Illinois Birth Certificate Apostille — 2026 Guide (Illinois Secretary of State)
Information verified — Last update: January 8, 2026
If your birth certificate was issued in Illinois and you need to use it in another country, you must obtain authentication from the Illinois Secretary of State (Index Department) in Springfield — the state's sole authority for issuing apostilles and certifications.
This page was reviewed and updated in December 2025 and reflects all current requirements valid for 2026.
Who needs it
You may need an Illinois apostille if you plan to use your birth certificate for foreign citizenship, marriage abroad, dual passport applications, visa processing, or legal residency outside the U.S.
Key facts (at a glance)
| Authority | Illinois Secretary of State — Index Department (Springfield) |
| Fee (2026) | $2 per document |
| Processing Time | 3 – 10 business days (plus mail) |
| Request Form | Application for Authentication or Apostille (PDF) |
| Mailing Address | Index Department, 111 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62756 |
| Walk-in Office | same address (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) |
| Payment | Check or money order payable to "Secretary of State" |
Get your personalized Apostille guide for a Birth Certificate in Illinois
Fast, simple, and without overpaying. Find out exactly what you need to do — step by step — in under 2 minutes.
Start My Guide100% free • Takes less than 2 minutes • Save hundreds on service fees
Which certificates qualify
Only certified copies issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (Division of Vital Records) or a County Clerk's Office are eligible.
Photocopies or hospital records are not accepted.
Certificates must carry the official signature and embossed seal of the issuing office.
How to get a certified copy
Order directly from:
- Illinois Department of Public Health (Vital Records) — Springfield, or
- your County Clerk's Office (if the birth occurred in that county).
Use the IDPH Vital Records Order Form.
Always request a "certified copy for apostille use."
Step-by-step apostille process
- 1
Get a certified copy
Make sure the certificate bears the Registrar's signature and embossed seal.
- 2
Complete the application form
Download and fill the Application for Authentication or Apostille (PDF).
- 3
Prepare payment
Attach a $2 check or money order payable to "Secretary of State."
- 4
Mail or deliver your packet
Include the certified document, application, payment, and return envelope.
Mail to: Index Department, 111 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62756
Walk-in: same address (Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
- 5
Receive your apostille
The office returns the apostilled certificate by mail or pickup when ready.
When you do NOT need an apostille
- •If the document is used only inside the U.S.
- •If a foreign authority accepts a certified copy without apostille (rare).
- •If the destination country is non-Hague and requires U.S. Department of State and consular legalization instead.
Common rejection reasons
- Submitting a photocopy instead of a certified copy.
- Missing embossed seal or registrar's signature.
- Incorrect fee or payment type.
- Illegible application form.
- Outdated certificate without official certification marks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to notarize my birth certificate before apostille?▼
How long does it take?▼
Where can I track status?▼
Can Illinois apostille documents from other states?▼
Need personalized help with your Illinois Birth Certificate Apostille?
Get a clear, step-by-step roadmap tailored to your exact situation.
Get My Custom GuideReview Log (Amelia Rivera)
Updated: December 2025 — Valid for 2026
Change Summary: Verified Illinois DOS fee ($2), updated links to Index Department and IDPH, clarified county vs. state records, expanded FAQ and rejection examples.
Next Review Due: June 2026 (or earlier if fee or form changes).
Verified sources (.gov)
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Always verify current forms, fees, and addresses on official Illinois Secretary of State and IDPH websites.
Updated: December 2025 — Valid for: 2026
Reviewed by: Amelia Rivera, Compliance Editor — Apostille Pro USA