Alabama Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — Criminal Records and Identification Unit

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Alabama state background checks are processed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) through its Criminal Records and Identification Unit.
   • Download and complete the 'Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)' from the ALEA website.
   • You must obtain a classifiable set of your own fingerprints taken by an authorized law enforcement agency. Fingerprints must be on an FBI 'Applicant' Fingerprint Card (FD-258 blue card). Visit your local police department or sheriff's office to have your prints taken.
   • Submit the completed application, your fingerprint card, a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and a $25.00 fee (money order or cashier's check payable to 'ALEA, Criminal Records and Identification Unit').
   • Mail your packet to: ALEA, Criminal Records and Identification Unit, P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • ALEA advises allowing a minimum of 4-5 weeks from the date your application is received for processing.
   • Your Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) report will be mailed to the address you provided on your application.
   • The report is a paper document. Review it carefully for accuracy before proceeding to the apostille step.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Once you receive your Alabama background check, it must be apostilled by the Alabama Secretary of State.
   • Submit the original document to the Alabama Secretary of State, Authentications Division. Include a cover letter requesting an apostille and a $5.00 fee per document.
   • Mail to: Alabama Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103-5616. Walk-in requests are accepted at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.
   • Mail-in requests are typically processed within 3-5 business days. Walk-in requests can be processed same day.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • After your document is apostilled, submit it to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation and notarization.
   • Upload a clear scan or photo of your apostilled background check through the EcuadorTranslations.com order form.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 each when ordering 3 or more documents). Turnaround: 3 business days.
   • Your translated and notarized document will be delivered digitally, ready for your Ecuador visa application.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• Alabama calls this a 'Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)' review, not a 'background check.'
• Fingerprints must be ink-based on an FBI FD-258 blue card — Alabama does not use Live Scan for personal CHRI requests.
• The $25 fee must be a money order or cashier's check. Personal checks and cash are not accepted.
• Allow 4-5 weeks for ALEA processing — plan accordingly relative to the 180-day document validity window.

Sources and verification