Illinois Apostille Service
Illinois apostilles are issued by the Index Department of the Illinois Secretary of State. The state fee is $2 per apostille. For current processing times and office locations, see the Illinois Secretary of State.
| Issuing office | Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department |
|---|---|
| State fee | $2 per apostille |
| Our service fee | $195 per document, plus the state fee |
Fees checked October 2026 against the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department.
Apostille Request Form
How long does an apostille take in Illinois?
Processing times are set by the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department and change with its workload; its official page lists the current time.
Allow extra time for shipping in both directions. A missing certification or the wrong type of copy sends a document back and restarts the clock, so we check yours before it is submitted.
An FBI background check is federal, not an Illinois document. It goes to the U.S. Department of State, where regular processing takes 7 to 8 weeks. We offer an expedited FBI apostille in 10 business days.
How much does an Illinois apostille cost?
The state fee is $2 per apostille, charged by the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department. Our service fee is $195 per document, which covers document review, submission to the state and return of your originals. Processing time is 10 business days, depending on state delays. Shipping and translation are quoted separately.
How to get an apostille in Illinois: step by step
- Confirm the document was issued in Illinois. Illinois can only apostille Illinois documents.
- Get the right version: a certified copy of a vital record from the issuing Illinois office, or an original notarized by an Illinois notary.
- Complete the state apostille request form and name the country where the document will be used.
- Submit the document with the state fee to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department.
What to watch for with Illinois documents
- Photocopies are generally not accepted.
- Federal documents, such as an FBI background check, go to the U.S. Department of State, not the state.
Personal documents
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Death Certificate
- Divorce decrees and judgment
- Naturalization Certificate
- Adoption dossier
- Copy of passport
- Copy of drivers license
- Deeds and wills
- Single status affidavit
- Car or automobile title
- Travel authorization
- State police record
- FBI background record
- No Record Of Marriage
- Apostille Agreement
Corporate documents
- Certificates of incorporation
- Certificates of good standing
- Certificates of origin
- Trademarks/patents
- Business power of attorney
- FDA certificates
- Invoices and free sale certificates
- Department of the Treasury (Form 6166)
- Foreign government certificate CFG
Academic documents
- University/college diploma or transcripts
- High School diplomas or transcripts
- Attendance Certificates
Along with the request form, you’ll need to mail in your original document or certified copy. Make sure to include a self-addressed and stamped return envelope so they can mail your document back once it’s been apostilled. Apostille authentication recommends using tracked mail both ways to ensure safe delivery.
This apostilled document can then be presented along with your original document to authorities overseas as proof that it is valid and came from a genuine source.
How we help with your Illinois apostille
You can file an Illinois apostille yourself with the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department. Many people use us because a rejected document costs more time than the fee.
- We check your document first. Send a photo or scan. We confirm it is the right version, signed by the right official, before anything is submitted.
- We fix what is missing. If your document needs notarizing, a new certified copy, or a county or court certification, we arrange it.
- We submit and collect. We send your documents to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department and return the apostilled originals by tracked courier, in the US or abroad.
- We handle the federal side too. FBI background checks and other federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State, not the state. We do both.
- You can talk to a person. Call (971) 514-3743 or request a video consultation.
Our fee: $195 per document, plus the Illinois state fee ($2 per apostille). 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
You can mail your documents to us from anywhere, or visit our offices in Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Vancouver, Herndon and Houston.
Do you need a translation?
An apostille confirms the signature on your document. It does not translate it. If the country you are sending it to does not use English, the receiving office will usually ask for a certified translation as well.
We provide certified translation, so your Illinois document can be apostilled and translated in one order. Each translation comes with a signed certificate of accuracy.
Order matters. Some countries want the translation done after the apostille so the apostille page is translated too; others have their own translator requirements. Tell us the country and we will confirm the correct order before you pay. Contact us for a translation quote.
Related apostille services
Illinois apostille FAQ
How much does an Illinois apostille cost?
The state fee is $2 per apostille, charged by the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department. Our service fee is $195 per document, plus the state fee.
How long does an Illinois apostille take?
Processing times are set by the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department and change with its workload; its official page lists the current time.
Where do I get an Illinois apostille?
Illinois apostilles are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department.
Can Illinois apostille my FBI background check?
No. FBI background checks are federal and are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. We handle that for $195 with regular processing in 7 to 8 weeks, or $390 expedited in 10 business days.
Do I need an apostille or an authentication?
Countries in the Hague Apostille Convention accept an apostille. Other countries need an authentication followed by embassy legalization. Tell us the country and we will confirm which applies.
Can you apostille an Illinois document if I live outside Illinois?
Yes. Mail us the document from anywhere in the world and we return it by tracked courier.
Source: Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department. Last checked October 2026.