How to Apostille a Illinois Academic transcript (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Illinois academic transcript, obtain a sealed, registrar-signed transcript and have the registrar's signature notarized per your state's rules. Then submit it to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department for $2 per document. Mail processing takes about 5–10 business days; same-day counter available. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $2 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department |
| Required copy | Obtain a sealed, registrar-signed transcript and have the registrar's signature notarized per your state's rules. |
| Mail time | 5–10 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Obtain a sealed, registrar-signed transcript and have the registrar's signature notarized per your state's rules. In Illinois, illinois birth and death certificates come from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the county clerk.
Step 2 — Submit to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $2 per document by check or money order. Counter service in Springfield and Chicago.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- Opened sealed envelopes void the certification
- Unofficial (student-portal) transcripts are not accepted
Who typically needs this
Foreign university admission.
Credential evaluation for immigration.
Graduate-program transfers abroad.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a academic transcript in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department charges $2 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my academic transcript?
No. Illinois apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. Opened sealed envelopes void the certification
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in Illinois runs about 5–10 business days. A counter option (same-day counter available) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a academic transcript apostille?
People who foreign university admission or need it for credential evaluation for immigration. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your Illinois academic transcript.
Other Illinois documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.