How Illinois residents can apostille FBI Identity History Summary via U.S. Department of State or Illinois State Police background check via Illinois Secretary of State.
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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.
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.
Request electronically at edo.cjis.gov or by mail. Fee: $18. Submit fingerprints at participating locations or mail FD-1164 card.
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.
Request through Illinois State Police website with fingerprints. Processing time and fees vary; check ISP website for current information.
| 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 |
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
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Get My Custom GuideReviewed by: Amelia Rivera, Compliance Editor — Apostille Pro USA
Updated: November 2025 — Valid for 2026
Changes: Verified 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: May 2026 or when agencies update forms/fees/procedures
Profile: /team/amelia-rivera