Illinois Diploma Apostille
Illinois apostilles are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department, for $2 per document. Ask your school's registrar or principal to certify and sign the diploma or transcript before a notary public, then send it with form i213 by mail to 160 N. LaSalle St., Suite 100, Chicago (7-14 business days), or bring it to Chicago, Springfield or a select DMV+ location (usually while you wait). Last verified 2026-10-12 against https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/index/apostilles.html
Key rule: Academic credentials usually require institutional verification and notarization before state-level apostille.
At a Glance - Illinois 2026 Rules
| Apostille Authority | Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department |
|---|---|
| State Authentication Fee | $2 per Apostille or Certificate of Authority |
| Document Type | Notarized academic record package (diploma/transcript) |
| Mail Processing Time | 7 to 14 business days (mail requests) |
| Walk-In Processing | Typically processed while you wait on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to daily volume). |
| Mail Submission Address | Illinois Secretary of State Index Department 160 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 100 Chicago, IL 60601 |
| Typical Uses | Study abroad, employment, professional licensing |
Document Paths (Choose First)
Path A: School-Verified and Notarized Academic Documents
Most common route for diploma/transcript apostille requests.
- Request registrar verification and notarization package.
- Submit to Illinois SOS Index Department.
Path B: University Apostille Support Programs
Some universities provide documented apostille workflows.
- Follow institution-specific apostille instructions.
- Track destination-specific acceptance requirements.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted
- - Registrar-verified and properly notarized academic documents.
- - Original record certified by the registrar and notarized, sent directly to the Secretary of State.
- - Official institution-issued records prepared for foreign use.
Not Accepted
- - Plain photocopy of diploma without verification/notarization.
- - Unofficial transcript printout.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- School/registrar preparation of documents for apostille route.
- Illinois request form + $2/document payment.
- Return envelope/shipping label.
HIGH-RISK MISTAKES
- Submitting diploma copy without institutional verification.
- Sending unofficial transcript.
- Destination-country requirements not verified in advance.
Common Rejections (And How to Avoid Them)
Unofficial transcript or plain copy
Destination institutions usually require registrar-backed documents, not portal printouts or uncertified copies.
Notary block errors
Academic packets with incomplete notarial wording or signature mismatch are common reasons for return and delay.
Destination rule mismatch
Some countries ask for diploma and transcript together, others for one only. Confirm list before submission.
Recent verification log