Kansas Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) — Criminal History Records Unit

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Kansas state background checks are processed by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Criminal History Records Unit.
   • For immigration or visa purposes, you need a certified record check. The KBI will certify a record check response for visa applications, immigration, and similar actions requiring formal validation.
   • A fingerprint-based record check costs $45 per individual. You will also pay a $10 fingerprinting fee if you have your prints taken at the KBI office.
   • Schedule a fingerprint appointment at KBI Headquarters Annex, 1631 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66612, by calling (785) 296-4038.
   • You can also have your fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency on a standard FD-258 card and mail them to the KBI with the completed request form and payment.
   • For questions, contact the Criminal History Records Unit at (785) 296-2454.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Processing takes approximately 5-10 business days after the KBI receives your fingerprint submission.
   • The certified Kansas criminal record includes a letter with the original signature of a Kansas Central Repository supervisor confirming the record check was conducted, along with the results.
   • The letter is notarized with an embossed seal of the Central Repository — this is important for apostille and immigration purposes.
   • Results are mailed to the address you provide on your request form.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original certified background check to the Kansas Secretary of State for apostille.
   • The fee is $10 per document (effective March 2, 2026). Include the completed Request for Document Certification form (Form DC), available at sos.ks.gov.
   • Mail to: Kansas Secretary of State, Memorial Hall, 120 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612-1594.
   • Processing takes 3-5 business days. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing.

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

• Kansas specifically supports certified record checks for immigration and visa purposes — the KBI notarizes the letter with an embossed seal.
• The apostille fee increased to $10 per document effective March 2, 2026 — older guides may list a lower amount.
• The total fingerprint-based background check cost at the KBI office is $55 ($45 record check + $10 fingerprinting fee).
• If you have your fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency instead of KBI, you avoid the $10 KBI fingerprinting fee but may pay a fee to the local agency.

Sources and verification