Texas Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Crime Records Service

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Texas background checks are processed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Records Service. You have two options: a name-based search online or a fingerprint-based check through FAST.
   • OPTION 1 — Online Name-Based Search: Visit the DPS secure website at securesite.dps.texas.gov and submit a Criminal History Name Search. This provides a partial list of arrests and convictions on your Texas state record. Payment is by credit card or coupon code only.
   • OPTION 2 — Fingerprint-Based Check (FAST): Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO for electronic fingerprinting through the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) program. The fingerprinting fee is $10 plus a $15 fee for the criminal history record information (CHRI), totaling $25. Schedule at identogo.com or call 1-888-467-2080.
   • For immigration and visa purposes, the fingerprint-based check through FAST is recommended as it provides a more comprehensive and officially certified result.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • For online name-based searches, results are typically available immediately or within a few business days.
   • For fingerprint-based checks through FAST, results are available through the FACT Clearinghouse (securesite.dps.texas.gov/Clearinghouse/) once processing is complete.
   • Results include Texas state criminal history only. 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.
   • Contact the Access and Dissemination Bureau at 512-424-2474 for questions about results or billing.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Once you receive your Texas background check results, get the document apostilled by the Texas Secretary of State.
   • The fee is $15 per document. Submit your request online, by mail, or in person at the Secretary of State's office in Austin.
   • Walk-in service is available on Mondays and Fridays (same-day processing, but allow 15 minutes to over an hour for wait times). Appointment-based service is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
   • For bulk requests (more than 10 documents), use the Bulk Request Drop-Box for 24–48 hour turnaround. Mail-in requests currently take up to 25 business days from receipt — processing may exceed this timeframe during peak periods.

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

• Texas mail-in apostille processing is among the slowest in the country — plan ahead if you cannot visit Austin in person.
• The fingerprint-based FAST check ($25 total) is recommended over the name-based search for immigration purposes, as it produces a more authoritative document.
• Walk-in apostille service is only available on Mondays and Fridays. Tuesdays through Thursdays are appointment-only.
• For questions about DPS Crime Records, call 512-424-2474.

Sources and verification