Illinois Apostille is a process of verifying that certain documents are authentic and legally binding for use in other countries. If you are planning to live, work or study in a foreign country, you may need to get an apostille from the Illinois Secretary of State. The process of getting an apostille can be complex with many steps but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of getting an apostille in Illinois.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that is attached by a designated authority to a legal document to verify its authenticity and certify the signatures on the document as genuine. An Apostille is used to ensure that legal documents from one country are recognized as valid and legal in another country. Some examples of documents that may require an apostille include birth certificates, marriage certificates, power of attorney, and educational degrees.
How to get an Apostille in Illinois?
To get an apostille in Illinois, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the type of document you need to be apostilled
Step 2: Contact the issuing authority to get a certified copy of the document
Step 3: Get the document notarized by a licensed Illinois notary public
Step 4: Send the notarized document to the Illinois Secretary of State along with a request for an apostille.
Step 5: Pay the apostille fee and wait for your document to be processed.
Illinois Apostille Services:
There are several companies that offer apostille services in Illinois. These companies can help you obtain an apostille quickly and efficiently, but it’s important to choose a reputable company. Before selecting an apostille service, make sure you do your research and check reviews online. Some of the top-rated Illinois apostille services include Apostille Pros, Inc. and Chicago Apostille.
In Illinois, you can obtain an apostille at one of the Secretary of State’s offices. The office locations are Springfield, Chicago, and Carbondale. If you are unable to visit one of these offices, you can also mail in your request for an apostille. However, it’s important to note that the processing time may be longer if you choose to mail in your request.
The cost of an apostille in Illinois is $5 per document. There may be additional fees for rush processing or mailing charges.
Getting an apostille in Illinois can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a smooth and stress-free process. Remember to obtain certified copies of your documents, get them notarized by a licensed Illinois notary public, and send them to the Illinois Secretary of State along with the appropriate fee. If you are in need of a quicker turn-around time, consider using one of the reputable Illinois apostille services. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to obtaining a legal and binding document recognized in any foreign country!