An apostille certifies the validity of an Illinois notary public, county clerk,
circuit clerk or local registrar.
This special certification is accepted by foreign countries as proof that specific
documents are official.
Apostilles are issued by the Index Department of the Illinois Secretary of
State's office:
Certificates Issued By the IL SOS Office

1. Certificate of Authority: Certifies the
validity of an Illinois notary public.

2. Certificate of Incumbency: Certifies the
validity of an Illinois County Clerk, Circuit
Clerk or Local Registrar.

3. Apostille: Certifies the validity of an
Illinois Notary Public, County Clerk, Circuit
Clerk or Local Registrar.
17 N. State St., Rm. 1030
Chicago, IL 60602
312-814-2067
312-793-2556
Requesting a Certificate

Submit a written request (see link above for application) by mail to the
Index Department in Springfield,
along with the following:

• Original document(s) to be certified, signed by the appropriate official.
• Name of country where the document(s) will be used.
• $2 fee per document payable to Secretary of State.
• Self-addressed, stamped envelope. Prepaid Express Mail, Priority Mail,
Federal Express, UPS Express envelopes also are accepted. The envelope may
be addressed to a third party.

Documents also may be submitted in person at the Index Department at the
downtown Chicago location.

Normal processing time of documents received by mail in the Springfield
office is 5-7 business days.
Authentication Process

Before an apostille is issued, the Clerk's
office verifies or authenticates the notary
publics signature on the document.  

The Clerk's office issues a Certificate of
Authenticity ($2 per document) verifying
that the notary public is in good standing.
 

The Secretary of State's office issues the
apostille.

Chicago Notary Services
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An Illinois Notary Public is NOT a Notario(a) Publico(a), unless they are a  licensed attorney.
Independent contractors/agents, are not attorneys licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice
or accept fees for legal advice.
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Chicago Notary Services  can not represent you  before the United States Immigration and
Naturalization Service and/or the Immigration Board of Appeals.
Direct (773) 594-2874