Georgia Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) — Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Georgia state background checks are processed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).
   • Fingerprint-based checks are processed through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS). As of February 2025, Idemia is the GAPS vendor. Register and schedule fingerprinting at ga.state.identogo.com/ata.
   • For a Georgia-only check, the cost is approximately $30-$40 (GCIC fee + GAPS vendor fee). For a combined Georgia + FBI check, the cost is approximately $44-$52.
   • You can also visit the GCIC lobby office in person (by appointment only). Call 404-244-2639, option 1, to schedule.
   • For personal review of your own record, you may also request access through the GBI website, though the GAPS fingerprint process produces the most universally accepted document.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • GAPS fingerprint-based results are typically available within 24-48 hours after fingerprinting.
   • Results are available for retrieval from the GAPS website.
   • Georgia criminal history reports include records from the individual's 18th birthday forward and may include arrests, convictions, and non-convictions.
   • Ensure you obtain an official printed/certified copy suitable for apostille purposes.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Georgia apostilles are issued by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA), not directly by the Secretary of State.
   • The GSCCCA fee is $3.00 per document for an apostille. The Secretary of State issues Great Seal authentications ($10.00 per document) for non-Hague Convention countries, but Ecuador is a Hague member, so you need the apostille.
   • Walk-in service is available at the GSCCCA office — same-day or next-day processing is typical. No appointment is necessary.
   • Office hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Call (404) 327-6023 to confirm walk-in availability.
   • Mail-in requests are also accepted and typically processed within 2-3 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

• Georgia apostilles are issued by the GSCCCA, not the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State handles Great Seal authentications ($10) for non-Hague countries only.
• Georgia has the lowest apostille fee in this batch at $3.00 per document.
• As of February 2025, Idemia replaced the previous GAPS vendor. Register at ga.state.identogo.com/ata for fingerprinting.
• GAPS results are fast (24-48 hours), making Georgia one of the quickest states for the full background check + apostille process.

Sources and verification