Colorado Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) — Biometric Identification and Records Unit

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Colorado state background checks are processed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) through the Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) program.
   • CBI has two approved fingerprinting vendors: IdentoGO and Colorado Fingerprinting (coloradofingerprinting.com). Schedule an appointment with either vendor online or by phone.
   • There are two check levels: Colorado-only ($17.50 if you meet residency qualifications) or Colorado + FBI nationwide ($39.50). For immigration purposes, the Colorado-only check is typically sufficient. Whether you also need a separate FBI background check depends on your route and current Ecuador eVISAS guidance — confirm before ordering.
   • The vendor charges an additional fingerprinting service fee on top of the CBI fee. Total cost typically ranges from $34.50 to $57.50 depending on the check type and vendor.
   • You can also run an instant name-based Colorado-only check online at cbirecordscheck.com, though this may not produce a document suitable for apostille.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Fingerprint-based results are typically available within 3-5 business days after your fingerprints are submitted.
   • Results are delivered through the CBI's Secure Document Delivery System (SDDS) for agency requests. For personal requests, results may be mailed or available for pickup.
   • Ensure you obtain an official printed copy of the results for apostille purposes.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original document to the Colorado Secretary of State for apostille.
   • The fee is $5.00 per document.
   • Mail to: Colorado Secretary of State, 1700 Broadway, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80290.
   • Standard processing takes approximately 7 business days, though the office has been experiencing longer than normal wait times.
   • For questions, contact (303) 894-2200 or email notary@sos.state.co.us.

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

• Colorado uses the term 'CABS' (Colorado Applicant Background Services) for its fingerprint-based background check program.
• Only two vendors are authorized for CBI fingerprinting: IdentoGO and Colorado Fingerprinting. Do not use unauthorized providers.
• The online name-based check at cbirecordscheck.com is instant but may not produce a document suitable for apostille — use the fingerprint-based CABS process instead.
• The Secretary of State has reported longer-than-normal processing times. Plan for potential delays beyond the stated 7 business days.

Sources and verification