Apostille Notary Services in Chicago, IL

Searching for apostille services in Chicago, IL? A notary does not issue the apostille — they complete the notarial certificate on eligible private documents. The Illinois Secretary of State (or U.S. Department of State for federal papers) issues the apostille. This page helps you book the notary step locally.

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Notaries for apostille prep near Chicago, IL

Apostille vs Notarization in Chicago

An apostille authenticates a public document for use in another Hague Convention country. In Chicago, start by confirming whether you need a notarized private document (power of attorney, affidavit, consent) or a vital record (birth, marriage, death). Vital records begin as certified copies from the issuing office — not from a notary.

Steps for Apostille Prep in Chicago, IL

(1) Confirm the destination country wants an apostille vs embassy legalization. (2) For private documents, book a Illinois-commissioned notary in or near Chicago and do not pre-sign. (3) File with the Illinois authentications unit using their cover sheet and fee. (4) Federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State, not the state SOS.

Documents Commonly Prepared in Chicago

Local notaries frequently handle powers of attorney, affidavits, school enrollment consents, adoption-related private papers, and corporate authorizations destined for apostille. Bring the destination-country requirements and enough time for SOS processing, which is usually days to weeks after the notary visit.

Fees for the Notary Step in Illinois

Notary fees for apostille-bound documents in Chicago are separate from Illinois's maximum notary fees ($5 per acknowledgment and $5 for jurats). Travel and appointment fees are negotiated separately. Per 5 ILCS 312/3-104(a), the maximum fee for any non-electronic notarial act in Illinois is $5. Per 5 ILCS 312/3-104(b), the maximum fee for any electronic notarial act (RON or in-person electronic) is $25, and an electronic notary may charge a reasonable additional fee to recover the cost of providing copies of journal entries or audio-video recordings under Section 3-107. Notaries who fill out immigration forms (and are not attorneys or accredited representatives) are limited under 5 ILCS 312/3-104(a) to $10 per form completion, $10 per page for non-English translation, $5 for the notarization, $3 to obtain any required document, and a $75 cap per complete application. Travel and convenience fees for mobile work are not capped by Section 3-104, but every notary must provide an itemized receipt with notarial fees shown separately and distinctly from any other charges. Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) must be obtained as certified copies from the issuing county or state official under Illinois Department of Public Health and Vital Records procedures. Violation of the fee caps is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 3 felony for a subsequent offense within 5 years (5 ILCS 312/3-104(c)).

Frequently asked questions

Does a notary in Chicago issue the apostille?

No. The notary completes the notarial act. The Illinois Secretary of State (or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents) issues the apostille.

Can I apostille a photocopy of a birth certificate in Illinois?

No. Order a certified copy from the vital records office that issued the record, then request the apostille on that certified copy.

Which state's notary should I use if I am in Chicago?

Use a notary commissioned in the state that will apostille the document — typically Illinois for filings through the Illinois SOS. Do not notarize in one state and ask another state to apostille it.

How long does apostille processing take after notarization in Chicago?

The notary visit is often same-day. Secretary of State apostille processing usually takes days to weeks depending on the state and whether you use mail or walk-in options.

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