Nevada Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Nevada Department of Public Safety — Records, Communications and Compliance Division

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Nevada criminal history records are obtained through the Department of Public Safety's Records, Communications and Compliance Division (RCCD).
   • Complete the DPS-006 (Identification File Request Form), available at rccd.nv.gov.
   • Get fingerprinted on a standard FD-258 fingerprint card at a local sheriff's department, police department, or private fingerprint agency. All ten fingerprints must be captured simultaneously.
   • Mail the completed DPS-006 form, your fingerprint card, and a $27 money order payable to "Department of Public Safety" to: RCCD, 333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100, Carson City, NV 89706.
   • For immigration purposes, a Notarized PID (Personal Identification) may be required — confirm with your visa processor.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Processing takes approximately 45 days.
   • Results are mailed to the address you provide on the DPS-006 form.
   • If you haven't received your results after 45 days, call the Repository at (775) 684-6262 for a status update.
   • Your report will confirm your Nevada criminal history or certify that no record exists.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit your background check to the Nevada Secretary of State for an apostille.
   • The apostille fee is $20 per document.
   • In person: Visit the Carson City office for same-day processing. Expedited options (24-hour and 4-hour) are available for additional fees.
   • By mail: Standard mail processing takes 5-10 business days. Send to the Nevada Secretary of State with payment and a return envelope.

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

• Nevada's background check processing time (~45 days) is one of the longest in the country. Start this process well in advance of your visa application.
• Only fingerprint-based checks using FD-258 cards are accepted — online name-based searches are not sufficient for immigration purposes.
• Nevada no longer limits background checks to the past 7 years for convictions. All conviction history may appear on your report.
• The $20 apostille fee is among the higher state fees. Budget accordingly if apostilling multiple documents.

Sources and verification