Where Can I Get an Apostille in Illinois
If you are a resident of Illinois and need to authenticate your documents for use in another country, you may be wondering where you can get an apostille. An apostille is a form of authentication issued by the Secretary of State’s office, certifying that a document is genuine and can be recognized internationally. In this article, we will explore where you can obtain an apostille in Illinois and answer some frequently asked questions related to the process.
Where to Obtain an Apostille in Illinois
In Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office is responsible for issuing apostilles. The office has a dedicated Apostille and Authentication Unit that handles all requests for document authentication. To obtain an apostille, you will need to follow a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before submitting your documents for authentication, make sure they meet the requirements set by the Secretary of State’s office. The documents must be issued or certified by an Illinois public official or notary public. Examples of documents that can be apostilled include birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and power of attorney documents.
Step 2: Complete the Apostille Request Form
Visit the Secretary of State’s website and download the Apostille Request Form. Fill out the form with accurate and legible information. Make sure to include your contact information, the type of document you are requesting an apostille for, and any additional information required.
Step 3: Gather the Necessary Fees
The Secretary of State’s office charges a fee for apostille services. As of 2021, the fee is $2 per apostille. Make sure to include the correct amount in the form of a check or money order payable to the Secretary of State.
Step 4: Submit Your Documents
Once you have completed the Apostille Request Form and gathered the necessary fees, you can submit your documents for authentication. You have two options for submission:
1. In-person submission: You can visit the Secretary of State’s office in Springfield or Chicago to submit your documents in person. Make sure to bring a valid photo ID for identification purposes.
2. Mail-in submission: You can also mail your documents to the Apostille and Authentication Unit. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your documents.
Step 5: Track the Status of Your Request
After submitting your documents, you can track the status of your request online. The Secretary of State’s website provides a tracking system where you can monitor the progress of your apostille.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take to get an apostille in Illinois?
A: The processing time for an apostille in Illinois varies depending on the volume of requests received by the Secretary of State’s office. Typically, it takes around 5-7 business days for the office to process the request. However, during peak periods, such as holiday seasons, processing times may be longer.
Q: Can I request an expedited apostille service?
A: Yes, the Secretary of State’s office offers expedited service for an additional fee. As of 2021, the fee for expedited service is $10 per document.
Q: Can I get an apostille for a document issued outside of Illinois?
A: No, the Secretary of State’s office can only issue apostilles for documents issued or certified by an Illinois public official or notary public. If your document was issued outside of Illinois, you will need to contact the relevant authority in that state or country for authentication.
Q: Can I request multiple apostilles at once?
A: Yes, you can request multiple apostilles at once. However, each document will require a separate Apostille Request Form and the corresponding fee.
Q: Can I request an apostille for a photocopy of a document?
A: No, the Secretary of State’s office can only apostille original documents or certified copies issued by an Illinois public official or notary public. Photocopies or notarized copies of documents will not be accepted for authentication.
In conclusion, if you are in Illinois and need an apostille for your documents, you can obtain one from the Secretary of State’s office. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring that your documents meet the requirements, you can authenticate your documents for international use. Remember to allow sufficient time for processing and consider the option of expedited service if necessary.