Illinois Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Illinois apostilles are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department, for $2 per document. Sign your single status affidavit before an Illinois 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 the Chicago or Springfield office or a select DMV+ location, where most requests are processed while you wait. Last verified 2026-10-12 against https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/index/apostilles.html
Key rule: 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 affidavit |
| 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 | Marriage abroad, civil status registration, consular applications |
Document Paths (Choose First)
Path A: Notarized Affidavit Chain
Most common and recommended route.
- Prepare affidavit text matching destination requirements.
- Sign before Illinois notary public.
- Submit the notarized affidavit directly to the Secretary of State Index Department.
Path B: Destination-Specific Variation
Some countries require extra declarations or translation.
- Confirm wording and supporting evidence with destination authority.
- Keep affidavit and apostille physically attached once completed.
- Do not detach apostille certificate.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted
- - Signed affidavit notarized by Illinois notary public.
- - Document packet matching destination legal wording requirements.
Not Accepted
- - Unsigned draft affidavit.
- - Photocopy only (no original notarial chain).
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Final affidavit text confirmed for destination use.
- Illinois notarization with complete notarial block.
- Illinois request form + one total payment check/money order + return envelope.
HIGH-RISK MISTAKES
- Using generic affidavit wording that destination rejects.
- Submitting scan rather than original notarized chain.
- Detaching apostille after issue (invalidates certificate).
Common Rejections (And How to Avoid Them)
Unsigned or improperly notarized affidavit
Single status affidavits must be executed and notarized correctly. Informal statements are commonly rejected.
Identity details mismatch
Name, birth details, and marital-status statements should align with passport and supporting records.
Missing support documents
Many authorities ask for birth/divorce/death records with the affidavit. Confirm package requirements early.
Wrong destination legalization path
Non-Hague destinations may need certificate plus consular legalization after Illinois authentication.
Step-by-Step: Illinois Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Prepare affidavit text
Draft single status affidavit in format required by destination authority.
Notarize in Illinois
Sign affidavit before Illinois notary public.
Submit to Illinois SOS
Send the notarized affidavit with SOS request form and payment.
Receive apostilled affidavit
Use provided return envelope/prepaid shipping to receive final packet.
Fees and Processing Timing
| Service Item | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| Illinois SOS apostille/authentication fee | $2 per document |
| Notary fee | Varies by provider and notarial act |
| Mail processing time | 7 to 14 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is county clerk authentication needed for single status affidavit?▼
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.
Can I apostille an unsigned affidavit?▼
No. It must be signed, notarized, and properly authenticated.
How long does Illinois mail processing take?▼
7 to 14 business days according to current SOS guidance.
Can I submit in person?▼
Yes, Springfield and Chicago Index Department offices.
Can someone else submit for me?▼
Yes, as long as the document chain and packet are complete.
What if destination country is non-Hague?▼
Request Certificate of Authority route and verify consular legalization requirements.
Should I detach apostille from affidavit?▼
No. Detaching invalidates apostille/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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