The most comprehensive way to conduct a New York criminal record search is through the New York State Office of Court Administration ("OCA"). The OCA covers all 62 counties in New York State dating back to at least 1993 (the counties vary as to how far back they search) and includes all town and village records.
The best thing about the OCA "No Criminal Record Letter" is that no fingerprints are required. The search is based on the exact name and date of birth.
Necessary steps to prepare your background check for foreign use:
IMPORTANT: Make sure that a background check obtained on the state level will satisfy the requirements of the receiving foreign agency.
If the foreign country of intended use requires a background check issued on the federal level, order an FBI apostille.
If the foreign country of intended use requires a fingerprint-based background check, order an FBI apostille.
If the foreign country of intended use accepts New York statewide background checks, order it online with a Hague apostille.
Order online: New York State background check with apostille
We can obtain a New York statewide background check and have it apostilled for foreign use: ORDER ONLINE.No fingerprints required. The report is based on the exact name and date of birth.
We ship internationally.
New York apostille: price, processing time, order form
New York apostille: $175
Processing time: currently 1-1,5 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
What does a New York apostille look like?
Types of background checks
- New York statewide background check
- New York City Police good conduct certificate
- FBI (federal)
- Local police departments
A New York Statewide criminal history record search is provided by the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA). The search is based on the exact name and date of birth. No fingerprints are required.
IMPORTANT! This letter can only be issued if there is no criminal record in the State of New York. If there is a criminal record, the printout report will show it but the aaccompanying letter will not be issued, and without this letter it is not possible to get an apostille. If you have a criminal record in the State of New York, DO NOT order the New York Statewide background check online. We will not be able to have it apostilled!
The OCA issues a computer printout stating your name, date of birth, and the phrase "No record found". In addition, the OCA will issue a letter signed by the OCA Court Analyst of the Criminal History Record Search Program. This letter is issued on the letterhead of the Unified Court System of New York State, and reads as follows:
Order a New York Statewide background check with an apostille online...
The information provided through the New York State Office of Court Administration only involves state level matters. If the country of intended use requires a federal background check, you will need to get an FBI background check.
Question: I received my Certificate of Good Conduct from New York City. Does it have to be notarized before I can submit it for an apostille?
Answer: No, this document does not need to be notarized. In fact, the signature of the Supervisor who signed the certificate of good conduct can be authenticated directly New York County Clerk, and then apostilled.
What does a NYC certificate of good conduct look like?
Here is an image of New York City certificate of good conduct (criminal background check). It is issued by New York City police department, and includes the following information: (a) full name, (b) address, (c) photo, (d) fingerprints, (e) certificate number, (f) date, (g) signature of the Supervisor.
This certificate is valid for 60 days!FBI background check: apostille requirements
If the foreign country is requesting a local police department background check, then all you need to do is to go to your local police department and ask for a letter of good conduct. You will be issued a letter stating that there is no history of a criminal record. Many local police departments require your personal appearance in order to conduct the search. The letter of good conduct (background check) will be signed by an officer, and his or her signature must be notarized, If the police department does not have a notary on the premises, arrange that a mobile notary comes with you.
Important! The document must be notarized properly. The best New York notarial statement to be used is the acknowledgment.
Once complete, email a copy of the notarized background check for a free evaluation. We will check if the notary who notarized the document is in good standing and if the notarization has been done properly. Then, mail the original notarized letter of good conduct to us along with the Order form and we will get an apostille for your document.
