Michigan Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Michigan State Police — Criminal Justice Information Center

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Michigan offers two options: a quick name-based ICHAT search and a formal fingerprint-based request for immigration use.
   • ICHAT (name-based): Visit apps.michigan.gov to run an instant search. The fee is $10 per search, and results are available immediately online for 7 days. Note: ICHAT may not be sufficient for immigration — confirm with your visa processor.
   • Fingerprint-based (recommended for immigration): Submit a completed fingerprint card with "Immigration" written in the "Reason Fingerprinted" block. Mail the card with a $30 money order payable to "State of Michigan" to: Michigan State Police, CJIC, P.O. Box 30266, Lansing, MI 48909-7766.
   • One original certified/notarized response is included. Additional certified copies cost $1 each.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • ICHAT results are available instantly online after payment.
   • Fingerprint-based requests take 3 to 5 weeks for processing and mail delivery.
   • The fingerprint-based response comes as an original certified/notarized letter — this is the version you need for apostille and immigration use.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit your certified background check letter to the Michigan Secretary of State for an apostille.
   • By appointment: In-person appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Schedule through the online appointment system at michigan.gov/sos.
   • By mail: Send the document with a $1 check or money order payable to "State of Michigan" and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Office of the Great Seal.
   • The apostille fee is $1 per document. Processing takes approximately 14 business days by mail.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • Upload your apostilled background check to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 each for 3 or more documents).
   • Turnaround: 3 business days. Your translation is certified and notarized, ready for submission to Ecuador immigration.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• For immigration purposes, the fingerprint-based request is strongly recommended over ICHAT. The certified/notarized response letter is the format accepted for apostille.
• Michigan has the lowest apostille fee in the country at $1 per document.
• In-person apostille appointments are only available on Mondays and Wednesdays — plan accordingly.
• Request additional certified copies ($1 each) when submitting fingerprints if you need backups.

Sources and verification