Wisconsin Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Wisconsin background checks are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) through their Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS).
   • Visit recordcheck.doj.wi.gov to submit a name-based search. The fee is $7 per record. Anyone may request adult criminal history record information through WORCS under Wisconsin Statutes 19.35(1) and 165.82.
   • For immigration purposes, you can request a 'Police Certificate' — a fingerprint-based criminal history search. This searches Wisconsin criminal history records only; checks for other states must be performed separately through each state or the FBI.
   • WORCS is available for use by any person or entity for lawful purposes including tenant screening, business transactions, and personal use.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Online WORCS name-based searches typically return results quickly — often within minutes.
   • Fingerprint-based Police Certificate requests take longer, typically 1–2 weeks for processing.
   • Results include Wisconsin criminal history only — conviction information, arrest records, and disposition data maintained by the DOJ. 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 Wisconsin background check results, get the document apostilled by the Wisconsin Secretary of State.
   • Standard service costs $10 per document with an estimated processing time of 7–20 business days. Expedited service costs $35 per document with 2–4 business day processing.
   • Walk-in expedited service is generally available same-day at the Secretary's office in the Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison.
   • Mail submissions to: Secretary of State, PO Box 7848, Madison, WI 53707-7848. Email Apostilles@wisconsin.gov for questions.

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

• Wisconsin has one of the cheapest state background checks at $7 per name search through WORCS.
• Standard apostille processing (7–20 business days) is slow — consider paying the $35 expedited fee or visiting in person if you are on a tight timeline.
• Processing times do not include shipping time and are estimates only.
• For immigration purposes, the fingerprint-based Police Certificate is recommended over the name-based WORCS search.

Sources and verification