Illinois Passport Copy Apostille
Illinois apostilles are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department, for $2 per document. It authenticates only originals certified by a government official or notarized by an Illinois notary public, so a passport copy needs an Illinois notarization first. 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: A plain passport photocopy alone is not apostille-ready. Notarize before an Illinois notary; no county clerk step.
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 private declaration with passport copy attachment |
| 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 | KYC abroad, immigration file support, foreign compliance forms |
Document Paths (Choose First)
Path A: Notarized Passport Copy Affidavit
Most common path for foreign institution requests.
- Prepare true-copy or identity declaration in destination-required format.
- Notarize declaration with attached passport copy.
Path B: Destination-Specific Alternatives
Some authorities request different identity document forms.
- Confirm exact format with destination authority first.
- Keep notarized declaration and copy packet intact.
- Use SOS Certificate of Authority for non-Hague destinations where required.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted
- - Notarized declaration/affidavit with passport copy attached.
- - Complete notarial chain to Illinois SOS.
Not Accepted
- - Standalone passport photocopy with no notarized declaration.
- - Digital scan printout without original chain.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Destination-approved declaration text for passport copy use.
- Illinois authentication request form + $2/document payment.
- Return envelope or prepaid tracked label.
HIGH-RISK MISTAKES
- Sending plain copy without notarized affidavit.
- Using declaration language not accepted by destination.
- Submitting incomplete payment packet.
Common Rejections (And How to Avoid Them)
Plain photocopy only
Passport copy requests usually require a proper notarized declaration chain, not a simple copy with no certification.
Notarial language mismatch
Incomplete notarial wording or missing signer declaration can trigger rejection by destination authority.
Country-specific misuse
Some authorities do not accept passport-copy apostille as a substitute for civil records. Confirm exact requirement first.
Step-by-Step: Illinois Passport Copy Apostille
Prepare declaration text
Draft notarizable declaration describing passport copy authenticity/identity per destination requirements.
Notarize declaration with attached copy
Sign before Illinois notary and attach the passport copy.
Submit to Illinois SOS
Send the notarized packet with form/payment and return envelope.
Receive apostilled packet
Review final packet and keep pages physically attached.
Fees and Processing Timing
| Service Item | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| Illinois SOS apostille/authentication fee | $2 per document |
| Notary fee | Varies |
| Mail processing time | 7 to 14 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apostille just a passport photocopy?▼
Usually no. A notarized declaration/affidavit is typically required for private copy authentication workflows.
Is county clerk needed?▼
No. The Illinois Secretary of State authenticates documents notarized by an Illinois Notary Public; send the notarized original directly to the Index Department.
What is Illinois apostille fee?▼
$2 per document.
How long does Illinois mail processing take?▼
7 to 14 business days.
Can I submit in person?▼
Yes, at Springfield and Chicago Index Department offices.
Can representative submit for me?▼
Yes, if packet is complete.
What if country is non-Hague?▼
Use Certificate of Authority path and verify additional consular requirements.
Should I detach apostille?▼
No, detaching invalidates authentication certificate.
Official Sources Used For This Page
Below are the official government and convention sources used to prepare and verify this page.
Core Illinois Authentication Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State - Apostilles and Certifications
- Illinois Application for Authentication/Apostille (Form I-213 PDF)
- Illinois Secretary of State - Index Department (addresses and contact)
- Illinois SOS Index Fees (includes $2 Apostille/Certificate fee)
- Hague Apostille Convention Status Table
Illinois Notary and Authentication Sources
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
Last verification update: February 17, 2026
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