Find Your Fastest Route
2 min checkCurrent Processing Snapshot
Last Verified TodayProcessing mail received ~ Dec 15th
Counter open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Drop-off only (Pickup next day)
Illinois: The Most Affordable State for Apostilles
At just $2 per document, Illinois has the lowest apostille fee in the entire United States. Compare that to California ($20), New York ($10), or New Jersey ($25). If you're not in a rush, DIY mail-in is incredibly cost-effective here.
This page is about speed and choosing a service
Looking for step-by-step DIY instructions? Those live in our free guides:
Choose Your Best Option
Balance speed, cost, and convenience based on your deadline.
DIY (Standard Mail)
Best for: budget-conscious, flexible deadline
- Only $2 state fee!
- 3-10 day processing
- Risk minimized with our guide
Expedited Service
Best for: critical deadline
- Same-day / 24h options
- Rejection check included
- Real-time tracking
Document Review
Reduce rejection risk
- Check before you mail
- Seal verification
- Detailed feedback
Fastest Ways to Apostille in California
Understanding your options is the first step to getting your document processed quickly.
In-Person (Sacramento)
Submit in person at the main Secretary of State office.
- Open M-F 8am-4pm
- Cash, check or money order accepted
In-Person (Los Angeles)
Drop-off window in LA regional office.
- No appointments
- Cash NOT accepted
Mail (Sacramento Only)
Standard mail processing handled by Sacramento HQ.
- Most affordable option
- Use our DIY guide
Federal Route (FBI, etc.)
FBI clearances & federal docs need US Dept. of State apostille.
- Cannot be done at state level
- Different process
Expedited by Document Type
Each document type has specific requirements. Select yours to see the fastest safe route.
Vital Records
In-person submission in Sacramento or LA for same-day service. Courier services handle this daily.
Common Rejection Reason
Wrong certification — must have official county seal, not a photocopy.
What to Prepare
- Certified copy from county registrar (raised seal or colored stamp)
- Original OK if you have only one
- No additional notarization needed
Compare Expedited Services
Top-rated providers servicing Illinois. Verified for active status, fair pricing, and responsive support.
Illinois DIY is Incredibly Affordable
With just a $2 state fee, Illinois is the most cost-effective state for apostille DIY. If you have 10+ days, consider doing it yourself with our free guide — you'll save significantly compared to expedited services.
Why Trust This Page
Our information is based on official sources, verified by real experts, and updated regularly.
Official-Source Backed
- Mail processed by Sacramento only
- In-person same-day in Sacramento & LA
- LA: no appointments, cash not accepted
Last Verified
January 17, 2026
Processing dates and office availability verified against official CA SOS announcements weekly.
Reviewed By Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
"Illinois has the lowest apostille fee in America at just $2. But the catch? Springfield is the only location, and strict embossed seal requirements mean rejections are common if you're not careful."
Michael Chen
Senior Document Authentication Specialist
12+ years in international document services