Maine Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Maine State Police — State Bureau of Identification (SBI)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Maine state background checks are processed by the Maine State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI).
   • You can request a criminal history record check online at maine.gov/pcr or by contacting the SBI directly.
   • The fee is $31 per check (non-refundable). If you need a notarized copy — recommended for immigration and visa purposes — the fee is $41 ($31 check + $10 notarization).
   • For a fingerprint-based check, submit a fingerprint card directly to the SBI at: 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1, Augusta, ME 04330. Phone: (207) 624-7240.
   • You can also request a name-based check online, but the fingerprint-based check is more thorough for immigration applications.
   • When completing the request, indicate that the purpose is for a visa or immigration application.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Online name-based checks may return results within a few business days.
   • Fingerprint-based checks and notarized reports take approximately 5-10 business days.
   • Results include crimes convicted as an adult and felonies adjudicated as a juvenile.
   • If you find any inaccuracies, you can challenge incomplete or incorrect records by contacting SBI in person, by phone, or by mail.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original background check to the Maine Secretary of State for apostille.
   • The fee is $10 per signed document, payable to the Secretary of State in U.S. funds.
   • Mail to: Maine Secretary of State, Apostilles and Authentications, 148 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0148.
   • Processing takes 10-15 business days according to the official Maine Secretary of State website. For requests involving more than 5 documents, call (207) 624-7752 to schedule an appointment.

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

• Request the notarized version ($41) rather than the standard version ($31) if you plan to apostille and use the document internationally.
• Maine's apostille processing time (10-15 business days) is among the longest in this batch — plan accordingly.
• The SBI allows you to challenge inaccurate records before proceeding with apostille.
• Maine residents who subscribe to the online criminal history service pay a reduced fee of $21 for online checks.

Sources and verification