Illinois Power of Attorney Apostille Guide
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Table of Contents
Quick Decision Guide
✓ POA was notarized by an Illinois Notary Public
✓ Notary certificate is complete with seal and signature
✓ Destination country is a Hague Convention member
✓ You have the original notarized document
✗ POA was notarized in another state
✗ Notary certificate is missing or incomplete
✗ Destination country is not Hague member (need authentication)
✗ You only have a photocopy
What is a Power of Attorney Apostille?
An apostille is an international certificate that verifies the authenticity of your Illinois notary's signature and seal. It allows your Power of Attorney to be recognized in any of the 120+ Hague Convention member countries without additional certification.
Eligibility Requirements
Your Illinois Power of Attorney must meet ALL of these requirements:
- Notarized by an Illinois commissioned Notary Public
- Complete notary certificate with acknowledgment text
- Notary seal clearly visible and legible
- Notary commission number and expiration date present
- Names match your passport and the POA document exactly
- Original document (or certified copy if permitted)
- No cross-outs, white-out, or alterations in the notary section
- Ink signatures (not stamped or digital prints unless RON)
Multiple signers: Each signature needs its own notary certificate.
RON (Remote Online Notarization): Illinois accepts RON since 2022. Electronic notarizations are apostillable.
Name changes: Attach supporting documents (marriage certificate, court order) if requested by the foreign office.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Get your POA notarized in Illinois
Have an Illinois Notary Public notarize your Power of Attorney with a complete acknowledgment certificate. Ensure the notary includes their commission number, expiration date, and a clear seal impression.
- 2
Download and complete the apostille request form
Download the Illinois Secretary of State apostille request form. Include your contact information and the destination country (this is required for the apostille wording).
- 3
Prepare your payment
Include a check or money order for $2 per apostille, made payable to 'Secretary of State'. Cash is accepted for walk-in only.
- 4
Submit your documents
Mail: Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department, 111 E. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62756. Include a prepaid return envelope with tracking. Walk-in: Same address, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays).
- 5
Receive your apostilled POA
The Illinois Secretary of State will attach the apostille certificate to your notarized POA and return it via your chosen method. Processing takes 5-10 business days by mail, same-day for walk-in.
Fees & Processing Times
| Service Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mail Submission | $2 per apostille | 5-10 business days + shipping |
| Walk-in (Springfield) | $2 per apostille | Same business day |
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Problem: Wrong state: Sending Illinois POA to U.S. Department of State instead of Illinois SOS
Solution: Illinois-notarized documents must be apostilled by Illinois Secretary of State, not federal DoS.
Problem: Incomplete notary certificate: Missing commission number, expiration date, or seal
Solution: Return to the notary and have them complete the certificate properly or issue a new acknowledgment.
Problem: Non-Illinois notary: POA notarized by an out-of-state notary
Solution: Illinois SOS can only apostille documents notarized by Illinois notaries. Re-execute with IL notary.
Problem: Submitting photocopies: Sending a plain photocopy instead of original
Solution: Submit the original notarized POA. If you need to keep the original, have a notary create a certified copy.
Problem: Missing destination country: Not specifying which country the POA is for
Solution: Always include the destination country on your apostille request form.
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Get My GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notarize my Illinois POA before apostille?▼
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Verification & Updates Log
Tracking content accuracy
- February 20, 2026Verified By ExpertReviewed by:
Amelia RiveraCreated comprehensive Illinois POA apostille guide with Springfield address ($2 fee, same-day walk-in), eligibility checklist, decision guide, RON acceptance since 2022, and FAQs optimized for Google's People Also Ask.
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.