West Virginia Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

West Virginia State Police — Criminal Identification Bureau (CIB)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • West Virginia background checks are processed by the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau (CIB). The process requires fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
   • Schedule a fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO at identogo.com or call their toll-free number. You will need to submit your fingerprints and a signed written authorization for the background check.
   • The total cost through IdentoGO is approximately $47.25 for fingerprinting and processing. If you are fingerprinted at an enrollment center outside of West Virginia, an additional $39.95 fee applies.
   • IdentoGO by Idemia is the organization authorized by the West Virginia State Police to provide criminal record history check services.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Processing time varies but typically takes 2–4 weeks after fingerprints are submitted. Results are mailed to the address you provided during the application process.
   • Results include West Virginia state criminal history based on your fingerprint submission. For a comprehensive national check, you would need a separate FBI background check.
   • 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 receive your West Virginia background check results, get the document apostilled by the West Virginia Secretary of State.
   • The fee is $10 for the first document and $5 for each additional document. Submit using the AC-1 Apostille and Certification Request form available at sos.wv.gov.
   • In-person requests can be processed same-day. Mail requests take approximately 3–6 business days (up to 14 days during peak periods).
   • Contact the Business & Licensing Division at (304) 558-8000 for current processing times.

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

• West Virginia requires fingerprinting through IdentoGO — you cannot submit ink cards directly to the State Police for personal background checks.
• If fingerprinted outside West Virginia, expect an additional $39.95 surcharge from IdentoGO.
• The total background check cost ($47.25+) is among the higher state fees. Budget accordingly.
• Contact the WV State Police CIB for questions about criminal history check status.

Sources and verification