Apostille & Document Authentication Services

📍 What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certification issued by the Secretary of State of Illinois that verifies:

• The authenticity of a public official’s signature

• The authority of the person who signed the document

• The validity of the seal or stamp

Apostilles are typically required when submitting U.S. documents for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

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🧾 Illinois Apostille Requirements

To obtain an apostille in Illinois:

1. The document must be properly certified or notarized in Illinois

2. The original certified or notarized document must be submitted

3. A completed Application for Authentication or Apostille must be included

The Illinois Secretary of State offers in-person processing in:

• Chicago

• Springfield

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📄 Step 1: Prepare Your Document Properly

Before submitting for apostille, the document must be certified or notarized correctly.

Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificates

• Must be certified by the County Clerk or local registrar where the event occurred

• Must be properly notarized if required

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Diplomas or Transcripts

• Must have an original signature from a school official

• Must then be notarized by an Illinois Notary Public

• The notarization must clearly describe the document, such as:
  “I certify that this is a copy of my original transcripts.”

Improper notarization wording may result in rejection.

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Other Documents

• Must be notarized by an Illinois Notary Public
  OR

• Certified by the appropriate Illinois government official

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📝 Step 2: Complete the Application

You must complete the official Application for Authentication or Apostille form from the Illinois Secretary of State.

The application must match the document being submitted.

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📦 Step 3: Submit Required Materials

Gather:

• Original certified or notarized document(s)

• Completed application form

Swift can assist with submission and processing.

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💰 Swift Apostille Service Pricing

• $75 for the first document

• $39 for each additional document

Government processing timelines may vary.

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⚠️ Important Notes

• Documents must be properly prepared before submission

• Improper notarization is the most common cause of delay

• Processing times are determined by the Illinois Secretary of State

• Swift cannot override state authentication requirements

If you are unsure whether your document is properly prepared, contact Swift before submission.