Illinois Apostille: $2 Fee, Chicago Office and Mail Steps
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Fee
$2 per apostille (15 ILCS 305/5.5) (IL SOS: Apostilles).
Requirements
- Complete the SOS Application for Authentication. Documents must be originals.
- Birth certificates: a certified copy from the county clerk, local registrar, or Illinois Department of Public Health. Marriage records: certified copy from the county clerk. Divorce decrees: certified copy from the circuit clerk. Don't notarize documents signed by a circuit clerk or judge.
- Transcripts or diplomas: the school's records official signs and certifies the record in front of a notary public.
- Only Illinois documents are accepted. Federal documents (including FBI checks) go to the U.S. Department of State.
- Pay by check or money order to the Illinois Secretary of State.
How to submit
- Mail: Index Department, 160 N. LaSalle St., Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60601. Expect 7–14 business days.
- In person: Springfield (2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy), Chicago (160 N. LaSalle St., Suite 100), or select DMV+ locations listed by the SOS. Most requests are processed while you wait.
Need a notary first?
If your document first needs notarizing, online options: Notarize · OneNotary · NotaryLive. Check that the state accepts the notarization method you choose before you file.
Confirm with the receiving country whether it needs an apostille or an authentication certificate. Non-Hague countries need authentication instead. See what is an apostille.
Free download: Apostille Checklist (PDF, 1 page). These are the general US steps, with links to official state sources.
Related guides
- California Apostille: Fees, Addresses and Steps (2026)
- Florida Apostille: $10 Fee, Mail Address and Vital Records Rules
- Georgia Apostille: $3 via GSCCCA
- How to Apostille an FBI Background Check
- Maryland Apostille: $5 Fee, Circuit Court Step and Address (2026)
- Michigan Apostille: $1 Fee, Address and Steps (2026)