Washington, DC Police Clearance Certificate for Overseas Use: MPD FL-20, Apostille & Certified Translation

If a foreign visa office, employer, licensing body, or adoption agency asks for a Washington, DC police clearance certificate, first confirm which record it wants. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) issues a District-level criminal history request, commonly associated with PD Form 70 and the FL-20 format for overseas or travel use. It is not the same as an FBI national background check or a fingerprint check initiated by an employer or licensing board.

For an MPD record, the practical sequence is: confirm the recipient’s exact requirement, request the correct MPD record, obtain DC authentication if required, then arrange translation in the language and format the recipient accepts. Translation cannot change the report’s scope or replace an apostille.

Key takeaways for Washington, DC applicants

• Choose the right record first. MPD covers DC records. If the recipient asks for a national or FBI check, an MPD clearance will not substitute for it.
• For routine overseas use, ask MPD about Option B. Option A is for sealing or expungement matters and includes all adult arrests, regardless of disposition or date.
• Plan for separate local steps. MPD issues the clearance at 441 4th Street NW. DC’s ONCA handles authentication of eligible DC-issued documents; confirm that your MPD document meets its current requirements.
• Allow a buffer. MPD publishes different estimates by request type and channel. Its mail estimate is six weeks; treat published times as planning guidance, not a guarantee.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for current and former Washington, DC residents who need an MPD police clearance for a foreign visa, residence, citizenship, overseas job, professional application, or adoption process. It is especially useful if you have moved out of DC or the United States and need to request the record by mail.

A common packet includes an MPD clearance, identity information matching the application, and—if required by the receiving authority—DC authentication and a translation into its specified language. Some cases also need a separate court disposition or name-change record, but include those only when the recipient asks for them. No public MPD or ONCA data identifies the most common translation language pairs for overseas clearances. The relevant pair is English to the language named by the recipient; examples such as Spanish, French, or Chinese are not a ranking of local demand.

The common sticking points are choosing between an MPD and FBI check, selecting the right MPD option, assembling a complete mail request, and discovering too late that the destination has its own authentication or translator rules.

Choose the right Washington, DC police clearance certificate

The phrase “police clearance” can refer to different records. Read the receiving authority’s checklist and ask it to clarify wording such as “national police certificate,” “all jurisdictions,” or “FBI background check” before paying for a record.

MPD PD Form 70 or FL-20

This is a personal criminal history request from the District of Columbia. Confirm that the destination accepts a DC-level record and identify which purpose-specific option MPD should use.

FBI Identity History Summary

This is a federal, fingerprint-based national record. If the recipient specifically requires an FBI result, use the FBI process. DC ONCA handles eligible DC agency documents, not federal FBI reports; see the FBI Identity History Summary FAQ for current application details.

Employer or licensing authority fingerprint check

An employer or licensing board may initiate a separate background check for a defined job, license, or regulated activity. Follow that institution’s instructions; a personal MPD FL-20 may not meet its requirement.

Court docket or disposition

A court record documents a particular case, order, or outcome. Ask whether the recipient needs that record in addition to, or instead of, a police clearance.

For a brief explanation of the broader US local, state, and federal record distinction, see County, State, or FBI Background Check? Choosing the Right U.S. Record for Use Abroad. This guide focuses on the MPD route.

What Option A and Option B mean on the MPD request

MPD distinguishes the request by purpose. Option A is for determining eligibility for, or filing for, record sealing or expungement. MPD says it includes all adult arrests regardless of disposition or date. Option B is for other purposes; MPD describes it as covering adult convictions for which the sentence was completed within the prior 10 years, along with forfeitures of collateral within that period.

That distinction can be counterintuitive: a “more complete” record is not automatically the right record for a visa or overseas job. For ordinary foreign submissions, ask the recipient and MPD which option fits the stated purpose; Option B is the option associated with other purposes. Do not choose Option A merely because you assume it is a better background check. If the recipient explicitly asks for a full arrest history, or your situation involves sealing or expungement, clarify the request before applying.

MPD says applicants must be at least 18 and may request information about themselves. Option B permits an authorized person to submit a request on someone’s behalf. PD Form 70 is available when visiting rather than as a downloadable blank form. The MPD Police Clearances page gives current instructions, identification requirements, payment details, and contact information.

How to request an MPD police clearance certificate in DC

In person or by drop-off

MPD lists the Arrest and Criminal History Section at 441 4th Street NW, Room 550 South, Washington, DC 20001. The service phone is (202) 727-4245; MPD also lists the Records Manager at (202) 715-7539 and the main number at (202) 727-4429.

The MPD page lists Records Division hours as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. It says an appointment is required for in-person records requests, while a separate drop-off service is available without an appointment. Because these are different service routes, check the current MPD page or call before traveling. Do not assume that a drop-off request will be processed while you wait.

MPD lists the drop-off estimate at about two weeks. The page asks drop-off applicants to appear in person with acceptable ID, an email address, callback phone number, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. For an appointment-based request, PD Form 70 is completed at the service point. MPD lists a $7 fee payable in person by cash or credit card, not by check or money order.

MPD lists a driver’s license, non-driver ID, or original birth certificate together with a Social Security card among acceptable identification options. Check its current page for the complete requirements and bring the documents specified for your request.

By mail if you are outside DC

MPD’s mail route is intended for people who live outside the District or cannot come to the office. Its instructions call for a notarized request letter with your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email; a copy of your ID; a self-addressed stamped return envelope; and a $7 money order payable to DC Treasurer. MPD says it does not accept checks for this route and advises applicants to allow six weeks.

Before mailing from abroad, contact MPD to confirm how it will handle notarization and return postage in your circumstances. The published instructions require a notarized letter but do not specify whether every foreign notarization or international return-mail arrangement will be accepted. Keep copies of the packet and proof of mailing. An incomplete request can add avoidable time to a process that already has a long published mail estimate.

DC authentication: when ONCA enters the process

Ask the destination whether it requires authentication of the MPD document. An apostille or other authentication verifies an official signature or seal; it does not verify the facts in a criminal history report. Certified translation addresses language and translator certification. These are different functions. For the general distinction, see Police Clearance Certificate Translation vs. Apostille: When You Also Need Notarization.

DC’s Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) authenticates documents issued or signed by DC government agencies. Its walk-in service is at 899 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 8100, Washington, DC 20002, with public hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., except holidays. The published fee is $15 per document. ONCA describes same-day walk-in service and a mail process that takes about five business days after receipt of a complete request. Confirm that the MPD document and signature meet ONCA’s current requirements before making the trip or mailing the original. See the DC ONCA authentications page for current service instructions.

For a destination in the Hague Apostille Convention, ask whether an apostille is required. For a non-Hague destination, DC may issue a Foreign Certificate, after which U.S. Department of State authentication may be required. Follow ONCA’s country-specific instructions and the U.S. Department of State authentication instructions. The receiving authority decides whether further legalization is needed. ONCA authenticates an eligible signature or official status; it does not validate the report’s contents or promise that a foreign office will accept it.

An FBI report follows a different route because it is federally issued. Do not take an FBI Identity History Summary to ONCA for authentication; follow the FBI and federal instructions for that record.

Certified translation: translate the packet the recipient will review

MPD issues its clearance in English. Whether a foreign authority requires a certified, sworn, official, or accredited translation depends on that authority and the destination country. MPD and ONCA do not set a universal translation format for overseas submissions. Use the recipient’s exact wording rather than assuming that “certified translation” covers every country’s rules.

If translation is required, ask whether the recipient wants the authentication page translated too. When it does, wait until the final apostille or Foreign Certificate is attached and submit the complete set for translation. A thorough translation should account for the report, stamps, signatures, seals, endorsements, and any attached authentication page. Check names and dates against the identity documents and application.

Do not assume that an apostille makes translation unnecessary or that translation makes an apostille unnecessary. If you are considering self-translation or machine translation, first check the destination’s rules; our police clearance self-translation guide covers the general risks. For the practical difference between a scan and a paper original, see electronic vs. paper police clearance certificates.

Timing, cost, and local experience

MPD’s page gives several time estimates: most requests may take about 24 hours, the listed Option A and Option B processing time is up to 10 business days, drop-off requests about two weeks, and mail requests six weeks. These are estimates for different request types and channels, not one guaranteed turnaround. MPD also warns that people with an arrest record may wait longer. If you have a deadline, allow time for the clearance, authentication if required, shipping, and translation. A same-day ONCA visit does not remove the MPD processing time that comes first.

Legal Aid DC’s February 2026 testimony to the DC Council describes delays and lost or incorrect records in its work with full arrest-history requests for sealing matters. That is a useful local warning about possible friction in DC records work, but it is not a published average for routine Option B or overseas FL-20 requests. MPD states that more than 95% of people served at its public-service counters seek a police clearance. This indicates that clearances are a central counter service; it does not show the share of overseas requests or establish a current queue time. Legal Aid DC’s testimony is listed in its public policy and advocacy repository.

For the basic local fees, budget $7 for the MPD request and, if the recipient requires DC authentication, $15 per document for ONCA. Mailing, return delivery, translation, destination-country legalization, or further federal authentication can add costs. Be cautious of a third party promising a government turnaround that MPD or ONCA does not guarantee.

Commercial translation services with a DC-area presence

MPD and ONCA do not designate a private FL-20 translation provider. The companies below publish Washington, DC contact or office information and describe document translation services. A local listing is not government approval or proof of specialized MPD experience. Confirm availability and requirements directly before ordering.

The Translation Company Group

Its Washington, DC page lists an office at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003, phone (202) 871-9200, and certified document translation. Ask whether it can translate the complete FL-20 packet, including ONCA pages, in your language pair, and whether an appointment is required for local service.

Trusted Translations

Its Washington, DC contact page lists 1015 15th Street, Washington, DC 20005, phone (202) 980-1818, and certified translation ordering. Confirm who signs the translation certification, what format is delivered, how revisions are handled, and whether the certification meets the recipient’s translator rules.

For either provider—or any translator—request a written quote based on the complete packet, target language, and recipient’s instructions. A DC address does not establish that a translator is sworn or registered in the destination country. If the recipient requires a locally appointed translator, verify that qualification before ordering.

Official and nonprofit resources

• MPD Arrest and Criminal History Section: Request your DC clearance, confirm which option applies, or ask about a delayed or incomplete request. The listed fee is $7; call (202) 727-4245 or the Records Manager at (202) 715-7539.
• DC ONCA: Ask whether an eligible DC-issued document meets authentication requirements. The listed fee is $15 per document; call (202) 727-3117. Walk-in customer hours are 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on weekdays except holidays.
• Legal Aid DC: Eligible residents can ask about help with record sealing or related criminal-record issues. This is not a routine overseas document-preparation service. Call (202) 628-1161 to ask about eligibility and available services.
• DC Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection: Consumers can submit complaints about deceptive or unfair business practices by a translation or background-check service when the matter falls within DC’s jurisdiction. The Consumer & Tenant Response hotline is (202) 442-9828. This office does not correct an MPD record or replace legal representation.

Common DC clearance mistakes

• Ordering the wrong level of record: A DC report is not a nationwide FBI report. Ask the recipient which one it needs.
• Selecting Option A because it sounds more complete: This option is for sealing or expungement purposes and includes adult arrests regardless of outcome or age of the case.
• Taking an FBI report to ONCA: ONCA handles eligible DC-origin documents, not federal FBI records.
• Mailing before confirming the details: Check notarization, payment, identification, and return-mail requirements with MPD, especially if applying from outside the United States.
• Translating only the clearance page: If the recipient asks for the apostille or authentication sheet in translation, include that page in the final translated packet.
• Paying for a guaranteed fast-track: A private provider cannot promise that MPD or ONCA will issue a government document by a particular date.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Washington, DC police clearance for use abroad?

First ask the recipient whether it wants an MPD DC-level clearance or an FBI national record, and whether it requires authentication or translation. For an MPD request, follow the current PD Form 70 instructions, choose the purpose that matches the request, and use ONCA if the destination requires DC authentication. Arrange translation to the recipient’s specifications.

Is an MPD police clearance the same as an FBI background check?

No. MPD provides a DC-level record. The FBI Identity History Summary is a separate national, fingerprint-based process. If the recipient requests an FBI report, use the federal process; ONCA does not authenticate federal FBI documents.

Which MPD option should I choose for a foreign visa?

MPD describes Option B as the route for purposes other than sealing or expungement, with the limited categories of adult convictions and forfeitures within its 10-year scope. Option A is for sealing or expungement and includes all adult arrests regardless of disposition or date. Check the foreign checklist and ask MPD if its wording does not clearly match either option.

Does an MPD FL-20 need an apostille, and where do I get one?

Only if the receiving authority requires authentication. Ask ONCA whether your MPD document meets its current requirements. For a Hague Convention destination, ask whether an apostille is required; for a non-Hague destination, follow ONCA’s Foreign Certificate instructions and any further U.S. Department of State requirements.

Can I request an MPD clearance by mail while living abroad?

MPD publishes a mail route requiring a notarized request letter, identification copy, self-addressed stamped return envelope, and a $7 money order payable to DC Treasurer. Its page says to allow six weeks. Before sending the request, confirm how MPD will handle your notarization and international return arrangements.

How long does the whole process take?

MPD publishes estimates ranging from about 24 hours for most requests to six weeks for mail, with other estimates for specific options and drop-off requests. These are not a guaranteed timeline. Add ONCA processing if required, shipping, any further authentication, and translation time. For a deadline, ask each institution for its current estimate before submitting.

Does certified translation replace an apostille?

No. Translation communicates the document in another language; an apostille or authentication verifies an official signature or seal. The receiving authority decides whether it needs either or both, and may specify a sworn or otherwise qualified translator instead of accepting a general certified translation.

Prepare the translation after confirming the final document set

Once you have the MPD record and know whether authentication is required, CertOf can handle the translation step for supported language pairs. Upload the complete, readable document set—including the ONCA page if the recipient wants it translated—and provide the recipient’s instructions. Start at the CertOf translation portal, review the online upload and ordering guide, or see the hard-copy delivery information if paper is requested.

CertOf provides document translation and translation certification; it does not obtain MPD records, collect fingerprints, arrange ONCA appointments, issue apostilles, provide legal representation, or guarantee acceptance by a foreign authority. If the recipient requires a sworn or destination-registered translator, verify that requirement before ordering.

Disclaimer: This guide is general document-preparation information, not legal advice. MPD and ONCA instructions can change, and the receiving country or institution controls its own record, authentication, and translation requirements. Confirm current rules directly before submitting a time-sensitive application.