Illinois Death Certificate Apostille Guide
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If a death certificate was issued in Illinois and must be used in another country, it must be authenticated by the Illinois Secretary of State (Index Department) — the state's competent authority for apostilles and certifications. This guide was reviewed and updated in February 2026 and is valid for 2026.
Who needs an Illinois death-certificate apostille
Typical cases: foreign inheritance/estate, transfer of assets, insurance and pension claims, family law, immigration/citizenship, and other legal processes outside the U.S. Apostille confirms the origin/signature of the Illinois record; it does not alter the contents.
Key facts (at a glance)
| Authority | Illinois Secretary of State — Index Department (Apostilles & Certifications) |
| Fee (2026) | $2 per document (check/money order payable to "Secretary of State") |
| Submission methods | Mail: Springfield Index Department (mailing): 111 E. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62756 Walk-in (Chicago): 69 W. Washington St., Suite 1240, Chicago, IL 60602 Walk-in (Springfield): 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy., Springfield, IL 62723 |
| Processing time (typical) | Same-day counter service for walk-ins; ~7–10 business days for mail (varies) |
Note: Mailing and walk-in addresses may differ; follow ILSOS's current instructions on the apostille page and application form.
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Which death certificates qualify (Illinois)
Only certified copies issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH — Division of Vital Records) or by the relevant County Clerk are eligible. Photocopies, hospital souvenirs, or uncertified prints are not accepted.
How to obtain a certified copy (IDPH / County Clerk)
Order a certified death certificate from IDPH Vital Records (Springfield) or from the County Clerk where the death was recorded. Statewide ordering, fees, and in-person hours are listed by IDPH.
Step-by-step apostille process
- 1
Get a certified Illinois death certificate
Verify the registrar's signature and embossed/raised seal are present (IDPH or County Clerk).
- 2
Complete the ILSOS apostille application
Use the official Application for Authentication or Apostille and specify the destination country. (Form hosted by ILSOS.)
- 3
Prepare payment
Attach a $2 check or money order payable to "Secretary of State." (One payment can cover multiple documents.)
- 4
Submit your packet
Include the certified record, application, payment, and a return envelope/label.
Mail: Index Department, 111 E. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62756
Walk-in: Chicago: 69 W. Washington St., Suite 1240; Springfield: 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy. (check current hours)
- 5
Processing & return
Walk-ins are often same-day; mail-in processing typically ~7–10 business days plus mailing time (subject to volume).
When you do not need an apostille
- •The document will be used inside the U.S. only.
- •A foreign authority explicitly accepts a certified copy without apostille (rare; confirm in writing).
- •The destination is non-Hague and requires further U.S. Department of State and consular legalization; confirm with the consulate.
Common rejection reasons
- Submitting a photocopy or hospital souvenir instead of a certified copy.
- Missing embossed seal or registrar's signature.
- Wrong address (e.g., courier vs. mail) or incomplete return label.
- Incorrect fee or missing payee "Secretary of State."
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to notarize an Illinois death certificate before apostille?▼
Can Illinois apostille a death certificate from another state?▼
How long does it take?▼
Is there a Chicago desk?▼
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Get My Custom GuideVerification & Updates Log
Tracking content accuracy
- February 20, 2026Verified By ExpertReviewed by:
Amelia RiveraVerified $2 fee; clarified eligibility (IDPH/County certified copies only); added current walk-in office addresses (Chicago 69 W. Washington, Springfield 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy) and mailing address (111 E. Monroe); expanded FAQs and rejection reasons.
Next review due: August 2026
- Earlier 2026Updated
Annual review of Illinois Secretary of State Index Department guidelines, fees ($2), and processing times.
Sources & Methodology
Official Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State (Index Department)
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- Cook County Clerk & various IL County Clerks
- Federal Hague Convention Guidelines
Our Process
- Daily verification against IL SOS updates
- Expert review by Illinois specialists
- Fee and form oversight (Application for Authentication)
Disclaimer: This information is general guidance and not legal advice. Always verify current information directly with the Illinois Secretary of State before submitting your application.