Maryland Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Maryland Department of Public Safety — Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Maryland state background checks are processed by the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository, part of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
   • For immigration purposes, request an 'Individual Review' background check. Submit the CJIS 015 Form along with a $18 fee.
   • You must also be fingerprinted. There is a $20 fingerprint service fee per customer. Total cost: $38 ($18 background check + $20 fingerprinting).
   • Walk-in fingerprinting is available at the CJIS Storefront, 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 101, Baltimore, MD 21215. You can also visit an authorized Private Provider or Government Operated Service location.
   • Accepted payment methods: credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) and checks. The Central Repository cannot accept cash or money orders.
   • For non-employment purposes such as immigration, visa, or adoption, you will be provided the appropriate fingerprint card at the time of fingerprinting.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Electronic fingerprint submissions average 24 hours or less for processing by CJIS.
   • Physical copies mailed to the applicant are generally received within 7-10 business days.
   • For fingerprint card (non-electronic) submissions, allow 10-15 business days from receipt by the Central Repository.
   • Review your report carefully for accuracy. Contact CJIS Customer Service at (410) 764-4501 or toll-free 1-888-795-0011 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM) with questions.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original background check to the Maryland Secretary of State for apostille.
   • The fee is $5 per document.
   • You can submit an apostille request through the Maryland State Archives online portal at shop.msa.maryland.gov, or by mail.
   • Contact the Certifications Desk at (410) 974-5521 for current mailing instructions and form requirements.
   • Processing takes approximately 2 business days, not including mailing time.

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

• Maryland's background check requires both a $18 CJIS fee and a $20 fingerprint fee, totaling $38 — higher than most states.
• Electronic fingerprint submissions are processed in about 24 hours, making Maryland one of the fastest for results if you use electronic submission.
• The CJIS Storefront in Baltimore offers walk-in fingerprinting — no appointment needed.
• Maryland does not accept cash or money orders at CJIS — bring a credit card or check.

Sources and verification