U.S. citizens who are applying for a Slovene residence permit will need to submit an FBI clearance as proof that they have no criminal record in the United States. It is easiest to apply while you are in the U.S. before moving to Slovenia. Those renewing a residence permit will need a new background check every three years.
Step 1 – Apply On-line: You can begin the application on-line at the FBI website, including making payment. With an electronic submission, you will automatically receive your results back electronically. After you complete the online portion you will receive a confirmation email that contains your order number, payment verification code and an address of where to mail your background check results.
Step 2 – Take Fingerprints: If you are in the United States you can visit a U.S. post office to submit your prints electronically. If not, you will need to submit a paper version. Download the FD-258 fingerprint card from the above FBI site. You can print the form on standard printer paper. Using an ink pad, imprint your fingerprints on the card, rolling your fingers from one side to the other. If the print quality is insufficient, the FBI will reject the submission. The FBI provides tips on good fingerprints. It is recommended for all customers to mail more than one card – up to five; however, only one quality set is required. Applicants sign the fingerprint card, under penalty of perjury, that it is their fingerprints.
The U.S. Embassy is not authorized to fingerprint U.S. citizens. For citizens requesting assistance with taking fingerprints, the following private detective agency provides the service for a fee:
Aljaz Jurejevcic
Proletarsrka cesta 4, 3rd floor
For appointment request, email: info@privatni-detektiv.si
Aleš Ažman – Detekta d.o.o.
Ulica Jozeta Jame14, Ljubljana (Sentvid)
For appointment request, email: info@detekta.si
Detektivsko varnostna agencija
Brnciceva ulica 13, Ljubljana- Crnuce
For appointment request, email: detektiv@detektiv-dva.si
Again, citizens are free to take the fingerprints on their own.
Step 3 – Send fingerprints: If you are sending your fingerprints in paper form, mail a copy of the confirmation email, along with your fingerprint card to:
FBI CJIS Division
ATTN: Electronic Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306
The processing time for these submissions is 3-5 business days upon receipt of the fingerprint card.
Step 4 – Have results authenticated: Slovenia requires that the criminal background results be authenticated with an apostille. Once you receive the results, you will then need to arrange for the electronic response from the FBI (or actual paper certificate) to be mailed or taken in-person to the U.S. State Department’s Office of Authentications in Washington DC for the apostille. If mailing, send to:
44132 Mercure Circle PO Box 1206, Sterling, VA 20166-1206
Include:
- a DS-4194 form (Request for Authentications Services)
- a check or money order for $20.00 per document payable to the U. S. Department of State
- a stamped self-addressed envelope for the return. We recommend a mail courier service that provides tracking information. The office can receive documents from Federal Express and DHL, but will not return using Federal Express.
Some people choose to enlist the help of a private courier service in Washington, DC that specialized in obtaining apostilles.