Arizona Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Criminal History Records Unit

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Important: Arizona law does not permit the DPS Central State Repository to process criminal history record checks for immigration, visa, or foreign adoption purposes. Arizona DPS will not issue a background check for these uses.
   • For immigration purposes, you have two alternatives:
   • Option 1 (Recommended): Request a Record Review to check the accuracy of your own Arizona criminal record. Visit https://psp.azdps.gov/ and complete a Record Review Packet. This allows you to review your own record, though the resulting document may need additional steps for immigration use.
   • Option 2: Contact your local county sheriff's office. All 15 Arizona county sheriff offices provide background check services, including fingerprinting and clearance letters for visa/immigration purposes. Contact your county sheriff directly for their process and fees.
   • You may also obtain a letter from DPS stating that Arizona cannot share records for immigration purposes at https://psp.azdps.gov/criminal-history-csrs/backgroundlettersformTriage — this letter can be useful for your visa application.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • If using the county sheriff route, turnaround times vary by county — typically 1-2 weeks.
   • If requesting a DPS Record Review, allow 2-4 weeks for processing.
   • The DPS non-issuance letter is available to print immediately from the DPS website.
   • Whichever route you use, ensure you receive an original document (not a photocopy) for apostille purposes.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original document to the Arizona Secretary of State for apostille.
   • Include an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request form (available at azsos.gov), the original document, and a $3.00 fee per document.
   • For mail-in requests, include return postage (a trackable service is recommended). Mail to: Arizona Secretary of State, Authentication Division, 1700 W. Washington St., 7th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
   • Walk-in expedited service is available for $25.00 per document (limit of 6 documents), which provides same-day processing.
   • Standard mail processing takes 10-20 business days.

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

• Arizona DPS cannot issue background checks for immigration or visa purposes — this is a statutory restriction, not a policy choice.
• The county sheriff route is the most reliable path for Arizona residents needing a state-level background check for immigration.
• Arizona has the lowest apostille base fee in this batch at $3.00, but the standard mail turnaround (10-20 business days) is among the longest.
• DPS offers a printable letter explaining that Arizona cannot share records for immigration — include this in your visa application if needed.

Sources and verification