Illinois Birth Certificate Apostille
For Use Outside the United States
Get an Illinois apostille for your marriage certificate in 2026. This guide explains:
- Why County Clerk certification is mandatory
- How the embossed seal requirement works
- Why Illinois has the lowest apostille fee ($2)
- Walk-in options in Chicago & Springfield
⭐ At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Item | Status (December 2025) |
|---|---|
| Mail-in processing time | 7–10 business days |
| Walk-in locations | Chicago & Springfield — same day |
| State fee | $2.00 (lowest in the US) |
| Critical requirement | 🚨 County Clerk certification + embossed seal |
| Accepted document | County Clerk certified copy only |
| Top rejection reason | ❌ Missing County Clerk certification or embossed seal |
Bottom line: Illinois is one of the fastest and cheapest states for apostilles, but strict about County Clerk certification. Local Registrar copies without County Clerk countersignature are often rejected.
Critical Requirements for Illinois Marriage Certificates
🚨 County Clerk Certification is MANDATORY
Illinois strictly requires County Clerk or Local Registrar certification with an embossed seal.
If your marriage certificate only has a Local Registrar signature without a County Clerk countersignature or embossed seal, it will likely be REJECTED. You must obtain a properly certified copy from the County Clerk's office.
The seal must be clearly visible and raised (embossed).
Document Requirements Checklist
Before submitting to the Illinois Secretary of State, verify all of these:
You MUST Have
- ✅ County Clerk certified copy
- ✅ Embossed (raised) seal clearly visible
- ✅ Original registrar or clerk signature
- ✅ Document issued in Illinois
You CANNOT Use
- ❌ Local Registrar copy without County Clerk seal
- ❌ Photocopies (even if notarized)
- ❌ Hospital "souvenir" marriage certificate
- ❌ Certificate with faded or missing embossed seal
Required Form & Payment
- Form I-213 — Application for Authentication or Apostille
Available at ilsos.gov/departments/index/apostilles.html - Destination country must be listed on the form
- Fee: $2.00 per document
- Payment: Check or money order payable to "Secretary of State"
Step-by-Step Process
You must obtain your marriage certificate from the County Clerk where the marriage was registered. Contact the County Clerk's office directly or visit Illinois vital records for county contact information.
⚠️ Do NOT use a Local Registrar copy unless it has been countersigned/certified by the County Clerk with an embossed seal.
Hold the certificate at an angle against light. You should see a raised seal. If the seal is flat/printed or missing, the State will reject it.
Download Form I-213 from the Illinois SOS website. Fill it out completely, including the destination country.
Mail Submission:
Index Department
111 E. Monroe St.
Springfield, IL 62756
Walk-In Options:
- Springfield: 111 E. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62756
- Chicago: 17 N. State St., Suite 1030, Chicago, IL 60602
Walk-in hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM CST
💡 Pro Tip: Our wizard can generate a complete submission package with pre-filled Form I-213, cover letter, and shipping label.
Generate My Package →Fees & Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| State Apostille Fee (Mail) | $2.00 | 7-10 Business Days |
| Walk-In Service | $2.00 | Same Day |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing County Clerk Certification: This is the #1 rejection reason. Always verify your certificate has County Clerk certification.
- Faded Embossed Seal: If the seal isn't clearly visible and raised, get a fresh certified copy.
- Wrong Payee: Check must be payable exactly to "Secretary of State", not "IL SOS" or other variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I only have a Local Registrar copy?
You should take it to the County Clerk's office for certification. The County Clerk will add their certification and embossed seal. Without this, the State will likely reject your apostille request.
Can I use a photocopy?
No. Illinois requires the original certified copy with an embossed seal. Notarized photocopies are not accepted.
How long is the apostille valid?
The apostille itself does not expire. However, the receiving country may have specific recency requirements (typically 3-6 months).
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Apostille Specialist • 8+ years experience
Last verified: December 1, 2025