Who can issue an apostille in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State, popularly known as Illinois SOS, is the only authority that can apostille and authenticate your documents for international use.
Can I get an apostille electronically in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not currently offer electronic apostilles. An apostille certificate is a physical, paper document with an official security stamp that must be attached directly to your paperwork. To get one, you'll need to either mail your original documents to the Illinois Secretary of State's office or drop them off in person at one of their two locations in Chicago or Springfield.
Where to get a birth certificate apostille in Illinois?
The certified copy of your birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health needs to be submitted to the Illinois Secretary of State for an apostille, along with the completed application form and processing fee.
What is the difference between an Illinois apostille and a federal apostille?
An Illinois apostille, issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, covers documents that were issued at the state level, such as birth certificates, marriage records, and notarized personal documents. A federal apostille, issued by the US Department of State in Washington D.C., is required for federally issued documents like FBI background checks or documents signed by federal officials.
How quickly can I get an apostille in Illinois?
The standard processing time is 7 to 14 business days once your documents have been submitted by mail. If you take your documents to one of the Secretary of State Index Department offices, they are processed over the counter while you wait, but this is only possible for people living near Chicago or Springfield.
Can an Illinois apostille be done in one day?
Yes, you can get an Illinois apostille done in a single day, but only if you do it in person in one of the Secretary of State physical offices. Only two offices in the state handle walk-in, one in Chicago, and another in Springfield.
How to apostille a marriage certificate in Illinois?
First, you need to have a certified copy from the Clerk’s office in the county where the marriage was registered, including all official county seals and signatures. Next, you can submit it yourself to the Illinois Secretary of State, or hire third-party service providers, like Globeia, which is a very commonly taken route among people due to convenience and expedited services.
Can a regular notary do an Illinois state apostille?
No, a regular notary public cannot do or issue an apostille. The Illinois Secretary of State is the only authority that can issue an apostille. An apostille proves to a foreign government that the notary who witnessed your signature was actually a legally commissioned, active officer of the state.
Will the Illinois Secretary of State apostille a personal document that has been notarized?
Yes, the Illinois Secretary of State will apostille a personal document, such as a power of attorney, an affidavit, a medical record, or a contract. But it will only do so if the document has been notarized correctly and has gone through the mandatory county clerk's verification of the notary first.
What documents are required for an apostille in Illinois?
You must provide these four items whether you are walking into an office in person or sending your request through the mail:
Original documents or officially certified copies issued in Illinois.
A pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope if you're submitting by mail and want your documents sent back to you.
Completed application for authentication or apostille.
A check or money order made out to the Illinois Secretary of State.