Application Method
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- Apply for an FBI Identity History Summary (Criminal Record Check) first, and then apply for document authentication at this office. For instructions on obtaining an FBI Identity History Summary (or criminal record), please refer to the official FBI website. Applying through an FBI-authorized U.S. Post Office is generally the simplest and most convenient option.
- Please ensure that the spelling of your name is correct when applying. The English name on your FBI Identity History Summary must exactly match the name on your U.S. passport, U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or foreign passport. If there are any discrepancies—such as a missing middle name, use of a middle initial instead of the full middle name, reversed first and last names, or any other inconsistency—you must first request a correction from the FBI before submitting the document to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) for authentication.
- Submit your application for authentication to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in Washington, D.C. Applications must be sent by mail. Please address your package to:
Consular Division
Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO)
4201 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20016- TECRO in Washington, D.C. accepts FBI document authentication applications from anywhere in the United States. If any of the required documents listed below are missing, your application package will be returned without processing.
Required Documents
- One completed TECRO Application Form. Please be sure to provide your contact telephone number, email address, and sign the application personally.
- Authentication fee:
- Regular service: US$15 per document
- Expedited service: US$22.50 per document
Payment may be made by cash, Money Order, or Cashier's Check, payable to TECRO. Personal checks are not accepted.
- A prepaid return envelope (A4 size) with:
- The applicant's name as the recipient;
- The complete return address;
- Sufficient postage and a tracking number. It is recommended that you purchase a prepaid shipping label from DHL, FedEx Express, UPS, or USPS, print the label, and affix it to the return envelope. TECRO is responsible only for mailing the documents and assumes no liability for loss or damage during transit. If preferred, you may pick up your authenticated documents in person.
- One photocopy of your Taiwan passport, if applicable. An expired Taiwan passport may also be submitted.
- One photocopy of your U.S. passport, Green Card, or U.S. visa. If none of these is available, please submit a photocopy of your foreign passport.
- One of the following three types of FBI criminal record documents:
Option 1:
One original FBI Identity History Summary issued directly by FBI Headquarters. The envelope must remain sealed and unopened.Option 2:
If you received your FBI Identity History Summary electronically from FBI Headquarters or an FBI-authorized U.S. Post Office, please:- ● Print the FBI report;
- ● Forward the original FBI email (including the PIN code) to consul.tecro@mofa.gov.tw;
- ● Print the email showing that it has been forwarded and include the printout with your application package for verification. (The email address used to forward the FBI email must match the email address listed on your application form)
Option 3:
If your report was issued by an FBI-approved Channeler (private company) rather than directly by the FBI or USPS, it must first be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State before it can be submitted to TECRO for authentication.Important Notes
- TECRO authenticates only the original English-language FBI document.
- If you require a Chinese translation of the FBI report, you must prepare the translation yourself and submit it to the TECO branch office with jurisdiction over your residence for authentication. Alternatively, you may have the Chinese translation notarized by a court notary public in Taiwan.
Processing Time
- Regular service: 10 business days
- Expedited service: 3 business days
