Fingerprinting or Live Scan Fingerprinting. Contact the National Live Scan Association (http://NationalLiveScan.org) to learn more, 888.498.4234.