Which is better for US Police Clearance Certificate, Notarization: City / County / or State? 518-956-5673

Criminal Records

How to handle the three-level authentication of a U.S. criminal record check at the Chinese Consulate, and which type is better? We recommend:

Work Visa – City (local) / County / State Criminal Record Check

Chinese Permanent Residency / Military Service / Study Abroad – FBI Criminal Record Check

Why Authenticate a U.S. Police Criminal Record Check?

When applying for a work permit, Chinese green card, etc., in China, a U.S. criminal record check must undergo consular authentication by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. to be recognized by relevant domestic authorities. A criminal record check (also known as "certificate of lack of a criminal record," "Criminal Record Check," or "criminal history record") is a document issued by relevant departments after searching corresponding databases to certify that you have no criminal record. For general job applications in non-sensitive positions, a certificate issued by the local police department may suffice.

Additionally, if you have lived in multiple locations, you may need certificates from police departments in each area. In such cases, we recommend directly applying for FBI criminal record authentication, which is more convenient. We also offer expedited services for FBI criminal record checks and the three-level consular authentication. Check: FBI Criminal Record Application and Three-Level Consular Authentication

Regardless of the type of U.S. criminal record check, if it is to be used in China, it must undergo notarization and authentication by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. to be legally valid and recognized by Chinese government authorities. We also advise you to communicate with relevant Chinese authorities beforehand to confirm which documents meet their requirements.

Departments Issuing Police Criminal Record Checks in the U.S.:

Local police department of your previous residence, county sheriff's office, or state police and judicial departments.

Procedure for Consular Authentication of a Local Police or County Sheriff's Office Criminal Record Check:

1. Contact the local police department or county sheriff's office to request a criminal record check by searching local and state databases.

This step must be completed by yourself (due to privacy concerns, relevant government agencies generally require the applicant to apply in person).

2. Copy of the applicant's passport (Chinese citizens must also provide original and copies of legal U.S. residency documents, such as a green card, I-20, H1B, etc.).

3. Completed "Notarization and Authentication Application Form."

Appendix: Criminal Records Sample