Tennessee Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Tennessee background checks are handled by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) through their TORIS (Tennessee Open Records Information Services) system. No fingerprints are required for a name-based search.
   • Go to tbibackgrounds.tbi.tn.gov and submit a name-based criminal records request. The cost is $29 per search (non-refundable). The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
   • You can also submit a request by mail to the TBI. Use the TORIS application form available on the TBI website.
   • The TBI recommends using a desktop or laptop computer, as results are returned as PDF documents that may not display properly on all mobile devices.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Online requests through TORIS are typically processed quickly — you can check back on your pending search through the portal. Mail requests take longer.
   • Your results will indicate whether the individual has a Tennessee adult criminal history. The report covers adult criminal activity within Tennessee, including misdemeanor and felony arrests and convictions. Juvenile records are excluded unless the subject was tried as an adult.
   • Whether you also need a separate FBI background check depends on your route and current Ecuador eVISAS guidance — confirm before ordering. The criminal-record certificate must be issued within 180 days of your visa application date.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Once you have your Tennessee background check results, get the document apostilled by the Tennessee Secretary of State.
   • In-person service is available at 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 3rd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:15 PM Central Time (excluding state holidays). Arrive by 2:00 PM for same-day service.
   • Mail requests are processed within approximately 3 business days. The fee is $2 per document — make payment to the 'Tennessee Secretary of State.'

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • Ecuador requires a certified Spanish translation of your apostilled background check. EcuadorTranslations.com provides certified translation and notarization services specifically for Ecuador visa documents.
   • Cost is $150 per document, or $130 per document when submitting 3 or more documents together. Turnaround is 3 business days.
   • Upload your apostilled document at EcuadorTranslations.com and receive your certified, notarized translation ready for your Ecuador visa application.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• Tennessee is one of the most affordable states for apostille services at just $2 per document.
• TBI background checks do not require fingerprints — they are name-based searches, which makes the process faster and simpler than most states.
• The $29 TORIS fee is non-refundable regardless of the search outcome.
• Contact the TORIS Unit at (615) 744-4057 for assistance with your background check request.

Sources and verification