Kentucky Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Kentucky State Police (KSP)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Kentucky state background checks are processed by the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
   • For immigration purposes, you have two options:
   • Option 1 — Name-Based Check ($20): Download the background check request form from the KSP website. Complete the form, include a $20 fee (check or money order payable to 'KY State Treasurer'), and mail to: Kentucky State Police, 1266 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601. No cash is accepted. Walk-in requests are also accepted at the same address.
   • Option 2 — Fingerprint-Based State & FBI Check ($54): For a combined state and FBI fingerprint check, visit an IdentoGO location in Kentucky. The total fee is $54 for both state and federal reports. Find locations at ky.state.identogo.com.
   • For immigration, the fingerprint-based check is more thorough and may be preferred by the receiving consulate.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Name-based checks submitted by mail take an average of 10 business days to process.
   • Walk-in name-based checks may be processed faster, though turnaround varies by volume.
   • Fingerprint-based checks through IdentoGO (live scan) typically return results within 3 business days.
   • Results are mailed to you at the address provided on the request form.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original background check to the Kentucky Secretary of State for apostille.
   • The fee is $5 per document. Include the apostille request form available at sos.ky.gov.
   • You can submit online through the Kentucky Secretary of State's e-Apostille portal at web.sos.ky.gov/apostille, or mail your request to: Kentucky Secretary of State, P.O. Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602.
   • Walk-in requests are accepted at 700 Capital Ave., Suite 158, Frankfort, KY 40601.
   • Processing takes approximately 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

• Kentucky offers an online e-Apostille portal — one of the more convenient digital options for apostille requests.
• The name-based check ($20) is the most affordable option, but the fingerprint-based check ($54 through IdentoGO) is recommended for immigration.
• KSP does not accept cash for background check fees — payment must be by check or money order payable to 'KY State Treasurer.'
• IdentoGO fingerprint results (3 business days) are significantly faster than mail-in name-based checks (10 business days).

Sources and verification