Illinois FBI / Background Check Apostille Guide
Stop overpaying. Submit directly to the Illinois Secretary of State (Index Department) in Springfield — correctly and for only $2 / $20.
DIY & Save ~$140
Get your personalized apostille roadmap.
Get your personalized Illinois background check apostille guide
Answer a few questions to find out exactly which path to take, what forms you need, and where to send everything.
Start My Guide100% free • Takes less than 2 minutes • Save hundreds on service fees
Get your personalized Illinois background check apostille guide
Answer a few questions to find out exactly which path to take, what forms you need, and where to send everything.
Start My Guide100% free • Takes less than 2 minutes • Save hundreds on service fees
Table of Contents
Two paths: FBI (federal) vs Illinois State Police (state)
Order FBI Identity History Summary (fingerprint-based, nationwide) from FBI CJIS, then apostille through U.S. Department of State using Form DS-4194. Fee: $20 per document. Mail to Sterling, VA or walk-in Washington, DC.
Request criminal history from Illinois State Police, then apostille through Illinois Secretary of State. Fee: $2 per document. Mail to Springfield or walk-in at 213 State Capitol, Springfield.
Key facts at a glance
- FBI report fee: $18 to FBI CJIS (electronic or mail submission).
- U.S. DoS apostille fee: $20 per document with DS-4194. Mail: PO Box 1206, Sterling, VA 20166-1206. Walk-in: 600 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20006.
- Illinois SOS apostille fee: $2 per document. Mail: Index Department, 213 State Capitol, Springfield, IL 62756. Walk-in: same address, same-day service available.
- Processing time: Illinois SOS walk-in typically same-day; mail 10-15 business days. U.S. DoS walk-in with appointment same-day; mail varies.
Path A: FBI Identity History Summary → U.S. Department of State apostille
What it is:
FBI Identity History Summary is a fingerprint-based federal criminal history check covering all 50 states. Since it's a federal document, only the U.S. Department of State can apostille it.
How to order:
Request electronically at edo.cjis.gov or by mail. Fee: $18. Submit fingerprints at participating locations or mail FD-1164 card.
Apostille process:
- Complete Form DS-4194 (include destination country)
- Payment: $20 per document (check or money order to "U.S. Department of State")
- Submit by mail to PO Box 1206, Sterling, VA 20166-1206 OR walk-in at 600 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 (appointment recommended)
- Include prepaid return envelope with tracking
Path B: Illinois State Police record → Illinois SOS apostille
What it is:
Illinois State Police criminal history check covering Illinois state records only. Use this path only if the destination country specifically requests a state-level background check.
How to order:
Request through Illinois State Police website with fingerprints. Processing time and fees vary; check ISP website for current information.
Apostille process:
- Complete Illinois SOS Apostille Request Form
- Payment: $2 per document (check or money order to "Secretary of State")
- Mail to: Index Department, 213 State Capitol, Springfield, IL 62756 OR walk-in at same address for same-day service
- Include self-addressed stamped return envelope for mail requests
Which path should you choose?
Step-by-step checklists
- 1.Order FBI Identity History Summary at edo.cjis.gov ($18 fee)
- 2.Complete DS-4194 form with destination country
- 3.Prepare payment: $20 per document (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State")
- 4.Submit: Mail to Sterling VA or walk-in at DC office
- 5.Include prepaid return envelope with tracking
- 6.Receive apostilled FBI report
- 1.Request Illinois State Police criminal history with fingerprints
- 2.Verify record has authorized ISP official signature
- 3.Complete Illinois SOS Apostille Request Form
- 4.Prepare payment: $2 per document (check/money order to "Secretary of State")
- 5.Mail to Springfield or walk-in at 213 State Capitol for same-day service
- 6.Include SASE for mail requests
- 7.Receive apostilled Illinois State Police record
Processing times & fees summary
| Agency | Fee | Processing Time | Submission |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI CJIS | $18 | Electronic fastest; mail longer | Online portal or mail |
| U.S. Department of State | $20 per document | Walk-in same-day with appointment; mail varies | DS-4194, Sterling VA or DC |
| Illinois Secretary of State | $2 per document | Walk-in same-day; mail 10-15 business days | Apostille request form, Springfield |
Common rejection reasons
Issue: Sending FBI report to Illinois SOS (wrong authority)
Fix: FBI is federal → must use U.S. Department of State
Issue: Submitting Illinois State Police record to U.S. DoS
Fix: State records go to Illinois Secretary of State
Issue: Missing DS-4194 form or destination country
Fix: Complete DS-4194 with all required information including destination country
Issue: Wrong payment amount or payee
Fix: U.S. DoS: $20 to 'U.S. Department of State'. IL SOS: $2 to 'Secretary of State'
Issue: Unsigned or incomplete background check document
Fix: Ensure document has authorized official signature before submitting for apostille
Need help with your Illinois FBI or State Police apostille?
Get personalized guidance for your exact situation in under 2 minutes.
Get My Custom GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Can Illinois Secretary of State apostille my FBI report?▼
How much does it cost to apostille a background check in Illinois?▼
How long does Illinois apostille processing take?▼
Where do I mail my FBI apostille request?▼
Can I walk in for Illinois apostille service?▼
Which background check do I need for immigration?▼
Verification & Updates Log
Tracking content accuracy
- February 20, 2026Verified By ExpertReviewed by:
Amelia RiveraVerified FBI fee ($18) and U.S. DoS apostille process with DS-4194 ($20); confirmed Illinois SOS $2 fee and Springfield addresses; validated Illinois State Police background check ordering process; updated processing times for both federal and state apostille paths.
Next review due: May 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.
Save ~$200 • Refund if rejected