Louisiana Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Louisiana State Police (LSP) — Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCII)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Louisiana state background checks are processed by the Louisiana State Police (LSP), Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCII).
   • For immigration purposes, request a 'Right to Review' — a certified copy of your criminal history information record, per Louisiana Revised Statute 15:588.
   • Use the Louisiana Applicant Processing System (LAPS) to schedule a fingerprint appointment at a site near you. Visit a LAPS fingerprint location, where your digital fingerprints will be captured and submitted to LSP.
   • The fee is $26 per report. Payment is made at the time of your fingerprint appointment.
   • Alternatively, you can obtain fingerprinting services at Louisiana State Police Headquarters in Baton Rouge through IdentoGO for an additional fee.
   • The mailed 'Right to Review' report will be stamped 'True Copy,' signed by an LSP employee, and embossed with a raised state seal — this certified format is suitable for immigration and apostille purposes.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Processing takes up to 21 business days after your fingerprints are submitted through LAPS.
   • You can choose to receive your Right to Review report by mail or email when scheduling your appointment.
   • The mailed version includes the 'True Copy' stamp, signature, and embossed state seal. If you need the physical certified copy for apostille, choose the mail option.
   • Review the report carefully for accuracy before proceeding to apostille.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original certified background check to the Louisiana Secretary of State for apostille.
   • The fee is $20 per document ($10 for adoption-related documents).
   • Mail to: Louisiana Secretary of State, 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809. You can also submit in person.
   • Processing takes approximately 3 business days. Contact the office at (225) 922-0330 or commercial@sos.louisiana.gov.

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

• Louisiana calls its personal background check a 'Right to Review' — request this specifically for immigration purposes.
• The Right to Review mailed copy comes with a 'True Copy' stamp, signature, and embossed state seal, making it ready for apostille.
• Louisiana's background check processing time (up to 21 business days) is among the longest — plan well ahead of your visa timeline.
• Louisiana's apostille fee ($20) is among the highest in this batch. Combined with the background check ($26), total state costs are approximately $46.

Sources and verification